Elvin G. Grant questions $7.25 minimum wage taking effect today
The increase in minimum wage to $7.25 comes into effect today, Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
A new minimum wage of $8.50 per hour for the VI was originally scheduled to take effect on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after receiving Cabinet's approval in July 2024. However, in a government bulletin issued on December 3, 2024, the increase was postponed due to a policy matter.
In April 2025, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) announced that the government was forced to reconsider in light of evolving global trade conditions.
During his Territorial Address on May 20, 2025, Premier Wheatley said the revised increase taking effect today reflects his government’s “commitment to ensuring fair compensation for our workers, particularly those who are most vulnerable to economic pressures.”
What’s the rationale for the $7.25?
The public was also informed that increasing the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour could have potential financial repercussions for businesses and consumers, with wage increases putting a strain on businesses.
“The question that I have is, what is the rationale for the seven dollars and seventy-five cents?” Mr Grant asked during Talking Points on Monday, June 30, 2025, adding, “How soon can it go from the seven dollars and seventy-five cents back to the eight dollars and fifty cents that was recommended, given that the cost of living all over the world is increasing?”
According to him, the family budget will be affected with tariffs on goods as the territory relies heavily on imports.
“Of course, businesses are hurting; they have labour costs, but residents are working and they’re not seeing the returns.”
Grant said second jobs are taken on while the children are sometimes left alone.
“We really have to look at the minimum wage again, and we have to look at the cost of living.”
Basket of goods? ‘It’s not rocket science’
In an aim to address the rising cost of living in the Territory, the government has embarked on discovering new regional partners to provide basic goods to the VI.
Discussions have already begun with the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and St Martin
However, Grant seemed not impressed with the progress made thus far. “Almost every press conference, I hear the government talk about a basket of goods. How difficult is that?”
He advised that the basket of goods needs to be decided upon, put into play, monitored, and if new legislation is needed to restrict pricing, do so.
“So, persons can afford this basic commodity, then let’s do it, it’s not rocket science.”
Grant also said he would be happy to recommend some things; however, he has never been asked.
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16 Responses to “Elvin G. Grant questions $7.25 minimum wage taking effect today”
1,397
- 110 social security/ NHI
-600 rent
-40 water
-100 internet
-80 electricity
-150 transportation
- 300 groceries
That's a total of $1380
And it's worst if you are single parent with children,the price in the supermarket is ridiculous and the gov seems not to do anything about it,some people who has vehicle have to do constant repair because of poor road,business is getting hard because all these belongor and presidency that shearing out it's everyone have a trade license.
If we are going to ignore the reports minimum wage should be at least $20 an hour. Honestly if businesses cannot do business without using people without paying them properly how Colonial does that sound.
If you can't run a business and pay people properly you don't have a business. That is more like a charity where volunteers work for free.
Cocaine smugglers wanted in the BVI. generous $7.25 hour for hard worker. Belongers only need apply
bvi