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Elvin G. Grant questions $7.25 minimum wage taking effect today

- Said while businesses are hurting, residents aren’t seeing returns
Minimum wage in the Virgin Islands is set to increase to $7.25 an hour effective today, July 1, 2025. Photo: Internet Source
(L-R) Talking Points Co-host Elvin G. Grant, Violet Thomas-Gaul and Damion C. Grange. Photo: Facebook
(L-R) Talking Points Co-host Elvin G. Grant, Violet Thomas-Gaul and Damion C. Grange. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the increase in minimum wage to $7.25 an hour reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring workers are compensated fairly. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the increase in minimum wage to $7.25 an hour reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring workers are compensated fairly. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Talking Points co-host Elvin G. Grant has said the cost of living and minimum wage in the Virgin Islands (VI) need to be looked at by the government.

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. 

33 Responses to “Elvin G. Grant questions $7.25 minimum wage taking effect today”

  • niki (01/07/2025, 08:23) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    People can't survive on those kind of salary in the bvi,
    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.
    • @niki (01/07/2025, 09:42) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Worst or worse?
      • Really (01/07/2025, 13:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Does it matter ? I’m sure you understood clearly what was meant.
    • Migoman (01/07/2025, 10:43) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Where you get that 600 dollar rent from?
      • @Migoman (01/07/2025, 19:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        It's when you shearing a two bedroom apartment, you think it's possible to find a one bedroom apartment for that price.
    • Well it seems so (01/07/2025, 15:21) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      I mean- they are going to every pan knock and buying them latest. It seems like they are doing just fine. With the extra money that simply means an extra round of shots. The minimum wage ain’t mainly the issue- is the lack of discipline of people and their habits.
      • @ well it seems so (01/07/2025, 19:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Simple calculations you don't understand,thank God you have ppl paying your bills for flesh.
    • Madussa (02/07/2025, 20:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tell this to CSC. He said we are living in the BEST of times. What he meant was, HE is living in his best of times.
  • Well Sah (01/07/2025, 08:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well sah
  • asura (01/07/2025, 08:32) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    it is not enough we need the $8.50
  • not me (01/07/2025, 08:45) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    I ain’t waking for that. I rather go rob people or sell dope. That’s pure modern day enslavement
  • ss (01/07/2025, 08:47) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI does not help single parents the way other countries do, SS doesn't minimal yet take a nice little chunk out each month for years and years. No sort of tax relief for the single parents from inland revenue. SS give you a percentage of your average income for the weeks you've worked pregnant. That's it.
    • resident (01/07/2025, 12:09) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      The problem is the number of people deciding to become single parents. We're not talking widows. It's common sense that two incomes are better than one. And children, especially boys, do better growing up with dad at home. No reason to encourage single parents.
      • Gaza (01/07/2025, 19:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Looks like you're smart but,that doesn't work in the bvi,ppl like freedom especially local,welcome to the land of opportunity for those who inherent their grandparents struggles.
      • ss (01/07/2025, 22:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Who decides to become a single parent? That’s besides the point. The point is a single parents (male or female) cannot survive in this housing economy, grocery economy , tax with no benefits/assistance.
  • Real (01/07/2025, 08:57) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    MEANWHILE THE TOP SALARIES IS WAY OVER 100K MAKE IT MAKE SENSE TOO DAMM GREEDY
  • when (01/07/2025, 08:58) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    While the minimum wage is being addressed, when will we get paid our owed increments Mr. deputy governor and Mr. Premier, the cabinet and others, when? Now is a good time....
  • BuzzBvi (01/07/2025, 09:04) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well said Mr. Grant. The business if need to can put a little less in their own pocket. It should not be $8.50 it should be the minimum recommended in the report that was paid for. What is the point in these reports if we just ignore them. Watch them ignore what is in the airport report. There is simply no point to them.
    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.
  • reality (01/07/2025, 10:02) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    What the BVI need we don't want, which is Immigration/Labour Policy that promotes economic activity and development of hotels/resorts/lodging that attract heavy investment and provide value jobs. We don't want any of these things but we want the benefits that come with them. It's time for BVI to wake up! There is no rationale for raising wages at a time when the economy itself is going down. More businesses will be closed during this slow season and worst if we get a bad storm.
  • bless (01/07/2025, 10:52) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a domestic worker I am not working for $10 per hour much $7.50 what can that buy in tortola if not kindly do your damn work your self please.
  • JOBVACANCY (01/07/2025, 11:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cocaine smugglers wanted in the





    Cocaine smugglers wanted in the BVI. generous $7.25 hour for hard worker. Belongers only need apply





    bvi
  • Who dont like it lump it (01/07/2025, 12:36) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    All ah ayo from independent countries, wha ayo doing here? Why ayo dont go back home since ayo think that here in the BVI is so bad eh?
    • @ who dont like it lump it (01/07/2025, 15:25) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ok dumb dumb. but almost all the comments about the minimum wage coming from locals, not the independent country people. look around you, they are making the necessary sacrifices with what they are earning and progressing in life and back home Im sure. benefits the local business men too innit? that's why you see more coming in. But guess wah, they will go back where they come from because they have goals and working arduously to meet it. so you go on hating. nobody study you and you I from hay and I entitle
  • FIRE (01/07/2025, 12:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    $7.25 a hour can't buy a quart of oil inside Tag and International Motors.
  • hmm (01/07/2025, 14:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The cost of living in the bvi is very high everything is double the suggested retail price sometimes more yet businesses acting like they not making no money at all they can’t afford to pay 8.50 and hour and our worthless government acting like there’s nothing they can do. they can’t regulate prices for essentials or reduce import duty percentages and make sure the savings are passed on to consumers. They can’t raise the income tax threshold they pretending like their hands tied and there is literally nothing at all they can do to make things a little easier for the people who have the least. I conclude they just don’t care cause they good they give themselves raise so to hell with who struggling. Then they dress up in their fancy suits and travel all over the globe on your tax money and make speeches pretending to care about stuff like crime rate and violence every time something happen like everything not connected then next 4 years come begging for your vote again after doing nothing at all making you the same promises that they made 4 years ago with a bag of excuses why they didn’t fix any of our issues. Voting for the same jokers over and over expecting better is insanity. The irony of being against colonization and the UK yet have no problem with modern day slavery right here at home is crazy.
  • Norris Turnbull (01/07/2025, 14:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of you commenting better be grateful. I am grateful to have a dam job, food in my house, a roof over my head, clothing, shoes, bus fare and something to give my child.
  • Hum (01/07/2025, 14:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pay my employe 20$ hr
    And I would not go less then that
    But I know big place,making big money,selling cars,paying 8$ hrs
    And making millions
    Thats what is wrong
  • HMMM (01/07/2025, 15:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some Employers may need to get arrested. They will not pat their secirity guards $7.25..They are now paying them $25 per hr. Big men.. Hope labour get up off their lazy fst behind get out in the field make sure people are actually getting ghd increase.
  • Wicked (01/07/2025, 17:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is why people don't care to do work or at work. This is why people give bad service because they don't want to be there. This is why people call out sick with no reason. This is why people ALWAYS on their phone at work and hardly working. Pay less bad service and miserable workers. All these businesses who complaining about paying the staff are big business owners who already use the government tax payers money to buy them . Myron and Mark should definitely be looked into because they wages and cost of living definitely doesn't add up. Most businesses here are owned by the GOVERNMENT.
  • gram (01/07/2025, 19:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the early 2000 people make money working but now the gov doesn't like that,because the full them eye
  • mehnknow (02/07/2025, 19:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    what an adult going to do with $7.25 an hour w/o government assistance? yea we know some companies pay much higher than the min wage but why set the standard so low. most jobs have you doing multiple duties / tasks so i can't think of any job that has responsibilities that should be paid so low. if a business can't afford to pay a liveable wage then they don't belong in business
  • JJ Dangerous (02/07/2025, 21:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My people I was not born in the BVI but I have lived amongst you for many years no longer living there anymore but if I could run for office there I would like to see the minimum wage increase to $12 an hour say what you want but I know that would ease the burden if they can spend money on entertainment they can spend money and pass a law or bill to increase the minimum wage


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