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Ministries/Departments still failing to submit paperwork for increments- Deputy Gov

-says delays being caused to processing of increments 'unacceptable'
Deputy Governor David D. Archer has called it 'unacceptable' the delay to the processing of increments due to Ministries and Departments of Government failing to submit necessary documentation. Photo: GIS/File
Mr David D. Archer Jr conveyed his concerns to the Ministries and Departments in a letter on July 14, 2023, which was obtained by our news centre. Photo: VINO
Mr David D. Archer Jr conveyed his concerns to the Ministries and Departments in a letter on July 14, 2023, which was obtained by our news centre. Photo: VINO
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr said beginning next week Monday, July 24, 2023, he will be meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Department Heads and public officers to ensure the completion of all outstanding reports and letters for the processing of increment payments. Photo: VINO/File: VINO/File
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr said beginning next week Monday, July 24, 2023, he will be meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Department Heads and public officers to ensure the completion of all outstanding reports and letters for the processing of increment payments. Photo: VINO/File: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Deputy Governor David D. Archer has called it “unacceptable” the delay by Ministries and Departments of Government failing to submit documentation to allow for the processing of payments of increments.

Mr Archer Jr conveyed his concerns to the Ministries and Departments in a letter on July 14, 2023, which was obtained by our news centre.

Departments failing to submit increment reports

“This will be my final notice of accountability to Heads to ensure that all outstanding [increments] reports are submitted by Wednesday, 19 July. While more than half of the total performance increments to eligible officers have been disbursed, this is not in keeping with our goal.”

Mr Archer Jr said based on the current data, increment reports are still outstanding for some Ministries/Departments.

He said of particular concern are the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports (Pre-Primary Primary and Secretary Teachers), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Culture, Immigration Department, Department of Labour and Workforce Development, and Central Statistics Office.

‘Employment letters’ not forthcoming

The Deputy Governor said, additionally, employment letters that are also required to process Increment payments remain outstanding for the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Mr Archer said all outstanding reports and letters should be submitted by Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

“Failure to do so will result in a further delay in the processing of outstanding increment payments and will cause the final payments to be made in August; this is not acceptable.”

Mr Archer Jr said beginning next week Monday, July 24, 2023, he will be meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Department Heads and public officers to ensure the completion of all outstanding reports and letters.

In the same letter, Mr Archer had said the next payment of increments for public officers will be done on Friday July 14 and a special payroll on Tuesday, July 18.

He also said in his last update on the payment of increments shared on 7 July, 2023, he indicated some challenges with the submission of increment reports to date and since then, 85% of increment reports have been received, resulting in the processing of increment payments beyond the June 30 original deadline.

1,282 increment arrears processed before July 14- Archer Jr

Mr Archer disclosed that to date, 1,282 increment arrears have been processed and paid and that this figure includes 92% of those officers without changes to their employment during this period.

He said a further update on the total number of persons paid will be done after payments on Tuesday, July 15, 2023.

“The increments remaining to be processed include those officers with changes to employment status, which requires detailed review of files, records and completion of complex calculations,” Mr Archer Jr said.

28 Responses to “Ministries/Departments still failing to submit paperwork for increments- Deputy Gov”

  • Xxx (19/07/2023, 11:27) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Tell he go sit down he just trying to take the heat off him
    • When is Enough, Enough! (19/07/2023, 12:59) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      He needs to stop all the talking and start disciplining the management staff. I hope everyone sees the true issues with the Public Service after this fiasco.
      • indeed (19/07/2023, 13:55) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
        Please start with the adina donovan home. This should have been the Premier's priority since the staff there take care of his father. But no we last. Only our managers get pay so far. what happen to the staff. we cant even get pensionable status because of these so called managers.
        • Not surprised (19/07/2023, 14:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          People are tired of being victimized by the senior staff. The DG continuously states that he strives for a better Public Service....well, start by penalizing insubordinate management staff who refuses to do their six-figure jobs timely and satisfactorily.
      • Poli.Farmer (19/07/2023, 14:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Correct. He stated burr failed to do so will end up in a further delay……… NO what you should say is failure to do so will result in your position and employment. The incompetency must end
    • What is an increment? (19/07/2023, 13:23) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      It is a pay rise - given to somebody irrespective of whether they have performed satisfactory. Government workers like to call their pay rose increments so that there is no connection to their performance.
  • stop (19/07/2023, 11:37) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    You better stop talking trash and give them people their money across the board. The territory looking bad on every side.
  • well sa (19/07/2023, 11:47) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Was the special payroll run done on 18th July 2023? No
  • Mines in and i aint get mines (19/07/2023, 11:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    But look how long mines in and mean get pay.... i work hard for it...
  • Waitin (19/07/2023, 12:01) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mines in and mean get it i tyad calling
  • care (19/07/2023, 12:02) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply

    Incompetence of some HR MANAGER. Some of them do not have a clue ,just being malicious and arrogant. The po*** department is a typical example.

  • BVIAA Employee (19/07/2023, 12:17) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bviaa security department striking next because when asked the premier about why they haven’t been on the list to receive their increments the best answer he could’ve came up with is because of the board , my question is as the Premier of a county why can’t you step in and ensure these ppl who are working hard and been doing the work all tru the pandemic whilst most of the other departments was working from home doing nothing. We the security officers had to show up to work no matter the condition
    • coi (19/07/2023, 12:43) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thats why u havent gotten your increment, but you fail to follow the news of the territory. Do you stay ontop your security bulletins? The reason the Premier cannot intervene is because the Boards are meant to operate independently from the central government. That was a finding of the COI.
  • How about this... (19/07/2023, 12:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

    Stop paying the ministers all their salaries, grants, kick-backs and expenses until they get their ministries in line. I bet you this *&^% fixed by Friday.

  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (19/07/2023, 12:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This unhealthy behavior of underpaying government employees must be brought to an end this year. If this practice is allowed to continue, the backlash will be severe, and the likelihood of our Country financial development will be be in shambles.

    With the ongoing war in Ukraine that threatened the world with higher food prices due to grain shortages, and agricultural necessary products, higher food prices cannot be avoided. Because of this it is necessary to be paid by every employer every dollar and every cent due to their employees on time, here, there, and everywhere for their service.

    Where is all the unaccounted money? Who is trying to fool who? When government employees are told that they can expect increments, and overtime pay they have gotten words of promise, not cash in hand. Let God our Creator alone promise us blessings, all others pay owed money first then promise more after that which was promised is in your possession (hand). Fight for your rights, government employees, fight on.
  • Power gone to his head (19/07/2023, 12:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Archer hired driver when some departments can’t get senior staff
  • attention (19/07/2023, 12:46) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEED TO STRIKE THE SAME TIME‼️

    Shut the damn place down for thier Bullshid!
  • WEW (19/07/2023, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government is broke but refuses to admit it. Still the politicians promise the moon, increments and plenty of bs , they’re getting their big bucks
  • Bree (19/07/2023, 13:34) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is becoming old. Every pay period you all fail to pay increments is the same story. Incomplete paper works.
    Mr. Archer, I and other civil servants would like to know, what disciplinary actions have been taken against these Permanent Secretary and Department Heads for failure to carry out the official duties? Why are the allowed to continue to use this excuse every time? What reasons have they given for the delay and what time do the report to work? This might have some bearing on why this task remains incomplete. We deserve our pay especially those of us who go above and beyond to carry out our duties.

    It no wonder the service is in such a disarray. To many people getting away with nonsense. These Permanent Secretary and Department Heads should not be awarded any increments base on this alone.
    • @Bree (19/07/2023, 14:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      What has he done? Talk, Talk, write letters and talk some more and they don't care!!!!
    • Well (20/07/2023, 20:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Archer himself needs to be disciplined. By the way is that position held for a person's lifetime even if they are not effective?
  • hello (19/07/2023, 15:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the group of 13 that sit in congress will never suffer lack of pay. Pay attention because the group of 13 will continue to collect payments even after leaving the house of assembly but while civil servants have to complain
  • Deputy G (19/07/2023, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deputy G why workers at the hospital are no longer pensionable and are only paid a very meager gratuity half of which the workers have to contribute.
    • @Deputy Governor (19/07/2023, 20:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whatever's happening there isn't the DG fault; and the authority is statutory. It is hoped that they have a pension plan running.
  • Common Sense (19/07/2023, 20:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the real world the people responsible would lose their jobs, and, be banned from holding any form of government paid job / position again. But, people deserve the government they elect.


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