The Police Welfare Association (PWA) has issued a strong public statement demanding immediate government intervention to address what it describes as longstanding salary inequities, unresolved acting appointments, unpaid allowances, and systemic administrative failures affecting police officers across the Territory.
In a sharply worded release, the Association said officers have endured years of unfair treatment that has negatively impacted morale within the Force and undermined confidence in the public service system.
According to the PWA, one of the most pressing concerns is the existence of significant salary disparities among officers performing the same duties. The Association stated that serving Police Constables are in some cases earning substantially less than newly recruited officers despite carrying out identical responsibilities.
The PWA also highlighted the issue of officers serving in acting positions for extended periods — in some cases exceeding two years — without receiving formal acting appointments or the additional remuneration attached to those higher-ranking roles.
The Association further argued that some long-serving Inspectors are currently earning less than newly promoted Inspectors, describing the situation as “irrational” and disrespectful to officers who have dedicated years of service to the Force.
“These are not isolated administrative oversights,” the statement said. “They represent systemic failures that have persisted for years and raise serious concerns regarding fairness, accountability, good governance, and equal treatment within the public service.”
The PWA warned that continued delays in resolving compensation issues and regularizing appointments are no longer acceptable.
“The continued exploitation of officers through delayed compensation, unresolved salary disparities, and prolonged administrative inaction will no longer be tolerated,” the Association declared.
The organization stressed that police officers have continued to serve the Territory professionally despite difficult working conditions and increasing frustrations over unresolved employment matters.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the PWA is calling for the immediate establishment of a multi-agency task force involving representatives from the Deputy Governor’s Office, Human Resources, the Ministry of Finance, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and the Police Welfare Association itself.
The proposed task force would be responsible for urgently reviewing all outstanding salary, promotion, allowance, and acting appointment issues within clearly defined timelines.
While reaffirming its commitment to constructive dialogue and engagement, the Association cautioned that officers’ patience is running out.
“Our members can no longer be expected to bear the burden of persistent systemic administrative failures while continuing to perform their duties with professionalism and dedication,” the statement said.
The PWA concluded by warning that it reserves all rights available to it and its members and will continue pursuing every lawful avenue necessary to secure fairness, equity, and justice for officers serving the people of the Virgin Islands.
“The time for acknowledgment has passed,” the Association stated. “The time for decisive action is now.”