Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has fulfilled his commitment to include the Retiring Allowances Legislative Service Amendment Bill in the first debate of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands.
During the session held on Thursday, June 29, the bill was formally introduced by Premier Wheatley and seconded for its first reading by Deputy Premier the Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE.
Following the introduction of the bill, the sitting was adjourned until Friday, July 7th. While Thursday’s mention of the sitting was brief, Premier Wheatley had previously provided insights into the direction he aims to take with the anticipated amendments.
The Retiring Allowances Legislative Service Amendment Bill faced substantial criticism during the election season. It became a focal point in various campaigns, with candidates who supported the bill and those expected to benefit from it facing scrutiny.
Premier Wheatley, acknowledging the concerns surrounding the bill, had made a promise to address the challenges associated with it if re-elected. He also pledged to forfeit the benefits he would have been entitled to under the contested section of the bill.
284 media will continue to provide updates on the progress of this bill as it moves forward in the legislative process.