U.S. Virgin Islands Senate President Myron Jackson criticized Gov. Kenneth Mapp over his financial management of the territory's financial crisis.
In a statement released late Thursday, Jackson said that top government officials had been given $300,000 in pay raises when they were said to be "the best and brightest. Through their collective talent and energies, [it was said] better days would soon arrive. Where are those better days? Why is it taking so long to implement austerity measures?
"We don't have the luxury of patience, it's time for action," Jackson said.
Jackson said that the government was failing to "meet its financial obligations" to the government pension system, hospitals, fire services, garbage haulers, Department of Human Services, and the Water and Power Authority.
Jackson said he was convening a Senate caucus with members from the majority Democratic caucus and minority affiliations. "Senators will bring their revenue enhancement initiatives to the table, we will vet them, and combine them into one economic stimulus package."
Contacted Friday, independent Senator Nereida "Nellie" Rivera-O'Reilly had a different take on the government's financial situation, saying she was "very optimistic."
The current problems are the result of 50 years of bad Virgin Islands' government decisions, she said. Gov. Mapp introduced austerity measures a month ago and it was unreasonable to expect things to improve so quickly.
Government gross receipts were increasing, she said.
The office of Mapp didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on Jackson's statement.
