Retired government employees who return to work at the University of the Virgin Islands will now continue drawing their full pension alongside their salary, after Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a measure passed by the 36th Legislature during its Oct. 30 session.
Bill No. 36-0061 amends the Virgin Islands Code to allow recipients of a Government Employees’ Retirement System annuity to take a position at UVI without losing monthly benefits, provided they enroll in a separate retirement plan through the University.
The change is designed to address chronic staffing shortages at the University by removing a penalty that previously forced retirees to choose between their pension and returning to work. UVI has struggled for years to recruit and retain experienced instructors and administrators, particularly in specialized fields, as veterans of the public workforce reached retirement age.
Under prior rules, GERS annuitants who returned to work for a government employer faced a suspension or reduction of their monthly payments. The new law creates an exception specifically for UVI rehiring, allowing the institution to bring back former employees immediately while they remain on the pension payroll.
The measure reflects an acknowledgment by lawmakers and the Governor that the territory needs experienced professionals returning to critical roles faster. It applies only to positions at the University, rather than a broad re-employment policy across government.
The amendment requires returning workers to enroll in a different retirement plan, ensuring contributions continue, while the annuity remains intact. UVI’s own retirement plan will apply during the re-employment period.
The 36th Legislature fast-tracked the bill as part of its October session, and the Governor signed it among a package of measures affecting cultural recognition, tax relief, elder abuse prevention and government operations.
UVI officials have not yet released timeline or specifics on which positions the University intends to target for re-hiring under the new rules.
Gov. Bryan also signed measures honoring soca artist Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd with the Official Key to the Territory and a street dedication, a 90-day tax amnesty for overdue property, income and gross receipts taxes, expanded elder abuse prevention protections and lethal weapon training mandates for security guards, among others.
He exercised line-item vetoes on sections of a funding bill affecting judicial grace periods and certain retiree re-employment rules for teachers, nurses and police officers, recommending the provisions be restored.
