(BBC) The governor of the US Virgin Islands has told lawmakers that global economic trends had left the territory at “a tipping point”.
To address the financial challenges brought on by the “Great Recession”, Governor John de Jongh called for a consolidation of government agencies, increased taxes and greater promotion of public-private capital projects.
The governor also said he wanted to cancel US$31 million in recently approved raises for government workers, impose a two-year freeze on salaries and cut the number of paid holidays.
“Our government cannot survive on its present track,” Mr de Jongh said in his State of the Territory address.
