76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesFYI: Russell Questions 'Spin' on the Cost of Living Bonus

FYI: Russell Questions 'Spin' on the Cost of Living Bonus

The following material is being published, unedited, exactly as it was received via e-mail from the office of the government official named below, as a Source community service. Government office holders wishing to contribute to the bulletin board must e-mail source@viaccess.net. The Source reserves the right to choose what is published.
Oct. 24, 2007 – We know that certain politicians are playful with the truth and use "spin" to distort truth and honesty. With regard to the payment to retirees, Senator Russell stated "I seriously doubt whether the cost of living bonus legislation that I sponsored, and that was passed by the Democratic majority of the 26th legislature was defective and needed correction." Senator Russell further stated "How could the legislation be defective when retirees who retired before 1990 were promptly paid as a result of the legislation."
Nonetheless, Senator Russell thanks Governor de Jongh for honoring the law initiated, drafted and sponsored by his office which was later joined by other senators. However, the retirees and the public should remember the extensive delay in the release of this money. First it was stated that the various departments had not compiled a proper listing of those to be paid. Then the excuse was that the unions had not identified those that were eligible. Then it was that the amount was not enough for those who retired after 1990. The public remembers the various excuses and delays which were highly suspect when stated.
Now that certain senators are in the majority, corrective legislation is needed and the money is being paid because of influence and relationships. The Cost of Living Bonus is an initiative sponsored and promoted by Senator Russell despite press releases and accolades to the contrary. According to Senator Russell "press releases should truthfully inform the public and not be filled with spin and playful distortions of the truth." Senator Russell closed by saying "the result is great, because more than a year has passed since the legislation was enacted and now the retirees will receive their well-deserved bonuses." The legislature and politicians lose public confidence and trust when press releases and statements to the press distort fact and truth.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.