JOBS FALLING, COSTS RISING: VI lawmakers grill officials on economy

Virgin Islands lawmakers pressed government officials on Tuesday over shrinking payroll employment and the rising cost of living in the territory.

The Economic Development Committee heard from the Bureau of Economic Research, which projected that economic growth would continue into 2027 despite the challenges facing residents.

The committee's focus on employment losses and affordability reflects growing concern among legislators about the gap between headline economic forecasts and the financial pressures facing households across the islands.