WAPA said it was making catch-up GERS payments after using employee contributions for operating expenses

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on May 26, 2022, that employee contributions to the Government Employees' Retirement System had been used beginning in June 2021 to help cover the utility's operating expenses.

WAPA said the practice had ended by May 26, 2022, and described the decision as unacceptable. The authority said its human resources and legal departments had been asked to review existing policies and procedures and, if needed, draft changes to prohibit the redirection of employee contributions.

WAPA also said it was making catch-up payments to GERS for past employee contribution remittances.

The authority said some employees who had retired could face delays in benefits until GERS invoiced WAPA for payment.

Official source: https://www.viwapa.vi/news-information/press-releases/press-release-details/2022/05/26/government-employee-retirement-systems-payments