Candidate Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Current Employee or Retiree of the Government of the Virgin Islands, including employees of the Legislature, the Judiciary, or the University of the Virgin Islands, OR
• Employee or Retiree of any independent or semi-autonomous agency or instrumentality of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Applicants should also be prepared to:

• Commit the time necessary to participate in regular Board meetings, hearings, and committee work.
• Act in the best interests of employees and retirees by reviewing policies, budgets, and program updates.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality in all Board matters.

Nomination Process

Applicants must download and complete the GESC Board Candidate Nomination Form, available by going to this link. Completed forms must be submitted to the Division of Personnel no later than 5pm on September 26, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to allow time for verification and processing.

For more information about candidate eligibility, nomination requirements, or voting procedures, please contact Janice Freeman at (340) 774-8588, Janice.Freeman@dop.vo.gov or visit www.dopusvi.org/GESCelection.

The Commission is composed of nine members.

• 5 Appointed Members – Appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature:
  • 2 residents of St. Thomas
  • 1 resident of St. John
  • 2 residents of St. Croix
• 2 Employee Members – Elected by government employees:
  • 1 from St. Thomas/St. John District
  • 1 from St. Croix District
• 2 Retiree Members – Elected by retired government employees:
  • 1 from St. Thomas/St. John District
  • 1 from St. Croix District

How long is the term?

• • Members serve two-year terms.
  • Vacancies with more than 6 months left require a special election. Vacancies with less than 6 months left are filled by gubernatorial appointment (with Legislature approval).
  • Members remain in office until their successors are appointed or elected.

How is leadership chosen?

• The Commission elects a Chairperson annually from among its members.

Do members receive compensation?

• Yes. Members receive $75 per meeting day plus necessary travel expenses.

Can members be removed?

• Yes. Members may be removed by the Governor for cause.

What are the Commission’s duties?

1. Represents the public interest in improving government personnel administration.
2. Advises the Governor and Director of Personnel on personnel issues.
3. Supports employee and professional organizations in strengthening personnel standards.
4. Provides reports and recommendations to improve government personnel administration.
5. May hire private legal counsel if the Attorney General has a conflict of interest.
6. May issue rules and regulations necessary for carrying out its responsibilities.

The Health Insurance Board of Trustees to manage government employee health and life insurance, empowers it to regulate contracts and eligibility, and requires an advisory committee of key government and hospital leaders plus employee representatives

• Board of Trustees:

  • The Government Employees’ Service Commission members serve ex officio as the Health Insurance Board of Trustees.

  • Trustees receive $20 per day (not exceeding $500 per fiscal year) plus reimbursement for necessary expenses.

  • Responsible for overseeing the government’s health insurance plan (including life insurance).

• Powers of the Board:

  1. Set rules on eligibility for active and retired government employees.

  2. Define terms and conditions of insurance contracts.

  3. Handle purchase and administration of insurance contracts.

  4. Contract with third-party administrators for self-funded plans.

• Advisory Committee:

  • Seven (7) members, meeting at least twice yearly.

  • Members:

    • Director of the Office of Management and Budget

    • Commissioner of Health

    • Director of Personnel

    • CEO of Roy L. Schneider Hospital

    • CEO of Juan F. Luis Hospital

    • Two employees enrolled in the health insurance plan (appointed by the Board, two-year terms)

  • One member serves as chair.

The members of the Government Employees' Service Commission shall serve ex officio as the Health Insurance Board of Trustees (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Board”)

Review the VI Code in its entirety of Government Employees Services Commission member terms, roles, and responsibilities.

3 VIC 6 GESC

3 VIC 472 Powers and duties

3 VIC 631 Health Insurance Board