FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2024
Press Contact
Tsedek Roberts
Office: (340) 776-3700 ext. 2015
www.vidol.gov
tsedek.roberts@dol.vi.gov

VIDOL Commissioner Announces Implementation of Act 8859 and Key Deadlines for Employers and Injured Workers

USVI – Commissioner Gary Molloy has announced the implementation of Act 8859, which became law on August 9, 2024. This law moves the Government Insurance Fund from the Department of Finance to the Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL), where it will now be called the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund. This change is intended to improve the process of helping employees who are injured or become ill due to their job, making it easier for them to receive benefits.
Under Act 8859, staff who worked with the Government Insurance Fund will now be part of VIDOL’s Workers’ Compensation Administration division as the Underwriting Unit, with offices in both districts. This will help speed up claims processing and improve accuracy. The Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund will continue to provide financial and medical benefits to injured employees, while also helping employers maintain safe workplaces.

Key Deadlines:

• Employer Premium Payments: All employers must pay their annual workers’ compensation premiums by December 31, 2024. Employers can also choose to make two payments, with each payment covering 6 months. Starting October 21, 2024, all payments must be made at VIDOL offices in St. Thomas or St. Croix. More details on payments can be found in Act 8859.
• Payments to Injured Workers: Injured workers who are waiting for payments can expect to receive them by October 31, 2024.
  For more information, please contact VIDOL at St. Croix: (340) 773-1994 or St. Thomas: (340) 776-3700. You can also email workerscomptrustfund@dol.vi.gov, visit www.vidol.gov, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/USVIDOL for updates.