ST. CROIX — Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens is calling on the territorial hospital board and leadership to immediately address what he describes as escalating financial and administrative failures within the territory’s health care system, including serious allegations that employee payroll deductions are not being remitted to their intended recipients.
Citing ongoing concerns about the hospitals’ deteriorating financial condition and unsuccessful efforts to prompt corrective action through administrative channels, Gittens has introduced legislation aimed at providing targeted, immediate relief by addressing revenue collection deficiencies.
The proposed measure, Bill Request No. 26-1099, would establish a 90-day amnesty program to improve revenue recovery and strengthen the system’s financial stability while allowing residents to resolve outstanding obligations without excessive penalties.
“The financial instability affecting our hospitals cannot continue unchecked,” Gittens said. “We must take immediate action to stabilize the system and restore accountability.”
Gittens revealed that on April 21, he formally wrote to joint hospital Chief Executive Officer Darlene Baptiste expressing urgent concern over allegations that payroll deductions are being withheld from employee paychecks but not properly remitted to designated entities, particularly the Government Employees’ Retirement System.
According to Gittens, multiple hospital employees have reported that deductions continue to appear on their earnings statements despite receiving agencies indicating that payments have not been made by the employer. The issue has had tangible consequences, with some employees reportedly being denied personal loans through GERS due to missing employer contributions.
“The continuation of this type of conduct raises serious legal and ethical questions,” Gittens said. “Employees who dedicate themselves daily to serving our community deserve honesty, transparency, and the assurance that their earned wages and retirement contributions are being properly handled.”
In his letter, Gittens warned hospital leadership and the board that any such practices must cease immediately.
“A prompt cessation and transparent corrective process are not optional; they are required,” he wrote.
Gittens said Baptiste acknowledged receipt of the April 21 correspondence and indicated a response would be forthcoming. However, as of now, no formal reply or corrective action has been communicated to his office, even as employees continue to report concerns. He said he will continue pressing for accountability until the discrepancies are resolved.
