Employees of the U.S. Virgin Islands central government received their biweekly pay some five days ahead of schedule, according to a news release from Government House Sunday.

Gov. John deJongh Jr. said Sunday that he authorized Finance Commissioner Angel Dawson, Jr. to facilitate the early payroll to allow employees to finalize their Christmas shopping in the days leading up to the holiday. Thursday would be the normally scheduled government payday.

Dawson thanked all V.I. Government departments and agencies for their early submission of time and attendance records, making the early payroll possible. He also noted the V.I. Government’s new Standardized Automated Time and Attendance System, "STATS," funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 facilitates more efficient and accurate payroll processing.

Both deJongh and Dawson acknowledged that this has been another economically challenging year for the world, the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands and its people.

"It is our hope that this early payday ahead of Christmas will help to bring added merriment, particularly if it means that struggling parents may be able to put that special present under the tree in time to bring a smile to their child’s face this Christmas morning," deJongh said.

They asked all V.I. government employees who have been paid early to give an added boost to the private sector by patronizing local businesses to the greatest extent possible.

"Local businesses employ our people, pay gross receipts and other business taxes. By helping to ensure their survival, we ensure our own," the governor said.

Both officials also encouraged V.I. government employees to remember those less fortunate than themselves this holiday season by making a contribution to the charitable organization of their choice.