The government’s decision to increase the minimum wage from $6 to $8.50 per hour at the end of November is an important step in the right direction. But for too …
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July 29, 2024
January 19, 2024
Government promises work for unemployed
A registration drive set to kick off next week is designed to bring employment, training and education opportunities to unemployed residents in the Virgin Islands, government announced Tuesday. The effort …
November 16, 2023
Committee to review minimum wage
Someone earning minimum wage in the Virgin Islands would make $240 per week while working full-time. In one month, that number would be about $960 before taxes and social security. …
November 10, 2023
Six of 53 apprentices offered jobs
Six of 53 apprentices in various public agencies obtained full-time employment in recent months through government’s Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development (RATED) Programme, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” …
October 17, 2023
Labour policy now in works, deputy premier says
Government is working to create a new labour policy that will address issues including rising unemployment in the territory, according to Deputy Premier Lorna Smith. Ms. Smith — who is …
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November 4, 2022
Meetings with United Kingdom leaders delayed
Following the recent leadership shakeup in the United Kingdom, senior UK officials have postponed meetings with leaders in the Virgin Islands and other overseas territories. Former OT Minister Jesse Norman …
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December 1, 2021
Self-determination discussed at UK meetings
Fresh off their diplomatic travels to Europe last month, government leaders explained their progress on planning for the future of environmental management, national security, marijuana legalisation, and greater self-determination. During …
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April 22, 2021
New unemployment numbers released
In the latest update on how the pandemic has affected unemployment in the Virgin Islands, government said more than 14 percent of employees at businesses reporting to the Department of …
February 19, 2021
‘Temporary layoffs’ get longer
The workforce furlough extension passed in the House of Assembly last year has been prolonged by another month and now lasts through the end of February, government announced. The move …
October 6, 2020
EDITORIAL: Government should prosecute employers who steal workers’ SS and NHI
It is extremely disheartening that many Virgin Islands employers have been stealing from their employees by keeping their contributions to the Social Security and the National Health Insurance programmes. Some …
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September 24, 2020
$4.4m paid in unemployment, Wheatley says
The government’s $10 million Unemployment Relief Fund has benefitted 3,457 people to the tune of $4,366,488, with 2,117 claims denied and 2,072 new ones still processing as of last Thursday, …
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September 22, 2020
Labour: Work permits to be processed online
Government has tried to be flexible as residents have navigated the challenges of living and working amid the Covid-19 pandemic, from uncertain job prospects to difficulties securing flights to home …
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July 24, 2020
$2.4m dished out for unemployment relief
Out of 7,650 claims made to access part of the government’s $10 million Unemployment Relief Fund, 1,738 people have received a total of $2,421,238.32, according to Natural Resources, Labour and …
July 17, 2020
Jobless expats asked to leave
Government is instructing expatriates who are unemployed due to the Covid-19 pandemic to return to their home countries as soon as possible unless they have the requisite permission to seek …
June 25, 2020
6,000 apply for unemployment aid
Since the Social Security Board started processing applications for unemployment relief on June 2, 94 people have received a total of $176,107.74 from the temporary programme funded by a $10 …
June 24, 2020
Tourism sector jobs hard hit by pandemic
The picture of how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the Virgin Islands workforce became a bit clearer last week. As more businesses responded to government’s request for information, 337 companies …
June 18, 2020
Temporary layoffs can last up to 7 months
As more residents are laid off by businesses tightening their belts until the yet-to-be-declared date when Virgin Islands borders fully reopen, the government is taking measures that leaders say are …
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May 15, 2020
EDITORIAL: System of ‘temporary layoffs’ needs reform
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, government leaders are promising to extend the three-month maximum for “temporary” layoffs permitted under their interpretation of the 2010 Labour Code. Though they have …
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April 24, 2020
Survey collects info on 300-plus layoffs
A recent survey of businesses in the territory provided information about more than 300 of the workers who have lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing …
April 16, 2020
Jobless struggle as economy tanks: Social services, non-profits strained by demand
Tracy Farrer Myers is worried about paying her rent and utility bills next month after being laid off from her job as a bartender at Quito’s Gazebo. One of the …
March 31, 2020
EDITORIAL: Economic stimulus package needed now
As the coronavirus pandemic reaches these shores and the economy tanks here and abroad, we were glad to hear Premier Andrew Fahie promise last week that his government plans to …
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March 27, 2020
Layoffs loom after border closure
The sudden shutdown of the tourism industry and other businesses in the Virgin Islands due to the coronavirus pandemic — coupled with global economic concerns — is leaving employees with …
