A shake-up of employment practices could be on the way for the Virgin Islands following government engagement with the International Labour Organisation.
The Geneva-based ILO revealed this month that it has been working with the territory on tackling workforce challenges such as job security, wages and social protections.
As part of those efforts, the ILO stated, the government has set up a technical drafting committee for the territory’s first National Employment Policy.
The committee, which met virtually on Sept. 9, will guide the creation of a “comprehensive framework” aimed at improving employment opportunities and aligning with international labour standards, according to the body.
The meeting brought together government ministries, social partners, and other community representatives, the ILO said in a statement.
Not ‘abstract’
Committee Co-chair Christopher Holder, from the Ministry of Finance, delivered remarks at the meeting.
“My focus is on ensuring that this National Employment Policy is not an abstract exercise, but one rooted in fiscal realism and aligned with our National Sustainable Development Plan,” Mr. Holder said.
Joni Musabayana, the director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, said the move will advance labour policy reform in the territory.
“The National Employment Policy will be a central framework to strengthen the labour market, expand opportunities for young people, and improve working conditions, wages and job security,” Mr. Musabayana said.
He added that the ILO will help facilitate the process in the VI.
“The ILO is committed to supporting the Virgin Islands not only in designing this policy, but also its implementation,” he said.
Mr. Musabayana, however, added that success will depend on “strong social dialogue” between the government, employers and workers.
Next steps
The next steps will include a series of stakeholder consultations to refine policy priorities and ensure broad national ownership, the ILO stated.
“Once finalised, the NEP is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Virgin Islands’ economic and social development agenda,” the organisation added.
Abdelmalik Muhummed, an ILO employment specialist, stressed the importance of aligning the VI’s employment strategy with “global decent work priorities.”
The ILO added that government officials have “underscored the policy’s role in shaping a sustainable and competitive economy.”
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the planned policy.
