Tuesday, November 3 – Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Omar W. Hodge has announced that the 2009 Draft Labour code is now complete and available for public examination.
Minister Hodge expressed his pleasure that the Territory has arrived at this milestone in its history and has recorded a statement presently airing on local television and radio stations throughout this week.
“The successful management of labour issues in any country determines, in a real way, whether that country will progress economically, socially and politically. We all know that the 1975 Labour Code that we now have on the books has not kept pace with the economic and social development of the Territory and the time has long passed for Government to enact a new code,” Hon. Hodge stated.
The Labour Minister further stated that the new code is reflective of the views of the stakeholders and the wider public gathered from the Territory-wide public and private consultations. He further urged persons to familiarise themselves with the code.
“I implore you to request, review and read this 2009 Draft Labour Code which is in line with relevant international standards but reflects your views, your comments and your concerns,” Hon. Hodge said.
“Without a new labour code, our steady progress in developing the BVI business community will be undermined. I need not add that the economy is the heart of any country and those nations that fail in their economies also fail socially,” the Labour Minister said.
The public is encouraged to provide feedback to the Labour Code Secretariat as this may be a final opportunity for their comments and suggestions to be taken into consideration before the code is forwarded to the House of Assembly.
Electronic copies of the 2009 Draft Labour Code can be requested from Mrs. Stephanie Williams at the Labour Code Secretariat located at the Department of Labour. She can be reached via telephone at 468-3701 ext. 4708 or via e-mail at swilliams@gov.vg
Limited hard copies can be found at the Road Town Public Library, the BVI Post Office on Main Street, the Civil Registry and Passport Office and the Government Help Desk in the Central Administration Building. Persons on the sister islands may collect copies from their respective district offices.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and its Department of Labour aim to provide a modern labour code, in line with relevant international standards that is reflective of the views of the public, facilitates opportunities for Virgin Islanders and addresses the Territory’s need for migrant workers. With this hope, the ministry anticipates the ratifying of a modern labour code by the end of 2009.
British Virgin Islands News