B.V.I. Monday, April 20 – Government has remained steadfast in its commitment to the people of the Territory to update the current Labour Code in keeping with relevant international standards. 

To that end, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and its Department of Labour have secured the services of Mr. Clive Pegus, Attorney-at-Law, as a consultant to undertake a comprehensive review of the Territory’s labour laws and to provide a draft revised labour code for Cabinet’s consideration. 

Mr. Pegus is expected to arrive here this Wednesday for a two-week visit during which he is expected to hold extensive discussions with Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. Omar Hodge and to pay courtesy calls on the Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal and Deputy Premier Hon. Dancia Penn-Sallah.  He is also expected to meet with Attorney General Ms. Kathleen Quartey, other senior government officials, department heads and representatives of local associations in the Territory.

While in the Territory, Mr. Pegus, under the auspices of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Labour, will conduct a series of public meetings to seek public input during the review process.

Mr. Pegus’ experience includes employment with the sub regional office of the International Labour Organization (ILO) based in Trinidad and Tobago and presently serves as a consultant in many countries and territories of the sub region providing professional services with respect to the upgrade, establishment and interpretation of Labour Laws and their alignment with ILO standards.  

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Omar W. Hodge told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the main outcome from the meetings is to gather the public’s views on pertinent issues to the labour code to finalize the code and have it placed before Cabinet for consideration.

“It is the ministry’s goal to increase awareness in the business community for this essential revision of the labour code. The overall aim is to ensure that all businesses, entrepreneurs and workers possess the relevant knowledge and are a part of the process so they may communicate effectively with Government,” Hon. Hodge said.

The Labour Minister further urged the public to be a part of the process and asked for full cooperation as they embark on this endeavour.  “The views of the public must be included during the labour reform process.  It is only through their active involvement and participation that we can have a revision that is fair, while at the same time addressing critical issues on present policies that govern us,” he said.

A total of four public meetings will be held Territory wide, commencing on Tuesday, April 28, on the sister island of Anegada at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre at 6:30 p.m. The remaining meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 on Virgin Gorda at the Catholic Community Centre starting at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jost Van Dyke Primary School and Wednesday, May 6 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.

The Department of Information and Public Relations will host a Public Eye Programme on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. on ZBVI Radio 780 AM, which will focus on the labour code reform process and the public’s role.  The guests will include Mr. Clive Pegus, consultant and attorney-at-law and Acting Labour Commissioner Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard. The public can participate in the discussion by calling 468-2355.

Government outlined the revision of the labour code as part of this year’s legislative programme during the Speech from the Throne delivered by the Governor last November. This is in keeping with Government’s commitment to ensuring a well-regulated labour policy to manage the supply and demand of labour in the Territory.