Roadtown, Tortola - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and its Department of Labour continue the labour code reform public meetings today.
Today’s meeting, the third in a series of four public meetings, will be held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. Two previous meetings were held on the sister islands of Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Sunday and last Wednesday respectively.
During the well attended meetings, residents on those sister islands voiced their concerns on the current labour code and facilitated discussion on the revised draft labour code.
Speaking at the meetings, Acting Labour Commissioner Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard outlined the existing labour code and explained the benefits of a revised code will bring to the Territory.
“Revising the Labour Code will allow all enforcement officers to act at their most effectiveness and ensure that the laws that govern employer and employee relationships are transparent and not open to misinterpretations. The intent of this revision is also to ensure that issues are clearly defined and enforceable to the satisfaction of the Labour Department and its stakeholders,” the acting commissioner said.
During the meetings suggestions were made to implement an understudy programme or a human resources development programme where Virgin Islanders may be trained in critical areas essential to a company’s operation. Such programmes will accompany applications for work permits. Other suggestions include the option of flexible working hours, the establishment of trade unions, and a proposed new time frame on work permits.
Labour Consultant and attorney-at-law Mr. Clive Pegus solicited residents’ views and concerns before making the key presentation. During his presentation Mr. Pegsus explained the reform process, and then outlined fundamental international labour conventions, new proposals and key issues for discussion on the existing and revised draft labour code.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources Mr. Clyde Lettsome chaired the public meetings which were attended by Territorial at Large Representative Hon. Irene Penn-O’Neal and Fifth District Representative Hon. Elvis Harrigan.
The Labour Code Reform public meetings are geared towards educating the public on the revision process and facilitating feedback on all areas of the existing labour code. The meetings also provide an avenue for key issues to be raised for public consultation.
Due to the inclement weather, the Anegada public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 4 was re-scheduled to Saturday, May 9. All residents are invited to come and share their views.
The objectives of the labour reform process is to establish fair and reasonable minimum working conditions, provide a mechanism for fair, prompt and effective resolution of employer/employee disputes; provide an efficient and effective system of labour administration; update provisions relating to health, safety and welfare of workers and to codify labour laws into a single comprehensive code while taking into account new and emerging developments.
The reform process is in keeping with Government’s commitment to update the present labour code to one that is balanced, conducive to good industrial relations and facilitates opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
British Virgin Islands News