“We will continue, for as long as we can, to assist you, our brothers and sisters of the wider Caribbean, mainland US, Europe and other parts of the world, during this unprecedented, unpredictable time,” were the reassuring words of Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) as he outlined some of the steps Government is taking to address urgent issues of labour and immigration brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
33 businesses closed, 683 laid off, 72 terminated

According to Hon Wheatley, to date, approximately 77 businesses have contacted the Department of Labour and Workforce Development to provide information on their status, including that of employees.

He said approximately 33 of these have reported closure, some 683 persons have been laid off while some persons have been reassigned or reclassified as it relates to position and/or salary, and approximately 72 persons have been terminated throughout the Territory.

“Of the approximate 1300 employees reported as affected, 425 are BVIslanders/Belongers; 493 are Work Permit Holders; 80 are Work Permit Exempt; and over 330 of those persons are still being classified,” Hon Wheatley said today, May 3, 2020, adding that he is mindful that a number of job functions are on hold as employers try to work out, the details to accommodate the “New Regular” and in many cases, persons have had to be laid off.

He said where persons have been laid off, this should be reported to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development where an employer will receive further instructions on the way forward.

“I would like to remind employers to be considerate of your employees, by notifying them first, of any changes to their employment agreement, prior to contacting the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.”

Further, Hon Wheatley said the Tourism industry is the hardest hit.

“With the tourism industry being one of our most important economic pillars, which accounts for a large cross section of workers in the Territory, any loss in the industry is not only difficult for that sector, but for the economy in general.”

Lay-offs

Hon Wheatley noted that as Government continues to meet to make decisions that will benefit all persons, residing in the VI, it recognises that the Labour Code, 2010 Section 104(3) and 107 speaks, to - if an employee is laid off, for more than three months, without a date, of re-employment, this person, is entitled to severance pay, if terminated.

He said in times of disaster, and in this case, a global pandemic, there should be legislation, to address the specific national situation, which Government realises is lacking at this time.

“The great burden on businesses, to identify the necessary funding for severance, and on employees to seek alternative employment where applicable, is evident.”

As a result, Hon Wheatley said in an effort to aid in the continuation of employment, where practicable, especially for the tourism industry, “before Cabinet right now, is a request for an amendment to the Labour Code 2010 to address an increase to the lay-off period.”

“People of the Virgin Islands, this, though a small step, in allowing ease of employment and increased diversification of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, is a step in the right direction, to aiding our people when they need it most.