They will receive this reimbursement on their next paycheques.

Speaking at a one-on-one press conference with the media on Friday, Fahie said the reimbursements of the fund will begin from April 30, 2022.

“BVI Airports Authority employees should be receiving the monies in their upcoming paycheques. By May 30, 2022, all the payments should be reimbursed,” Fahie added.

The Premier noted that during the heightened period of the pandemic, the Airports Authority had asked its employees to take a pay cut so the authority could function.

This was a direct result of a reduction in significant economic activities being generated at that time. The territory’s airports saw a significant decline in traffic arising from border closure both in the Virgin Islands and other jurisdictions.

The global shutdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic was also the main determining factor.

“This was clearly, clearly a great sacrifice by the BVI Airports Authority employees, and we are thankful to them for making the sacrifice,” Fahie said.

Increments will be paid too

The Premier also announced that two of the long-outstanding increments owed to the BVIAA staff will be paid during the same period.

“As the country’s economy continues to grow, the people who made the sacrifice to get us to where we are now must be recognised in a timely manner because we are in this together,” Fahie said.