Advisory Committee recommended Minimum Wage be raised to $9.00- Reports
Cabinet met on July 9, 2024, and approved the Minimum Wage Report but recommended the raising of the Minimum Wage to $8.50 per hour.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has since disclosed that the Minimum Wage increase in the [British] Virgin Islands will be effective November 30, 2024.
The minimum wage in the Virgin Islands was last increased on October 1, 2016, from $4.00 per hour to $6.00 per hour.
The Minimum Wage Advisory Committee’s Report is expected to be laid in the House of Assembly (HoA) this Tuesday, July 16, 2024, which means it will then become a public document.
It was Hon Smith who had commissioned a Minimum Wage Advisory Committee in November 2023. The committee was coordinated by Dr Dawn T. Alexander-Joseph.
18 Responses to “Advisory Committee recommended Minimum Wage be raised to $9.00- Reports”
Just talk and Tricks.98% of workers already making $8:50...What we need in addition is an increase in the Tax exemption of an additional $3,000 just for low income owners making $22, 000 annually and under to as a supplement..
Typically, with large raises and other benefits, they are a phased in over time, ie, 2-3 periods, etc., giving business and companies time to adjust to the changes. This change is occurring in the middle of tge fiscal year for most businesses. The approach reflects the inexperience of government.
Earlier this Century under the NDP Administration, lead by a former Premier, Dr. Orlando D. Smith, employees do not have to pay tax on the first $10,000.00. Minimum wages at that time was far less than ten thousand ($10,000.00) dollars. If in fact employers and employees would settle for the $9.00 minimum wages offered, because of fast raising cost of especially basic survival goods, food being Number 1, then I suggest our current government make arrangements to pay businesses ten percent (10%) of minimum wages cost of proven needed goods to these businesses when a credible receipt (proof) is valid and on to government immediately.
In pressing time like these we can't afford a the continuation of a tug-a-war on the matter. As we live, let others also live. Remember together we stand. God is all knowing, all seeing, all hearing and ultimate judge over all.
If the business employers the minimum wage employees earners and our government do not accept the above suggestions, I then now would suggest an alternative bellows.
The minimum wage employees should temporary settle for the $9.00 on condition that as inflation raises minimum wages also will keep pace, but not without a signed letter from government as a guarantee before next general election, better still before Month end.
All for 50 cent, don’t make sense to me. Go with what was recommended, so simple, instead it’s now a nickel and dime game on poor people.