Wheatley Gov't seeking to review Minimum Wage; Advisory Committee formed
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The minimum wage in the Virgin Islands was last increased on October 1, 2016, from $4.00 per hour to $6.00 per hour. However, a 2022 review of Social Assistance in the VI by the Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) found that this was well below what is now needed.
The Government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is now seeking to address the Minimum Wage issue.
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), the researchers cautioned, however, that the speed by which the minimum wage can be adjusted must take into account economic constraints.
With this in mind, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE has determined that the best way forward is to establish an Advisory Committee to undertake a review of what the most appropriate level of the minimum wage should be.
‘Economic challenges’
She said: “The Government is conscious of the many economic challenges the people of the BVI face. We must all put our shoulder to the wheel, government, employers and employees to ensure that individuals on low incomes do not bear a greater share of the burden than they should. The review will be comprehensive, transparent, and involve the expertise of a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation and perspective. Importantly it will also report by the end of March 2024”.
The Minister will appoint the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee in accordance with Part III of the Virgin Islands Labour Code, 2010. The Advisory Committee will comprise experts and representatives from a diverse range of sectors, including key economic sectors, employers, employees, Sister Island representatives, youth and our development partners.
The committee will have access to technical support from economists, statisticians, financial analysts, and other government officials. This expertise will help the committee understand and analyse complex data, develop and evaluate policy options, and make informed recommendations.
Final report to be submitted in 4 months time
It will complete its review and submit its final report to the Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade within four (4) months of its inaugural meeting which is planned to take place on November 21, 2023.
The Minister said: “The review of the Minimum Wage is only one part of a wider assessment by the Government of how we can address the cost of living crisis across the BVI. We know our people need to be better supported and I expect to make further announcements on this in the near future.”
The persons who will serve on the Committee are Mr Colin O’Neal, Ms Nelda Farrington, Ms Amberly Crabbe, Mr C. Michael Thomas, Mr Sendrick E. Chinnery, Mr Laurence Wheatley, Mr Elton S. Leonard, Ms Stephanie I. Faulkner, Ms Diana Wheatley, Ms Binta Jallow, Ms Cleopatra Besson, Mr Sean Palmer, Ms Lynette L. Harrigan, MBE and Mr Doug Riegels.
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22 Responses to “Wheatley Gov't seeking to review Minimum Wage; Advisory Committee formed”
Ridiculous
Look at some of the members wow
Egotistical, boastful , know it all men who listens only to themselves. We in bales of yrouble
Think outside the box just raise the tax free amount on earnings, government officials will still have enough money to travel the world first class.
Politicians worldwide have, at present are, and in the future will continue behaving the same way. Can I tell you why? Ok, I will tell you in one word, bellow.
SELFISHNESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSDSSSSSS
The headline should not have read government is seeking to review the minimum but rather instead government will review the exploitive, embarrassing, and shameful $6 per hour minimum wage. $6 per hour equates to if my math is correct is $960 per month; a lowly $960 per month!!!
Hopefully, employers pay much more than the paltry $ 6 per hour minimum wage. However, any employers who pay an employees $6 per hour do not really give a rat’s ass about the employees and their families , caring more for their profit margin. Yes, employers make the investment and take the risk but employees are the straws that stirs the drink, contributing to the profitably of the company.
True, there is some validity to the argument that raising the minimum wage may hurt the people it is intended to help, ie, the unskilled workers. Nevertheless, given skyrocketing cost living on the proverbial basket of goods, it is not a question if the minimum wage should be increased but rather how much. Let’s do dis d…mn ting.
On another note, there is clamoring call for price control but in my view price control results in shortages and poorer quality products and services.
I say, ten (10 ) USD per hour..
PERIOD!
same old , same old , elite and their running dogs.
I expected better of Lorna