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New minimum wage takes effect November 30, 2024

- Minimum wage now $8.50/hour
The new minimum wage of $8.50 per hour for the Virgin Islands (VI) will officially come into effect on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Photo: Internet Source
Former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE commissioned the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee in November 2023. Photo: GIS/File
Former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE commissioned the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee in November 2023. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The new minimum wage of $8.50 per hour for the Virgin Islands (VI) will officially come into effect on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

According to a bulletin from the government, “Businesses and employees are encouraged to view this change as a positive step towards promoting shared prosperity for the people of the Virgin Islands”.

Approved by Cabinet in July 2024

The new minimum wage was approved by Cabinet in July 2024, resulting in an increase of $2.50.

The last increase in minimum wage for the VI came into effect on October 1, 2016, when it was increased from $4.00 per hour to $6.00 per hour.

The Minimum Wage Advisory Committee was commissioned by former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE in November 2023. Following extensive stakeholder and public consultations, the draft report of the committee was submitted to the ministry in May 2024.

The then minister said in July that the adjustment is part of a comprehensive strategy, which includes regular wage reviews, targeted support for small businesses, and increased investments in workforce development.

See link to previous story published July 11, 2024.

UPDATE: $8.50 minimum wage to take effect from November 2024– Hon Smith | Virgin Islands News Online

6 Responses to “New minimum wage takes effect November 30, 2024”

  • Wellsah (21/11/2024, 08:50) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    one round of shots on me at the santo bar before inflation catch up
  • Lorna did something... (21/11/2024, 08:56) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now its for the Premier to step up and do something to further helped the lower income earners by increasing Ronnie Tax exemption from $10.000 to $15000. For those making under $36.000.00 per year or less than $800.00 per week. ..Oh how nice that would be...I am making $550.00 per week. I am surving check by check, But during tax exemption period I can put a $50.00 aside every pay day..
  • bvibuzz (21/11/2024, 09:08) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    we cannot afford this pay raise
    • Really (21/11/2024, 11:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's $20 per day it's not $100 per day. It's more than the Hospital workers go for their last pay increase so many, many years ago.
  • The Usurper (21/11/2024, 11:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    8.50!!!???? GOOOOOT $%^#! Listen I make well over 20.00 an hour and I feel I can't afford my rent and other necessary things. Hanging out is expensive smh I understand why people will sell dope. So somebody comes to your business to help make you thousands and hundreds of thousands etc and you pay them $8.50 per hour!!!??? That is genocide. DOPE RUNNERS KEEP ON PUSHING! Jail better than $8.50 per hour????!!!!!!

  • Look at California (21/11/2024, 11:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know what will happen, businesses will carry up their prices or let go of some staff, we have neen warned


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