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'No layoffs in the public service'- Premier Smith

- boldly reassures civil servants job security
Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Minister of Finance and Premier reassured civil servants that their will be no layoffs during a press conference on Thursday, October 27, 2017 held at the Ritter House. Photo: YouTube
Civil servants are now required to produce timesheets as proof of hours in order to receive payment. Photo:VINO/File
Civil servants are now required to produce timesheets as proof of hours in order to receive payment. Photo:VINO/File
WICKHAM'S CAY II, Tortola, VI - During a press conference on Thursday, October 26, 2017 streaming live on the Government of the Virgin Islands YouTube page, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Premier and Minister of Finance, reassured civil servants that there will be no layoffs.

Civil servants have been having anxious moments in light of reports of the National Democratic Party (NDP) government mulling whether to lay off civil servants or cut their pay since they are cash strapped.

"Yes, I can say that there will be no layoffs in the public service," said the Premier boldly while responding to questions from journalists.

The Minister of Finance further stated that there has not been any discussions with the public service workers in regards to cutting staff or salaries.

This statement was made in light of civil servants being paid late on a number of occasions following the passage of Hurricane Irma, while the Premier blamed delayed payment on its server system.

Civil servants who have been placed within other departments based on need are required to produce timesheets as proof of hours worked in order to receive payment.

Many businesses have been feeling the effects of Hurricane Irma which forced them to layoff some of their employees.

11 Responses to “'No layoffs in the public service'- Premier Smith”

  • teacher john (28/10/2017, 07:56) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love this we have him on record!!!
    • @Teacher John (28/10/2017, 10:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      I love it too. Don't talk too fast. Once IMF is involved cutting is a must or alternatively increase in revenue. VAT.That's what Caribbean countries turn to increase revenue in order not to cut...
  • Antigua singer (28/10/2017, 07:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    YOU HEAR LIES THAT IS LIE
  • Get Serioua Doc.. (28/10/2017, 09:56) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is good News.. They just need to let Rite Way stop playing them. Rite can open those damaged stores in 2 weeks they have the resources they have more than stock..They have no reason but a storm excuses to layoff workers.. Look at the revenue. Government will be losing.. Stop playing with a millionaire company like Riteway Doc..The government need that revenue that Rite way is robbing us of. R playing us..
  • VAT (28/10/2017, 10:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's all brace for VAT..
  • Street Reporter. investigation needed (29/10/2017, 06:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cutting / laying off don't by private companies equal lost revenue for government.. Its government responsibility to investogate to find legitimacy in lay off and cut backs.. Especially these multimillion dollar companies who may just be using thr storm as excuse or to their benefit...While the country and its people suffer..
  • NickkiChicks (29/10/2017, 19:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply


    Great article! Sometimes we can meet problems which can look irresistible.But in my opinion there are no unsolvable puzzles.In this case it could be hard to find way out the problem by looking best autosite ever.But we should keep our faith and fighting to get better and stronger to resist such problems in future.I want to say many thanks to author!
  • marion Puzo (30/10/2017, 10:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nol lay offs but forcing people with 25 years sericeto consider early retirement and have no money to pay them. Come Caca pues.
    • SMHG (02/11/2017, 06:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      My sentiments exactly! Don't the Retirees who have earned their pensions need to survive also. The Premier and DG need to withhold their salary along with other Ministers and pay these poor people. I don't care to hear that "We are all human crap" from no minister, especially since they are selected to serve the people, not the people serving them. Show some empathy for a change and not seeking for pity!!!!
  • Didn't Bail Out (31/10/2017, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The coconut telegraph says that 40% of government workers have been "absent without leave" since Irma struck. They bailed out ASAP to the US and have not reported in to work or to their supervisors.

    Trust me when I say it, these government non-workers will "demand" their back pay for their jobs-not-done, and because they are voters, the government will cave in and pay them. PT Barnum said it, "There's a sucker born every minute."


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