First announced by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) as part of a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) campaign promise on the road to the February 25, 2019, elections day in the Virgin Islands, the 1000 jobs in 1000 days initiative will officially kick off on August 21, 2109, at 10am at the Central Administration Complex in Tortola. Photo: GIS/File

Premier Andrew A. Fahie said the 1000 jobs in 1000 days programme is not just to get people hired, rather, so that they be trained to make better contributions to the business sector and to the wider society. Photo: Facebook

The programme was previously postponed from it's original May 14, 2019, launch date to 'iron out' partnerships, however, unemployed person and others desirous of applying for jobs under the initiative are now being encouraged to walk with ID’s on-site to register at the launch.  

Partners Lined up

The Premier in a May 21, 2019, statement had said, “We are determined to advocate and enact policies that will spur growth in the economy, and that will improve the investor confidence about the future of what we are seeking to build.”

He said among those already indicating they will come on board were Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and some of our other cruise lines.

“They have agreed to explore the opportunities available to partner with the BVI on the employment initiative,” he said.

Banco Popular, Rite Way Food markets and Inter Caribbean airline were also some of the other businesses the premier noted would be on board; however, efforts to contact Hon Fahie for information regarding what other major international and local companies had joined the initiative ahead of its launch proved futile.

Businesses will benefit

In addition to the benefits for the people, the Premier also noted that the initiative comes with benefits for the companies agreeing to partner.

“After a year of employment of people under this programme, the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Premier's Office will pay a "one off" 10% of the annual salary of the locals employed by the private sector,” he said.

To qualify, interested locally based businesses must register with the Premier's Office to be part of this programme.

The leader of Government Business noted that the aim is not just to get people hired, rather, to be trained so they can make better contributions to the business sector and to the wider society.