VI infrastructure ‘not ready’ for minimum wage increase- DJ Commodore
Co-host Elvin G. Grant noted the absence of a public explanation for the decision to postpone the minimum wage increase which was scheduled to take effect on November 30, 2024.
The increase to $8.50 per hour would have been an increase of $2.50. The increase, approved by the Cabinet in July 2024, was postponed with no explanation from the government. However, they did say that a revised implementation date will be announced in the first quarter of 2025.
VI not ready for minimum wage increase- DJ Commodore
Guest Mr Ian A. Thomas aka DJ Commodore, weighed in on the economic implications of a minimum wage increase for the VI.
“The infrastructure is not ready to support a minimum wage increase to $8.50 per hour,” Mr Thomas argued, “If businesses are already struggling with fewer customers due to a population decline, how do you warrant higher wages when income remains stagnant or is even decreasing?”
Co-host Violet Thomas Gaul countered that economic stimulation does not solely depend on population growth. “Good customer service can drive activity. If businesses provide exceptional service, they can attract and retain customers, even in challenging times,” she asserted.
Erosion of strong work ethic- DJ Commodore
The panelists also critiqued workforce attitudes and business leadership in the territory with Mr Thomas lamenting the erosion of a strong work ethic among locals, attributing it to a culture of entitlement.
“We all want bigger pay, but we don’t want to work for it,” he said, sharing his challenges in managing employees who lack diligence.
The conversation also highlighted the increasing reliance on foreign labour, particularly workers from the Philippines, who are perceived as having a stronger work ethic. “It’s not that they are better than us, but they bring a different attitude to work. Customer service is ingrained in their training,” Thomas said.
The discussion also poignantly observed the need for collective accountability with DJ Commodore admitting, “We have failed as parents, leaders, and a society. It’s time to own that and work on solutions.”
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31 Responses to “VI infrastructure ‘not ready’ for minimum wage increase- DJ Commodore”
Commodore selling 1coke for 4 dollar so tell him to sit his %$^& &*^$%# down or shut the hell up .
every state
Has an upscale club where d anybody’s don’t go as they have certain rules and dress codes
This is much needed here
Btw BVI has no club really or what the hell they call a club here
He tried something that was needed but somehow u all don’t appreciate it
I’ve never been there before but coming From south we have many upscale clubs n trust me pretty women and handsome men and well dressed
And u pay more for drinks and also to enter it’s pretty high but u environment is diff u see u all won’t know that heights ????
The Government has a fundamental responsibility to make sure that the working class at least receive a sustainable living wage based on inflation and other economic factors.
Companies on the other hand, need to adjust to make sure that their key performance indicators (KPIs),
expected by their employees, meet the demands necessary to sustain the difference.
Without these adjustments, the economy and society on a whole will- not might- feel the adverse and devastating effects of doing nothing. The impact of which has already being exhibited and experienced on the streets- will only get worse.
To engineer above, I say great idea, alas $ 8.50/hour (or $ 68/day) is not going to motivate many around here.
You can tell that you have never owned or ran a business because this is the stupidest %^&*$$% I have read in a very long time!!! Just pay people more? Really? Someone who has sacrificed their $%% off should just say "Oh here is 15% of my profit, I will take 10!" Something is definitely wrong with the air around here!!!!!
Mr. Raymond Phillips of the Statistics Department, can you please publish the Data of the Working Demographics of the (British) Virgin Islands? Thank you.
I can bet the holier than thou commenters never owned or ran a business on their lives. Its easy to sit on the sidelines and talk $%^& when you have a full time job paying you steady whether rain or shine. Suit up and get in the game let's see if you will be singing the same song. There is a reason why so many start businesses but only very few are successful at it!!
They had it coming