Local News
Advisory Committee Initiates Minimum Wage Review
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade has taken a significant step towards addressing the economic challenges faced by the people of the Virgin Islands by announcing the formation of an ad hoc Advisory Committee tasked with reviewing the minimum wage.
The last adjustment to the minimum wage dates back to October 1, 2016, when it increased from $4.00 to $6.00 per hour. However, a 2022 review conducted by the Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) highlighted that this rate is now inadequate, considering the current economic landscape.
Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Hon. Lorna Smith, emphasized the need for a careful and comprehensive approach to address the issue. She stated, “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 Advisory Committee, to be appointed in accordance with the Virgin Islands Labour Code, 2010, will consist of experts and representatives from various sectors, ensuring a diverse perspective.
The committee will have access to technical support from economists, statisticians, financial analysts, and other government officials to conduct a thorough analysis and provide informed recommendations.
Minister Smith underscored the commitment to a transparent and inclusive process, with the final report expected by the end of March 2024. The inaugural meeting of the committee is scheduled for November 21, marking the commencement of a vital initiative to address broader economic concerns in the BVI. Minister Smith concluded, “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 appointed committee members include Mr. Colin O’Neal, Ms. Nelda Farrington, Ms. Amberly Crabbe, Mr. Michael Thomas, Mr. Sendrick Chinnery, Mr. Laurence Wheatley, Mr. Elton Leonard, Ms. Stephanie Faulkner, Ms. Diana Wheatley, Ms. Binta Jallow, Ms. Cleopatra Besson, Mr. Sean Palmer, Ms. Lynette Harrigan, MBE, and Mr. Doug Riegels. The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable economic development in the Territory through effective labor market management, inclusive of income protection regulation.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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