Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has warned that some employers in the territory are “gaming the system” to avoid hiring qualified Virgin Islanders, despite labour laws that give locals first preference for available jobs.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Dr Wheatley said officials met with statutory boards to ensure that hiring in those bodies complies with the Labour Code’s requirement that Belongers and residents receive priority when they are qualified for a post.
“Because we recognise that statutory boards… because the employees don’t go through, haven’t been going through the work permitting process, that sometimes qualified Belongers are being overlooked or there’s not a proper means of ensuring that qualified locals are being given the opportunities,” he said.
He said the government is working to strengthen verification systems, noting that some employers raise concerns about applicants’ qualifications.
“One thing that sometimes persons say is that the persons are not qualified. And I think that we have to ensure that we have a proper system in place to ensure that we have a means of verifying whether someone is qualified or not,” he said.
Dr Wheatley said abuses also occur when employers artificially raise job requirements or use other tactics to avoid hiring locals.
“[There is the question of] whether the requirements that persons are being subjected to… are really realistic and necessary for the job. In some instances, I think there’s merit to what some of the employers say. Other instances, I think they’re just trying to game the system and bypass the question of being able to hire locals,” he stated.
The Virgin Islands Labour Code includes a “Belongers and Residents Preferred” provision, which requires employers to offer positions to Belongers when they meet the minimum qualifications. Section 117 of the Code also directs the Labour Commissioner to refuse a work permit if a qualified Virgin Islander is available, while Section 2A emphasises a “fair and balanced” labour market with priority for locals.
Dr Wheatley said private businesses should invest more in training Virgin Islanders for long-term opportunities. “As it pertains to qualified locals, I actually think that the private sector can do more to invest in training, invest in succession planning, invest in internships and opportunities for persons,” he said.
He referenced an example from the marine sector, saying a recent development project at Nanny Cay included an institute to train local workers.
“Nanny Cay, actually, as a part of their $40 million expansion, was going to create an institute, which is an extension of the H Lavity Stoutt College, to get local persons into the marine industry,” he said.
Dr Wheatley said the government is finalising an employment policy and urged employers to recognise the long-term value of hiring locals. “What I remind the public about is, really, investing in locals is good for everybody, them included. It will result in less unemployment in the territory,” he stated.
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