Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering is in the Bahamas attending the Ninth International Labour Organisation Meeting of Caribbean Ministers.

Dr. Pickering is accompanied by Acting Labour Dispute Officer Mr. Devern Davis, of the Labour Department and will engage in discussions about practical actions to maximise the local benefits of labour recommendations.

The Deputy Premier said that the Virgin Islands labour improvements were necessary steps in abiding by International requirements. “We re-launched the Employment Services Unit and recently launched the first Labour Arbitration Tribunal. These necessary components will keep us on the cutting edge of labour force advancements. One of the goals of the ministry is to also remain in line with international standards and this ILO Meeting is no exception.”

He added, “One of the focuses for these meeting will include an emphasis on youth employment. Through organisations like the ILO, we hope to raise the standard of labour laws and practices to improve the quality of life for our youth and our people in the Virgin Islands.”

Director-General of the ILO Mr. Guy- Ryder said his organisation, is strongly committed to convening the Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting every two years, to listen to the constituents and to respond to their needs with practical solutions.

The meeting is being held under the theme, “Decent Work for Sustainable Development” and will address labour issues such as the green economy, social dialogue and youth employment.

The meeting brings together 15 Ministers with responsibility for Labour, as well as Permanent Secretaries and high-level officials, from some 22 countries and territories of the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, coordinated by the ILO Office for the Caribbean.