The Labour Department will be renamed to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development as the Government of the Virgin Islands moves to improve labour relations and develop the Territory’s workforce.

Fellow British Virgin Islanders, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all members of the public who took the time to dialogue and feedback with the government in the consultations on the very important issue of Immigration and Labour reform.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew Fahie will deliver a National Address today Sunday, June 2, at 5:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, when we were in the midst of the campaign, we declared “every posse must work!”

The BVI joined the rest of the world in observing International Labour Organization (ILO) day for Safety & Health at work around the world on April 28.

Today we celebrate with the International Labour Organization on its 100^th anniversary.

The testing phase of the Government’s Work Permit Prototype-Online System was said to be well received following the soft launch on approximately 32 cross-sectoral companies registered in the Virgin Islands on April 4.

Employers across the Territory will participate in a pilot group to assist the Government with testing an E-Government New Work Permit Prototype.

Employers are reminded that in accordance with Section 65 (1) of the Elections Act, 1994, “Every employer shall on polling day, allow to every voter in his employ a reasonable period for voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such voter or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period.”

BVIslanders/Belongers seeking employment in the Territory are invited to register with the Labour Department.