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10,000 work permits processed in 2013 while locals remain jobless- SFC

- Young locals still can’t find jobs in the Virgin Islands while work permits are being processed daily
Labour Commissioner Janice I. F. Rymer while testifying before the House of Assembly Standing Finance Committee last year to examine the draft estimates for the year 2015 said that in 2013 approximately 10,000 work permit applications had been processed. This revelation comes even as unemployment in the Virgin Islands, especially among the local youths, has reached an all time high. Photo: VINO/File
Critics have accused the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (left) of fooling the youths, promising them jobs but young people remain jobless. Hon Julian Fraser RA, in a national address to residents last year, spoke of the dire situation Virgin Islanders have found themselves in due to unemployment and a failing economy. Photo: VINO/File
Critics have accused the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (left) of fooling the youths, promising them jobs but young people remain jobless. Hon Julian Fraser RA, in a national address to residents last year, spoke of the dire situation Virgin Islanders have found themselves in due to unemployment and a failing economy. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With unemployment in the Virgin Islands especially among the local youths at an all time high for the past three years, it was still made known that in 2013 alone some 10,000 work permit applications were processed by the National Democratic Party (NDP) government of the day.

This information was revealed while the Labour Commissioner Janice I. F. Rymer was testifying before the House of Assembly Standing Finance Committee last year to examine the draft estimates for the year 2015.

Mrs Rymer was at the time responding to a question from Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) about the status of work permits in the territory.

Hon Fraser, the champion of youths and the unemployed, was told by the Labour Commissioner that in 2013 approximately 10,000 work permit applications had been processed and some 243 disputes submitted with some 200 being settled.

Work permits are granted to persons who deem not to belong to the Virgin Islands and are here to work.

In 2013, according to the Labour Commissioner, only a mere 80 persons were placed in jobs out of some 400 persons who registered at the placement unit both at the Virgin Gorda and Tortola offices.

Mrs Rymer claimed that the problem with finding jobs for locals is that some employers were looking for particular skills and were not willing to provide training.

Failed promises of job by NDP

The NDP has been promising young people jobs but this too has not came to pass. Critics have accused the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn of fooling the youths, promising them jobs but young people remain jobless.

The NDP Administration continues to say the economy is robust and that things are going great.

Hard for young people under NDP

Hon Fraser, in a national address to the residents last year, told the public that “today, record numbers of homes and vehicles are being repossessed. Parents have to work multiple jobs in order to provide for their families.”

The veteran politician said, “Since the NDP became the government, residents are having a hard time paying their mortgages. Most of our young people have no hope of affording their own home.”

The VIP Chairman said that our young people are facing a future of hardship. “But the NDP continues to tell us the economy is booming, while resorts, hotels, and marinas, laying off scores of people each month, even as trust companies downsize and relocate,” he said.

“The economy is not booming when you visit places like the Stickett in Long Look, Scatliffe Alley in Road Town, parts of Purcell, Little Apple Bay, Baugher's Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Huntums Ghut, Belle Vue and Parham Town,” he said.

“For what will you discover? You will witness too many of our young people without jobs or proper education sitting around all day in hopeless despair,” said Hon Fraser.

“This is very painful to me and is a social tragedy,” said Hon Fraser, who followed H. Lavity Stoutt and Ralph T. O’Neal OBE as the VIP’s third leader.

Hon Fraser also told the public that added to this fact, “too many of our youth leave colleges and universities each year and return home with no career prospects”.

This is certainly not good for the country, the leader of the longest serving political party claimed.

63 Responses to “10,000 work permits processed in 2013 while locals remain jobless- SFC”

  • Rebel Soul (08/01/2015, 14:26) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    The Lab.... Com.... is an NDP stool pigeon. What do we expect.

    • Bull (08/01/2015, 15:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Talk about the two ministers who have business and refuse to employ Virgin Islanders.
    • elliott (08/01/2015, 15:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      you see how those ministers that we vote in is not even speaking out for us about the liquer licence issue it seem like he knows about too and dont want to come forward mabe is he who put them to do it . he is not saYING A WORD
    • @Rebel Soul (10/01/2015, 15:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rebel Soul can you tell me why all these women that work for government are balled or getting balled is the NDP stress dropping their hair?
  • simple (08/01/2015, 14:39) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    become qualified and you will get the job, simple.
    • @simple (08/01/2015, 18:49) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply

      Qualified to serve food & alcohol, wash hair, cut hair, clean house???? U @#$$^^^

      • simple (09/01/2015, 08:47) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
        well if you can't even get a job doing that you need to rethink your life...pronto...
      • @ @simple (09/01/2015, 08:56) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        There are some BVIslanders doing that, but many that don't want to.
    • hmmmmmm (09/01/2015, 16:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @simple if you qualified then go home to your country and build it. It is ignorant of you to go to another man's country with statements like that. Well correction, we can't blame people like you, we blame the Government who keep trying to feed the world first and not take care of their home as any person with common sense does.
  • vex (08/01/2015, 14:44) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    Bring back msynard
  • farmer brown (08/01/2015, 15:02) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    You can take a cow to the well..... They don't want to work, they will show up for one or two weeks then disappear.
  • st clair (08/01/2015, 15:07) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    labour only do so many permits because they charging a lot of money for the permits for expats. because locals dont have to pay any thing. so is the ndp who hit us below our belts them greedy since they take office is this gone up that change . who you think cook up this liquer licence thing ndp looking more money
    • hello (09/01/2015, 08:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well the money from work permits helps to pay the salaries of civil servants, like those processing the same work permits
  • Tigress (08/01/2015, 15:40) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    If you all think its only the youths that are unemployed or under-employed think again. There is the not quite senior set of folks who are battling underemployment because when they apply for jobs, they are refused, discriminated against because of their not-so-youthful appearance even is they are still very sharp in mind. The premier needs to look at us in this group too. One time I filled an employment form at the above dept and the attendee said that it may not be possible for me to get a job because of my age(mid fifty). This is my country, my department, my government. I submitted the form anyway but never heard a thing from them. Did the person process it....??????
    • @Tigress (08/01/2015, 17:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Or they tell you some nonsense that you are overqualified for the positions they advertise, but yet you see them advertising them over and over; before they offer you a position. It is better to be over qualified than not qualify at all.
    • Marlon (09/01/2015, 14:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Why should employers hire persons close to the retirement age rather than a younger person who can grow with the organization? While I have no intention of diiscriminating against older persons, the reality is that many companies prefer to invest in younger pesons whose talents can be developed in line with the strategic direction of the organization.
      • . (12/01/2015, 14:54) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        What a load of crap! As if young people stay with one employer more than a couple years nowadays. "Strategic direction," my right t!t!

        The main issue is, they prefer young people who are ignorant of their rights and who will work for less money, just like the Filipinos and other foreigners that they are issuing these work permits for. And don't ask, "why should employers pay more than they want to?" or "why should employers have to hire employees who expect their rights?"

        Because we are not a third-world developing nation, that's why. Because we are a democracy, not a dictatorship, because we are a British territory with a long history of decency, respect for human life and values, that's why!

        For the love of God, why won't you foreigners go home and fight the battle for democracy and decency in your own country instead of coming here and trying to take ours? Democracy and that goes with it is earned, not given, and even if given, it must be upheld and maintained by responsible voting, protesting, media use and honourable behavior. Democracy does not grow in a vacuum!
        • Online Now (12/01/2015, 18:04) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
          There is no indication in "marlon's" post that they are not a BVIslander. Try debating without lowering yourself to name calling. You talk about being a British territory but lack any understanding of what being British is. Britain has and continues to offer a home to many without discrimination, young and old, black and white, rich and poor. You talk of foreigners as a disease when the reality is they have been a cure of the BVI's lack of workers.

          Investing in youth and trainees by businesses is the life blood of a community and I would continue to champion thosecompanies thatare willing to do so. Old does nopt equal better. Young does not equal exploited.
    • no jobs (09/01/2015, 17:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I tried as well but did not get a job they told me they got the application but i did not hear anything further. I am mid 30s university educated'
  • Real People (08/01/2015, 16:02) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    No body cares about locals
  • Ok Then! (08/01/2015, 16:10) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    I must say, it is very sad and I think they should by way of a new policy, for at least a year or two, deny the applications of work permits for individuals who have been on this island for two years or less. Let them go back home and give their jobs to qualified locals in need. It is harsh and mean but before you look out for other people, you must look after your own. I say two years bc I know there are people on permits who have been on this island well over 15 years and going back home would probably be very difficult for them as obviously some do not intend to go back home. But the Government needs to stop more people from entering this small island so that employers are forced to hire and train locals.

    Yes, some locals don't want the dirty jobs and some like to complain or are lazy, but at least they wont be able to squeal that there aren't any jobs available! They should take what is available and live humble lives just as the expats are doing. After two years, it can be assessed whether this was the right choice.
    • @ OK Then! (08/01/2015, 21:53) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      As an immigrant I would direct readers to remember that many of the recent jobs for work permits are low level jobs that local refused to do
    • Online Now (09/01/2015, 09:04) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Ok Then! - While I think you have the countries best interest at heart you are forgetting that there is a large turnover of people, especially professional people that just can not be replaced by BVIslanders. Qualifications and experience are required for a reason in a lot of roles. Yes, there are some which may be padded but generally there are not enough locally qualified staff available.
      • Ok Then! (09/01/2015, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree with both of you. Something needs to change. Perhaps diversity in our education system. I have plenty to say but I will not waste my time. If you and I can think like this, I'm sure the smart people in Government "who care for their people" can come up with the same ideas..
      • . (12/01/2015, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        I have been listening to this particular bull$hit argument for over 35 years. BVIslanders are now the most highly educated and qualified people in the Caribbean except the educated and qualified ones can't come home because they still can't get a job to come home to in their own country and are forced to live abroad, leaving the few unqualified ones at home.

        You sent us abroad seeking "qualification" and while we were away, you took over our country. WHEN will it end?
  • Tired (08/01/2015, 16:19) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with u farmer brown y can't they see that they don't want to work
  • Looking on! (08/01/2015, 16:42) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    Work permits being processed for Receptionist, Office Assistants, Junior Accountants, Clerks. What is wrong with this picture? And every year the youths come home with degrees and remain jobless HOME! The problem is that the said Labour Commissioner and other Senior Officers does not give a hoot about BVIslanders especially those that are not in their little gatherings. Mind you the fall is coming!
    • Mike Roch (08/01/2015, 17:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      especially those that are not in their little gatherings.

      AMEN. CHURCH OUT
    • business man (09/01/2015, 12:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Same old thing: every body ballin but when you hire they don't want to work, and have no skills in spite of schooling. Truth is hard to hear, but forcing jobs with people that can't or won't do the job is a death sentence for local business. Island people come here to work, cost money to get permit but worth more.
    • immigrant (15/01/2015, 09:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don't try to blame the labour dept. Remember the labour dept is not setup to find jobs for locals. Remember that labour is the fuel that drives commerce and the economy. Labour Dept is much bigger than that. They help businesses to succeed. Which in turn helps the economy to grow and create jobs.

      Don't blame the Politicians also. They can only create the climate for business to strive, provide education and training for the youth. Look at the local businesses, why aren't they hiring only locals? After all, it is not a crime or is it considered racial discrimination. It is a right that locals don't exercise.

      So it comes down to our youths changing their attitudes and becoming more ambitious in their education, in their jobs and in their country.
  • Consider (08/01/2015, 18:56) Like (39) Dislike (1) Reply
    As a non-belonger, I am amazed how many local business owners/entrepreneurs (and I know a few) would rather hire outsiders than their own. The universal comment is that people from here don't want to work. Possibly, they mean don't want to work for the same low wages and conditions that expats will accept.
    • Billfargo (09/01/2015, 03:20) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Truth!!!!!!!
    • tretretrete (12/01/2015, 14:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The truth is that Locals REFUSE to put up with the NONSENSE that some employers subject you too... But expats accept it so THAT is why they rather hire them...
  • Biggs (08/01/2015, 20:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    It really sounds good to say locals, locals but we are not dependable in the work market. We complain the money is never big enuff we not doing the and we not doing that and people with small or even big business can't move faword with employees like that one more we want to go late and leave early. At the same time some employers dose get out of pace that's y they like to trap exats with work permits
    • smh! (08/01/2015, 22:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      that's the private sector! Same thing happening in the civil service as it relatess to us VIslanders. Also, wonder how many expats working in civil service and statutory boards just to avoid work permit process and be exempt? TB, Dept. of Waste Management, RVIPF, HSA, Ports for examples.
  • west end police officer (08/01/2015, 21:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    These government people are ignoring the massive increase in crimes after 2011 due to lack of JOBS for all not just locals
  • boy geroge (08/01/2015, 21:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hard times in the BVI is but one element; another common thread is disenchanted, confused, unemployed (or underemployed) young men (and some women) with no hope for the future.
  • school children (08/01/2015, 22:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I recall the campaign speeches from myron run in 2011, and thinking how can someone so mildly informed or competent become a minister?
  • ABC (08/01/2015, 23:03) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    What is disgusting about this is, believe it or not, some ninety percent of the permits issued during 2014 were issued with a waver; NO FEES COLLECTED !! The Cuban Minister couldn't care less. All he cares about is to spend his week ends at Oil Nut Bay. Doc where are you.
  • Str8Nose (08/01/2015, 23:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the revenue dollar amount for those ten thousand work permits?
    • . (12/01/2015, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean to suggest that we are reduced to selling BVI work permits like some kind of cash crop? Our largest export?
  • kids (09/01/2015, 01:18) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sorry locals u all need go overseas for work
    Friend of mine told he went looking for in minister business place and local yes and minister say he dont have anything and that same minister before election told him to come to him now he minister telling ppl lies he better remember his place was empty dance floor and it could come back again dont play high
  • wize up (09/01/2015, 01:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need to educate our pople to fill these post...see the jobs we continue to issue permits and put the steps in place to educate our people...permison to work and trade License needs to be revisited; we have documented workers that hold trade licenses conducting business from their homes(home offices) all documented works wishing to conduct business in BVI must employ locals not working from their house....leave the home-offices for the BV Islands who can not afford to pay these big rent.....trade licenses should not be granted to documented workers(talk that!!!!).......
  • Biggs (09/01/2015, 08:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    @ ABC you sure you write about that because if that's so the other 10% need to get back there money and we need our Cuban to be on the job that we give him @$$% waist of vote chooops

  • SMH!!! (09/01/2015, 08:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    JOBS HAVE BEEN AVAILIBLE TO THE LOALS, BUT SOME OF THEM DONT WANT THEM DUE TO THE TYPE OF JOB IT IS. SO THATS WHY PERMITS ARE GIVEN OUT TO DOES WHO DO WANT IT. MAN YOU JUST CANT PLEASE PEOPLE.
    • To smh (09/01/2015, 09:39) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
      Shut u r@ss
      Locals r not stupid. Employers want to make poppy show out of to many locals hiring whites and blacks with same experience and qualifications but paying one triple money.
      Then unskilled locals are expected to accept condescension racism bullying scarcism and direct and indirect discrimination as the order of the day no matter their good intentions. BVI landers are a proud people and the problem is that employers want us to act like the well groomed yard and house niggers that are prevalent in other caribbean and asian cultures.
      There are many things that make BVI unique our people cherished dignity is one of them. We just are not bred to tolerate crap yet employers are on a campaign to break us.
      • Online Now (09/01/2015, 10:51) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
        You sound like the chip on your shoulder is the thing preventing you from moving forward!
      • To: To smh (12/01/2015, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I am a white expat and I couldn't agree more! The discrimination and bullying are rampant.
  • shaqe (09/01/2015, 20:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good question, who to blame for the BVI unemployment?
  • my story (09/01/2015, 20:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is obviously many reasons why expatriates are being hired over locals and other Caribbean Countries. We ourselves have allowed that to happen because (1) We never look out for each other like they do, and yes we could work on our attitude much better instead of displaying anger at the reception desk. However, we must remember too that the foreigner will go to extreme lengths, and they do what ever they can to prove they are right for the job. If we then cannot be competitive, then be prepared to loose it. Some may not agree to hear these comments, but that is the way I see it.
  • ?? (09/01/2015, 22:54) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ms Rhymer I won't have told that. Bad bad reflection that your dept would go ahead and process these applications without first ensuring that nationals were given employment. Where is Engoland?
    • Congo. (12/01/2015, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      What England got to do with this? She can't manage the Muslims who planning on terrorizing her, she got time with these field slaves. Let England go sid down. Who is she anyway -- keeper of plantations? We aint forget.
  • Tolian (10/01/2015, 09:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them island ppl willing to accept being treated like slaves and having these business owners talk to them like dogs.........
  • Waste time (10/01/2015, 15:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on people may be all of you writing blogs here have little or no sense at all. First of all the politicians know that the can control you by saying nice things to you to get your vote after the get your vote the go back to the same old routine. They know that locals don't need a work permit that is money being lost, by giving a person a work permit that is money coming into the treasury. Now that person have to pay tax more money coming in the treasury, some locals who have jobs don't pay tax remember these politicians know exactly what the are doing is no mistake everything is planed out. Wake up people every year will be the same cry.
  • Yes (11/01/2015, 16:43) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    I didn't finish high school, my attitude stinks, i hav bad work ethic as employment is my right-i am a round peg in a square hole but u better b glad to have me, as I hold a BH-Born Here...
    #tingtotalk
  • Lady Love (12/01/2015, 12:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is why I got my child overseas. If Tortola isnt working out he can go to UK or USA.
  • Hmph (12/01/2015, 18:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOCALS REMAIN JOBLESS BECAUSE DEM TOO LAZY


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