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BVIHSA employees feel tricked

-They were given 3% cost of living increase & are required to pay 3.5% to compulsory pension plan
Pockets of BVIHSA’s workers were gathered at lunch venues and at their various places of work all discussing what they said is a ‘hot spoon in their mouths’. They were referring to the 3% ‘Cost of living’ increase they were given starting yesterday’s payroll and the newly instituted pension plan of 3.5% that goes into effect at the end of April 2014. Photo: VINO/File
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Bishop John I. Cline in an exclusive interview recently with Virgin Islands News Online said that the ‘Cost of living increase’ that employees of would be getting will be less than previously enjoyed increments but he did not speak of the pending pension plan. Photo: VINO/File
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Bishop John I. Cline in an exclusive interview recently with Virgin Islands News Online said that the ‘Cost of living increase’ that employees of would be getting will be less than previously enjoyed increments but he did not speak of the pending pension plan. Photo: VINO/File
Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHA Ms Darlene Carty-Baptiste had also informed this news site about the new scheme but at no point was the pension plan mentioned. She had also committed to having an in-depth interview with this news site to discuss pertinent strides in the BVIHSA but this never came to fruition. Photo: VINO/file
Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHA Ms Darlene Carty-Baptiste had also informed this news site about the new scheme but at no point was the pension plan mentioned. She had also committed to having an in-depth interview with this news site to discuss pertinent strides in the BVIHSA but this never came to fruition. Photo: VINO/file
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “First the Minister lied to us, the CEO had to cover his lies and she also further lied to us, the Director come with his sugar coat to VINO and try to polish things but he didn’t tell yall all the truth so he lied too,” said one of several obviously perturbed employees of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).

Pockets of BVIHSA’s workers were gathered at lunch venues and at their various places of work all discussing what they said was a ‘hot spoon in their mouths’. They were referring to the 3% ‘Cost of Living’ increase they were given starting at yesterday’s payroll (April 15, 2014) and the newly instituted pension plan of 3.5% that goes into effect at the end of April 2014.

The cost of living increase replaced the customary increment that they once enjoyed but have not had for some number of years.

“This is nothing but a trick. That what they did was nothing but a clear attempt to trick us and that hurts us very much,” one staff expressed. The workers who cannot be named for obvious reasons said that they were told of the new compulsory pension plan at a recent meeting and were subsequently served letters to solidify.

“It’s like they give you a piece of bread crumb on a platter and before you could put it to your mouth to eat it they scramble it back and then pull out a teeth from your mouth at the same time,” said an angry worker.

They said that the new pension plan is across the board and even permanent and pensionable employees are required to make the 3.5% contribution. “This is the worse I have ever experienced in the management of this health services, I have been here for 30 odd years and this is the worse season ever,” said a senior staff.

“We are health workers and very soon the premier will have to leave that office and come and nurse us because we are all going to fall down with high blood pressure one day,” said another who added, “These people making these decisions have their bread well buttered, their children having the high life showing off on our kids, they sleeping in cold rooms, walking on posh carpet and eating the finest food, going to the gala event enjoying the best of the world and its all off our backs and this is not fair.”

They said that while they were aware that there is no way out other than to leave the job, they cannot, given, “these are hard guava seasons and they know that but we just want the rest of the world to know what is going on here with us. They trying to muzzle the press but thanks VINO for listening to us, we know they would want to come on here and trying to sugar up things but this is the raw facts that we telling you.”

The workers were even more hurt as they claimed that they are never celebrated as playing a pivotal role in the survival of the Territory. “You hear about this 100k for teacher awards, this and that gala for teacher, this and that for everybody except us, you know how that feels?” asked a very emotional worker.

Another said, “What you hear is they giving us this training for upgrading their standards of work, for better care for patients but they forget that we are human with flesh too and heaven forbid one day we will all end up in a sorry state and they will see who will care for who. We are some of the most unhappy [people] in the BVI workforce and that’s a fact.”

48 Responses to “BVIHSA employees feel tricked”

  • lmao (16/04/2014, 09:25) Like (9) Dislike (17) Reply
    So pension should be FREE? WTF?? If you don't want the pension then refuse it.
    • tretretrete (16/04/2014, 11:06) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Obviously your level of reasoning and picking sense out of nonsense is rather troubling. All the workers or saying that with a 3% increase on salary! then a 3.5% on compulsory pension, simply means that they will still have to pay .5% out of there previous salary before they got the 3% increase. That's just a trick.
    • l (16/04/2014, 11:27) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      You're missing the point.
    • manditory! (16/04/2014, 11:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      its manditory
    • @lmao (16/04/2014, 22:52) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      They better thank God they have a job...they could have gotten sent home
  • Private Sector (16/04/2014, 09:28) Like (3) Dislike (21) Reply
    Solution: send these BVIHSA workers home
  • be thankful (16/04/2014, 09:31) Like (30) Dislike (12) Reply
    BVIHSA employees, I would suggest that you be thankful. Many are without jobs today and many more will be. Your contribution to the pension scheme has a long term implication to it. You get your 3% increase and wish to put it in another man's pocket, rent, clothes, frivolous expenditure that is today here and today gone? At least the Authority gave you an increase to cover the contribution. You ever saw it that way? If you think you are not getting enough on that job, find another job nuh, one without your future at heart. I am in no way against you employees but sometimes we really need to see the much bigger picture of things. Think about it. In 10+ years from now you will be so glad for the scheme.
    • 10+ years?? (16/04/2014, 11:49) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      cant u see we dying fast these days.... who say half of them working there going to be living in 10+ years??
  • Really Now (16/04/2014, 09:32) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    And i almost left my Govenrment job to transfer to this BVIHSA thnking under new management and the BIG hospital, things would have been "greener". Thank God me never leff me job sah........
  • virgin gorda (16/04/2014, 09:33) Like (7) Dislike (16) Reply
    Ayo voted ndp so tek dat
    • That's right (16/04/2014, 19:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      That's right and we Are going to do it again. What did you vote for? Non-representation? That's what you get.
    • vG angry (16/04/2014, 20:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      You vote VIP what did your Dum a$$ got nothing for 40years land cleared for hospital every 4yrs dum hush
  • Good guy (16/04/2014, 09:56) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have nothing against idea of employees contributing towards their pension. It is a common practice worldwide. Now what I do have a problem with is giving the 3% increase and at the same time deducting the 3.5% pension contribution all in the one stroke. At least you could have let the staff enjoy their 3% increase and then implement the pension contribution at a later stage. Maybe even beginning the new fiscal year 2015. Jus saying. Oc course the employees will feel betrayed. Its like they cant even feel their 3% increase.
    • chad (17/04/2014, 13:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's that better than taking the 3.5% and giving you nothing! the things tola people does dramatize is amazing.
  • yes/no (16/04/2014, 10:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only thing worst than having a job that doesn't meet your basic needs, is having no job!!!!!!
    Is the 3.5% increase needed/ justified to meet todays increase cost of living, if so I understand why they are upset. The rich may claim that they earn what they make but in all honesty no man is an island and the rich should be ok with giving up their 10th pair of shoes so the poor man can have one!!!!!
  • yes'yes (16/04/2014, 10:40) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    Get rid of Cline
    He better off at the Church NDP must gooooo.
  • Perishing People (16/04/2014, 11:02) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    “We are health workers and very soon the premier will have to leave that office and come and nurse us because we are all going to fall down with high blood pressure one day,” said another who added, “These people making these decisions have their bread well buttered, their children having the high life showing off on our kids, they sleeping in cold rooms, walking on posh carpet and eating the finest food, going to the gala event enjoying the best of the world and its all off our backs and this is not fair.”
    • nan (16/04/2014, 20:10) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      What some of them pay for gala event tickets could feed my and my children for 2 weeks. Every time I see them in the paper wearing their fine clothes with food and drink everywhere, and how much they probably throw out, I CRY.
  • enough (16/04/2014, 11:18) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am flawed when I read these things. I mean people want everything for free. A bunch of ungrateful people. First Andrew saying you all going to kill him or his district people because treatment bad. You ain't call vino to defend your service yet. You want increase you get increase, and now they also giving pension so after your 30 odd years of employment you will have check to get, you still complaining. No one is forcing any of you to work. You are free to leave any job. GEEZZ. Public workers can complain boy. They never want to go to private sector because they know the crap they pull will not be put up with there. I mean really, you mad because you have to contribute to your pension scheme. Even government can’t afford that any more with other 3000 employees. Do the math. Then again, I guess you think the 8% tax pays for roads, college, school, health, sewerage, retirement, lol. We are so blessed in this little country you all need to visit other places for real to get a reality check.
  • To The Board, BVHSA (16/04/2014, 11:25) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Please give them back their money. To have a pension should be the employees' choice. Those who want to join, let them join.
  • Str8Nose (16/04/2014, 12:05) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    People, a pension plan is always necessary for the future sustainabilty of life. The Governments of the today still have not introduced one for the Civil Servants. Please, make this a realtiy for the Civil Service, don't mind the foolish few that would threaten to not vote for you if its introduced. The majority would gladly appreciated your interest in their future.
  • Spy (16/04/2014, 12:14) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Haiti mentality,where or leaders doing well and others catching hell.A change must come,high blood pressure kills.......Will it take and earth quake to pull us together,lets just wait and see........
  • Well (16/04/2014, 12:46) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Having a pension plan is now mandatory .... We all have to contribute. I have to at my job. In the end it will benefit me. the way it was done was not right but at least they only paying .5%. I have to pay all of it. Sometimes we make noise about the things we should be thankful for.
  • Just saying (16/04/2014, 12:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we might to contract out the running of this BVIHSA the a Washington base institution.
  • ! (16/04/2014, 14:11) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    London Bridge is falling down
  • voter (16/04/2014, 15:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cline's promises are comfort to a fool

    Is a mandatory pension plan legal according to the Labor Code? Certainly if there is a voluntary agreement between employee and employer but mandatory?

    http://www.bvigazette.org/extrafile/G00307_Labour%20Code%20Act,%202010.pdf
  • hm (16/04/2014, 15:19) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    I could be wrong but sounds like a bunch of children whining to me.
    • ooooo (16/04/2014, 17:55) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Or maybe its just one person whining. Making it sound like its the whole staff. Or maybe its one person not even working at the hospital. Who really knows?
  • Out of the Box??? (16/04/2014, 15:32) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I understand that some employees might be frustrated as they were looking forward to the 3% increase to spend now. However, if they take a more holistic approach, they will see that they did not lose anything as the 3.5% is simple placed in a retirement savings for their own use at a later date. Think of it as taking the 3% increase and adding .5% to a savings account at one of the local banks for a rainy day. Additionally, I am sure the Health Services Auth. is providing some level of matching funds--which when added together with the 3.5%, is a great benefit to the employees. ITS STILL THEIR FUNDS!!!!
  • Understand what is said (16/04/2014, 17:02) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please understand what is being said. The employees at the BVIHSA have not had a increment for years. At government we have gotten ours until 2014 even if it was half in past years, at least we got something. These folks are saying that they havent gotten anything for years, then when promised a 3%, they felt happy only to have that happiness shortlived, caused the next day you say I have to give it back plus .5% extra. At least they should have had the experience of spending that 3% or saving that 3% for themselves for a few months, but I get it today and in the next 15 days, I have to give it back plus .5%. We all contribute to our pensio fund but I think it is the principle of the whole senario that has the employees unhappy. If I am told I am getting a 3% increase, and havent had any increase in the last 3-4 years, I might have identified some home improvements or a bill that I can pay off quicker than I anticipated seeing that NHI deductions are on the way to be deducted from the same salary.

    Cut the folks some slack. The principal of the senario hurts or have we forgotten how to live by principles in the BVI?
    • I agree (16/04/2014, 20:25) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Instead of a 3% raise they have actually been given a .5% pay cut. A pension is good yes but my goodness let the people enjoy their raise a bit. I think this was a low blow to the employees of the BVIHSA. Implementation of the pension could of waited until 2015 for starters. There are people working there whose salaries are not big at all any any cut in pay will be detrimental. Why not set the pension at a 3% flat contribution? This 3.5% pension is like throwing salt on a festering wound. Management seems to be clearly sending the message of "we care about you :-) but we really don't care if you work yourself to death ;-)"
  • when (16/04/2014, 17:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The premiere said that they are running out of money to pay the pensioners. I think that when the law put in place for pension under labour. The government departments should have already had pensions taken out of the salaries for everyone. It was very suicidal to believe that the government and future would have to come up with money to pay people their pension.
  • Boo (16/04/2014, 18:12) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    the Cline giveth and the Cline taketh away, glory be to Cline
  • tretretrete (17/04/2014, 06:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    You want me tell y'all the problem with BVI people they always expect money QUICK never want to wait things out y'all always blaming some government or individual what about if y'all get up off ya backside and get a degree most of y'all don't have and I'm not saying this to bash anyone the college is free make use of it BVIlanders expat there are many online courses which are cheap to get your game up as well stop expecting them to give y'all things YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS YOUR SELF stop looking quick pay and have paitence of y'all vote out NDP put on VIP they have make sure the country is getting money to pay y'all the same money y'all want and do ANY OF YOU INVEST YOUR MONEY BACK INTO THE BVI NOOOOO ITS ALWAYS SPENT ELSE WHERE SO QUIT THAT STUPID MENTALITY
    • voter (17/04/2014, 12:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Educations and experience requirements are excuses to keep people out of jobs in the BVI. Usually the person who gets the job has neither while the educated one gets to sit down
  • jtv (17/04/2014, 07:34) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Voters let's send a message next election ndp must go we returning to the vip
  • John clown (18/04/2014, 19:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was a done deal
  • small man (18/04/2014, 20:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This deserves more national attention and we the people of the BVI need to protest about this. The BVI is a democratic nation, and it's citizens have a say in the runnings of the country. It is almost like we are slaves to the government; nothing will be left from our paychecks!
  • 2015 (18/04/2014, 21:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A cruel and uncaring NDP Government


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