Govt needs to understand need for human capital - Delma Maduro
In the case of RTW, so far for the year 2013 they have had 76 work permit renewals with a high percentage of those being for persons who would have been with RTW for a period of five to seven years. "From the 32 recruits that we would have had from the beginning of the year only nine of those required work permits which are an improvement in the ratio of persons not requiring work permits." This is according to Executive Chairman of Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd., Ms Delma Maduro.
"I cannot imagine that there are too many business in the Virgin Islands that do not have to interface with the Labour Department. Certainly a business the size of Road Town Wholesale with over 415 employees and with the level of sophisticated equipment and several new initiatives, coupled with the fact that the Virgin Islands local talent pool is insufficient, we must rely on a regular basis on the Labour Department for many different forms of work permits," said Mrs Maduro at the re-launch of the Employment Services Unit of the Labour Department of the Virgin Islands.
In addition to the full time permits which RTW require for normal staffing, they rely on the approval for temporary work permits. They are also dependent on other periodic work permits for phased projects like the building of their recently constructed state-of-the-art corporate offices.
RTW was pleased to announce that their record of applying for emergency work permits has been at an all-time minimum. “Let me hasten to say that with all the applications that we do put in for temporary, periodic and emergency permits, we would generally engage with on-island workforce as temporary hires or engage our own staff so that there would be a transfer of knowledge and skills when we have experts coming to work on various projects," said Ms Maduro.
Noting that while work permits may not be processed at the speed required by the applicants, Mrs Maduro said RTW has a healthy relationship with the Labour Department. "Yes some of our work permits applications and renewals may warrant closer scrutiny and it is the Department’s responsibility to verify things for themselves."
Ms Maduro also underscored the importance of the timely responses to applications so that matters can be dealt with swiftly as there are added un-budgeted costs to businesses if and when there are long delays. This she said gives credence to the importance of the Labour Department being adequately resourced and added that it is incumbent on businesses to be honest in their applications, "to give preference to qualified belongers of the Territory."
According to Ms Maduro, the re-launch of the Employment Services Unit of the Labour Department would create a more 'work ready' and a more focused help to better identify potential candidates for various positions among the workforce.
Touching a bit on the Youth Employment Register, Ms Maduro said that it provided some employment at RTW but what was noted was that most were timid and uncomfortable in the business setting. "There is no doubt that, that initiative can be strengthened and become sustainable through the Employment Services Unit." She hastened to suggest that the present National Democratic Party (NDP) government should have a better understanding of the human capital that is needed for the sustainable development of the Territory and to develop strategies to train and groom more nationals for positions that are in demand.
Ms Maduro also said that nationals have a responsibility to prepare themselves for the workplace in order to assume roles at various levels, from entry levels to that of senior ones. "I would like to urge my fellow Virgin Islanders not to assume that the job is yours, or just because you are a belonger, rather equip yourselves through initiatives, when you are hired, give it your best shot and do not give your superiors any reason to question your commitment, dedication and your efforts."
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21 Responses to “Govt needs to understand need for human capital - Delma Maduro”
I think government does actually understand the need for human capital. Sadly, it is the people who don't seem to understand the need for qualified labour or the role that our people SHOULD play within the territory's work force.
Not everyone is cut out to be a banker, government office worker, lawyer, accountant, engineer, hotel manager, etc. We need our people to fill the open slots for gas station attendant, waitress, chef, bartender, electrician, carpenter, roofer, salesperson, stockist, cashiers, truck driver, street sweeper, boat captain, rigger, mechanic, teacher, maintenance person, technicians and much, much more.
Our people need to realise that unless we fill these positions, we will have to import workers. It's as simple as that! There are thousands of work permits issued each year, but our people continue to complain that they can't find a job. What utter nonsense!
While my son and a few of his friends are off island pursuing higher education, a couple of his friends sit idly at home all day long doing NOTHING. They claim they can't find jobs. When asked if they applied for this job or that job that was advertised, they turn up their noses and say, me aint wukking fa no grocery store! Then they suck their teeth and walk away as if you just made a bad smell.
But if asked what job experience or special training they have ~ they have no answer. Clearly, they would rather be un employed than stoop to actually working for an honest day's pay.
Nobody starts at the top. Everyone has to pay their dues. Taking an entry level job can lead to a management position in a few years if you bring the right attitude and aptitude with you! But it takes TIME. Lying in bed all day then going out until all hours at night is not going to bring home the bacon.
I suspect at least one of my son's friends may have become involved with drugs. It makes me very sad. He is bright (and quite likeable) and until about a year ago, I would have thought he had a bright future ahead of him. As it is now, I would not be surprised if he lands himself in jail within the next couple of years. He is too entitled, too pompous and too full of himself. He thinks he is a big man. But he is just a kid who has no direction, is from a single parent home and believes he is too good to do what he considers menial work.
So go ahead my boy, complain about the lack of jobs while others rise to the top and make something of themselves through hard work and determination! I just hope you don't end up dead somewhere ~ but if you do, I will not be surprised. Though my son will be devastated.
You really need to take a good long look in the mirror before it is too late! I know you read these blogs so please take this advise for what it is worth and go get a job! ANY JOB! Taking an entry level job is not necessarily a permanent condition. It is just a stepping stone. There will be MANY stepping stones throughout your career and you have to start somewhere.
Conficous , see if you can help get these young boys some help, I am sure that you need to call in an intervention, see if Myron would listen to you, there is some thing he can do to motivate these young men to get themselves employ anywhere once it is legal.
Conficious I am serious, if you think I can help drop me a line. I will give a hand. It is wise to help because I don't know if one of these days, one of these young man might just become my son in law, you laught, but I am serious, I could talk to my girl children but they have to make up them mind, and these days I see is the boys them who playing bad, or spend time jail is the one seems attractive to these young girls. Lets do this thing conficious, lets get them motivated.
I hear you loud and clear. However, ambition cannot be cultivated into a "so-called grown man". You can't bend the tree when it is grown. Some folks have to learn the hard way. I agree with Confucius. These young men know it all; they are too smart for their own good. Remember the prodigal son did not come to his senses until he was in the the pig pen. Sometimes that's what it takes. Everyone don't grow or mature at the same rate. Just give them time.
to comeback and help the BVI and not just politically appoint friends and supporters both in the public and private sectors