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No early Xmas payments for BVI Tourist Board staff

- Staff upset over the break in tradition to pay before Christmas
Staff of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) are furious that they will not be paid their salaries before Christmas. Photo: Internet Source
Director of the BVI Tourist Board Sharon Flax-Brutus. Photo: VINO/File
Director of the BVI Tourist Board Sharon Flax-Brutus. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- At least one government owned statutory body, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB), may not have a Merry Christmas 2016.

Most government statutory agencies, along with central government, pay their employees the week before Christmas, which represents the end of December payment.

No early Xmas payment for BVITB staff

This has been a tradition for years and many in the private sector also do the same. However, staff at the BVI Tourist Board was outraged on receiving an email dated December 19, 2016 advising that no early Christmas payment will be forthcoming this year.

The email sent to staff by the Director of Tourist Board Sharon Flax-Brutus told employees “the payroll will be available in your accounts by end of the day December 29, 2016.” In other words, there will be no early payments to facilitate Christmas.

Many of the staff members called in to our newsroom to complain and were upset over the sudden change in policy, however, could not go on record because of fear of victimisation. 

Mrs Flax-Mars could not be reached for a comment up to the time of publication.

Like all Government owned statutory corporations, there are two pay periods in line with the central government, the 15th and 30th of each month.

Many of the state-owned non-revenue generating Statutory Boards have faced severe financial hardship because their only or main source of revenue is government subversion.

Those agencies have faced cash flow difficulties as the central government is broke as a result of the reckless spending of the ruling National Democratic Party regime of Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith. This was confirmed by Governor John S. Duncan OBE.

49 Responses to “No early Xmas payments for BVI Tourist Board staff”

  • ccc (21/12/2016, 17:59) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh no
    • Scrooge (22/12/2016, 18:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Soon the bosses will claim NHI draining them or they're behind in payments. And as a result, there will be no overtime, early pay or bonuses this year. WAIT for it.
  • Just saying (21/12/2016, 18:18) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well go by thoes who are not hand to mouth for a xmas gift or milk
  • tola (21/12/2016, 18:40) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Well well that what you all get to vote NDp we have to suffer
  • why these people wicked so? (21/12/2016, 18:43) Like (36) Dislike (5) Reply
    St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Antigua, and possibly other Caribbean islands showing their people so much appreciation by paying their people early double-pay for christmas; and here we are - can't even pay the staff one measly early "X" for the masses pay.
    • st. thomas (21/12/2016, 19:52) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      And to top that, our tax checks will be mailed out Thursday. BVI is the real grinch or Mr. Scrooge this Xmas.
      • Hear Ye (22/12/2016, 14:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Someone please tell me why the BVI does not have a TAX REFUND set up
        • BJ (22/12/2016, 16:29) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          Do you pay taxes on the first $10,000 that you earn? Hint! Hint! You can't have it both ways.
    • @How these people get so wicked F--up de place so badly. (22/12/2016, 06:06) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why these people so wicked. I have to agree. I won't say they are wicked because they are wicked because NDP is my Party and most of them and me get along.. What I will say for dedicated people they are very disappointing.. I understand the greed and mis management of our money because they are not hand to mouth. We use to get a break on electricity in December under VIP. Not even that.. I'm comfortable voting VIP now fahiw is the leader..
    • Hmmmm (22/12/2016, 07:20) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      They could damn well pay the staff; too much bloody bad mind in this place. Why every govt offie and agency could get paid and their staff? That's a damn shame if I've ever seen one and especially if its decades long of a practice.
  • scared!!! (21/12/2016, 18:57) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is really scary. How did we get from being one of , if not the most properous place in the Caribbean to just making ends meet? It is true the world's is going through an economical drought but some countries are slowly recovering some enough to offer civil servants an increase un salaries. To be honest i am event asking for that. Just to know that muy children could enjoy the quality of life de had will be reasuring. God, i am scared!!!
  • The Country Broke (21/12/2016, 19:10) Like (11) Dislike (20) Reply
    Tourist Board employees need to spend their money responsibly. Why should SOME employees receive special treatment because they are hanging their hat where their hand cant reach it. They better be glad they getting paid a day early and not have to experience what the college employees have had to endure.
    • Fortyandabeer (21/12/2016, 20:31) Like (22) Dislike (17) Reply
      ... I must be drunk reading this mess. These people are crazy. Wanting to get pay before they work for it. Look on the bright side. Maybe she is saving them from themselves. I agree they need to manage their money more responsibly.
    • please (21/12/2016, 20:39) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
      U need to shut the F up not everyone have it like u some off live pay check to pay is not cost that the life we choose is just how it is so buy getting a early check just Mike put a smile on a child face ... and that mean a lot to people on like u ........ the country broke
      • Teach-a-child-to-fish (21/12/2016, 21:29) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
        ...you rather buy a gift than "teach" your child how to Manage money? You rather sleep on the streets come January because you done spend all the money on material things? You can make a gift together or spend time with them ... let's start there....WOW!!!!!

        BTW: It's not about how much you have. It's about living within your means.

        • Really??!! (22/12/2016, 11:32) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          A lot of people try to live within their means but some people paychecks can't even afford that, so what you talking!! Before some people get their paycheck, it done!! Some people work two jobs just to make ends meet. Who say they need money to buy material things, maybe for some, but some people just need to eat!!
          • insider (22/12/2016, 13:02) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
            Tourist Board employees are paid very well. Some of them too damn greedy and others want to keep up with the Jones
      • Listen to this (24/12/2016, 17:50) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ Please You need to shut up. All yuh want to hang your basket where you can't reach. If you ain't have money to buy Christmas present and fancy furniture etc Just for Christmas you leave them alone. Talking about putting smile on children's face.
  • mf (21/12/2016, 19:38) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    It will take at least another twenty (20) years for us structurly to come out of the finacial mess the NDP left us in trust me
  • Disapora (21/12/2016, 19:44) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    NDP people are now in there so their supporters want to be paid.
  • myrun (21/12/2016, 20:05) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    I think Dr. Smith should be left in peace to retire.
  • staff (21/12/2016, 20:17) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    We will not accepted the Board's explanation.
    • Staff too (22/12/2016, 10:59) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      .....You do not speak for the me! if its the 29th, its the 29th....No problem here.
      • Also Staff (23/12/2016, 13:08) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        I'm in full agreement with 'Staff too'. 'Staff', you do not speak for me either.

        1) The email sent to staff by the Director of Tourist Board Sharon Flax-Brutus told employees “the payroll will be available in your accounts by end of the day December 29, 2016.” - Why this is an issue is beyond me. Why would any of us seek to receive payment for work not yet conducted? Yes, it may have been tradition to have been paid earlier (in the past) BUT, that was a privilege, not a RIGHT. Why would we seek payment for that which we are not entitled for or to? If you don't understand that concept, let me paint a scenario. Twenty staff members get paid ALL of their salary for the month of December on the 15th. Three staff members decide to 'quit' December 18th. But wait, they were already PAID until December 31st! What is the next re-course for the organization? Ok, so you don't care about what the next recourse is for the organization....(presumably), let's address how 'fair' that is to the TAX PAYER'S!! We must learn to cease and desist from the 'me' only mentality and seek to understand the FULL matter first before judgement. Might I suggest even examining personal prejudices and determining if they (personal prejudices) are valid?

        The news article went on to say: "In other words, there will be no early payments to facilitate Christmas." On the contrary, early payments have nothing to do with 'facilitating Christmas'. Perhaps as a society we've lost our compass to determine our 'true north'. Have we fallen this far as a society that we no longer celebrate the true meaning and reason for Christmas? Long gone seem the days of being 'our brother's keeper' and giving a hand to our fellow men. A genuine smile, a cup of cold water, a listening ear to our fellow men goes further than money. Even purposing to think the best of our fellow brothers and sisters goes a longer way than money. I mention that because some have used this forum to bash the FC. What are you to gain from doing so? Are you aware of the ENTIRE matter or have you heard, listened to, gossiped about a 'snipet' of information you deem to be true? But is it really true? Geography determines NOT a person's productivity. I challenge each of us to recalibrate our thought processes and THINK, EXPECT and SEE better in EACH of us, regardless of station, post or title.

        If we are truly ONE BVI, then let's be just that. Merry Christmas to ALL and a Prosperous, (in EVERY area of life) to my fellow co-workers and fellow BVIslanders.
  • Political Observer (PO) (21/12/2016, 20:27) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why are non-revenue generating functions statutory bodies if they cannot support themselves and have to be supported by taxpayers? Did not the Attorney General say that statutory bodies are not part of government? A tiny dot in the Caribbean Sea with so many statutory bodies. What value are they adding by being statutory bodies? They all should be under central government and led by a department head. They can still have their advisory boards. Membership on board should be voluntary and without compensation. Would there be the same level of interest?

    Scared asked was not the BVI one of the most prosperous countries in the region and how is it now so hand to mouth? The major contributing factor is poor leadership, mismanagement of resources, poor oversight, misguided attitude that the economic window of opportunity would always be there......etc. Thus, we mismanage the oppprtunity. The tide has turned and we are at the ebb for the flow is long gone. In any event, we pretended we were bigger than we were; were are poor boasting. In regards to wealth, the BVI is a have not nation and is poor. Many of my countrymen will assail me for talking out loud. Just keeping it real. By the way, employees should be glad they still have a job. If the worst they are experiencing is getting paid on time, tings good. Offer thanks and praise to the Father. You are blessed.
  • chad (21/12/2016, 20:47) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    Employees were already paid on the 15th. Next pay check is due on December 30. Come January you want an advance too!!! Vendors have to get paid too!! It's not all about you the employees
  • confused (22/12/2016, 00:04) Like (19) Dislike (9) Reply
    They got paid on the 15th of the month and complaining because they ain't get paid in advance for work they have yet to complete? What about us who only gets paid once a month? You don't see us complaining. I'm not a fan of NDP but you people look for every reason to bash the government. Were y'all smart with your money, you wouldn't be broke after getting paid at the end of November and the middle of December. The middle of the month was 1week ago. You guys need to be more responsible with your money and spending. At least you don't have to wait until the 30th to be paid any form of money for the month.
    -Management
    • Wendy (22/12/2016, 04:29) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      These empty vessels of humanity deserve a Payless payday or two
      . Over the years,consider the amount of bank interest the Gov has forfeited by paying them a week early. No blogging and hoopla for joy did we hear.
  • Jack B Nimble. (22/12/2016, 06:10) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bob Marley Always talk about educated fools. Now I know. I am experiencing it. These people are so disappointing. NDP is my Party. I'm really comfortable switching to VIP with Fahie as leader.. Imaging two more years. Wow. Mr. Governor we need help.
  • Rasta will never do what these Christian people doing to us. (22/12/2016, 07:09) Like (54) Dislike (3) Reply
    All these people in government profess to be Christian. As a matter a fact most Politicians profess to be Christians. Look how they treat their people. Can somebody tell me what's good about Being a Christian.. Rasta will never ttreat people and people's money with such disrespect.. Again I say to the people turn to Selassie I . Try Selassie I. I did that I found peace and comfort and a heart fill with love. Nothing fake.
  • Nice (22/12/2016, 10:04) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Look at it this way, a lot will be broke after this weekend and will be waiting after the new year to get that money, TB staff will go into the new year with some funds in their pocket and the rest of us begging to eat.
    Okay, so I might be wrong for that, but this department kills the government pocket more than any other. All i see is out dated marketing tacktics, airlines and hotelier in the BVI are doing a better job marketing the BVI than them. Social media is the new age, tell me why they have staff operating in major cities around the world. Bring them back home from spending all our taxs money keeping them afloat. Paying their, rent and travel expenses. Why? We have to delvelope a new marketing scheme that will make the BVI unlike any other destination, everything now is dying. But they seem to still be spending big!
  • $$$ (22/12/2016, 10:30) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    I bet the board members get their stipping early!
    The 'executives' don't mind pulling this last minute stunt since their salaries Big And their allowances bigger and whatever bonus they managed to tie into their contracts keeps them well good. Their FC up in NY getting extra $1500 a month...that's what we need to discuss. Fraser raise it HOA, tax payers paying attention! If she want to live it up there shouldn't be at tax payers expense! Who sends a comptroller to manage a sales team- no wonder that office still can't function right. Had a big marketing consultant paying yet still paying to house a finance person to pretend they know tourism and sales. What a joke!
    • TheFC (22/12/2016, 12:20) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
      Keep the Jealousy coming boy. Her shoulders are strong enough to shake off.

      Allowances for most Board employees are nothing new ... You all don't complain as loud because the rest of them are your friends and don't have the guts to tell you "no" when a "no" is deserved.

      But that's okay, she's living her life open and accountable. Be careful what you wish for because when it is all said and done, she is happy and wishing the same for you!
  • new blood (22/12/2016, 11:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You wanted "new blood" and look how they have you up in media!! You get worthless blood but that good for ayo bad blooded leaders
  • Do they get bonuses? (22/12/2016, 14:45) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Or are they like BVIEC and don't pay that either.
  • PA (22/12/2016, 16:05) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    They're not the only one. Port not paying either. Also, no increment for 2017
  • Problems in the work place ? (22/12/2016, 16:19) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    There seems to be issues at tourist board beyond
    getting payment , looks like it's
    full of internal conflict. Perhaps if the staff had
    opportunities to voice concerns and dialogue with management they wouldn't voice to the media.
    Leaders pay attention , if all was well your laundry wouldn't be aired for all to view. if it was always a courtesy to pay advanced before Xmas you should continue or given notifications a couple weeks in advance at the least . This is just fair to your staff and especially during the season.
  • concern (22/12/2016, 21:02) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yep the FC should not be in NY living a big life style, you call that wasted money. Most Tourist Board employees get paid to do nothing, while some are over worked because of that idiot in NY. The HR Manager don't call certain people for jobs that they are qualified for, of the fear of losing her job. Tourist Board needs to be cleaned out, and the Premier is not doing anything about it. Get rid of the NDP and run this government correctly. Someone really needs to tell that lady to come home out of NY, it dont make any sense!
  • Lp gas (24/12/2016, 21:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Did anyone listen to the Premier response to Frazer in the last hoa? About why the FC is in New York? What a load of nonsense the Premier mumbled. He didn't appear to even believe the crap he was reading. The prepared statement from the Director. NDP must go.

    • Get on with your life (26/12/2016, 08:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ...it's like you spend every waking moment with the FC on your mind! That's called obsession!!! That's not healthy....
    • @LP Gas (26/12/2016, 09:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Do you think Fraser came up with that question all on his own? Interesting that YOU were sitting by waiting for the answer!!! Since it wasn't what you want to hear, it's BS... Lol!!

      Notice how you stop saying she's in School? Oops, that WAS you????

      Perhaps she needs to start dropping dimes...ting to talk.

      Let's get the information to the people!!!


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