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Retired nurses want to go back to work- Hon Fraser

- calls for law to allow them to return on a contractual basis
Opposition legislator Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) is calling for a clause in the Nurses and Midwives Act 2020, that would enable retired nurses to be allowed to work on a contractual basis in the Territory. Photo: Internet Source
Third District Representative and Opposition Member, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has implored the Government of the Virgin Islands to train and finance locals to become nurses. Photo: VINO/File
Third District Representative and Opposition Member, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has implored the Government of the Virgin Islands to train and finance locals to become nurses. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Opposition legislator Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) is calling for a clause in the Nurses and Midwives Act 2020, that would enable retired nurses to be allowed to work on a contractual basis in the Territory.

Speaking during the Fourteenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on Thursday, September 25, 2020, Honourable Fraser said this is one of the top complaints from retired nurses.

“I see we have some local nurses who have attained retirement age and they have retired. There is a misconception about retirement that not too many people have come to grips with. Unfortunately, by the time you come to grips with it, it’s too late. Everyone work for years and they always talk about, ‘I’m going to retire soon’ but let me tell you something about retirement, when you retire you better make sure that you have some money, and I don’t mean spending change, I mean real money because it would be gone in a flash and you would be needing money very soon thereafter,” he said.

Hon Fraser continued that he would like to see a clause enshrined in the legislation that protects nurses beyond their retirement age.

He said that clause should read: “Any individual who wishes, subsequent to their retirement age, to continue the profession of nursing, shall be allowed to do so on a contractual basis.”

The veteran legislator says he is aware "we got people around and they walking around, and they complain to me invariably every chance they get that they would like to go back to work, 'but they say I am retired.'"

Train locals

In the same breath, the Third District Representative implored the government to train and finance locals to become nurses.

He explained: “Because you can’t loose! If you send a person off to study nursing, you got 20, no less than 30 years of service coming back to you. If you educate a local person for a job, there is no question that the Territory will benefit significantly more than it does when you have to bring someone in,” he said.

He further said with locals trained the earnings of the individuals would be reinvested in your economy.

"It’s a no brainer, its simple common sense. I am talking about the future of health care in the Territory. I am talking about the future for nursing in the Territory,” Honourable Fraser said.

Meanwhile, the Nurses and Midwives Act 2020, received its Second and Third Readings and is now in Committee.

The House of Assembly sitting resumes Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

20 Responses to “Retired nurses want to go back to work- Hon Fraser”

  • Virgin Islander (25/09/2020, 08:32) Like (14) Dislike (18) Reply
    I support this 100% first off bring back sister Pemberton she was an excellent nurse I had her as a child to adult she was good
  • No (25/09/2020, 08:32) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    Open a nursing school, let them work there .
  • my thoughts (25/09/2020, 09:11) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    MAY SURE THEY ARE UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST IN THEIR FIELD
  • GG (25/09/2020, 09:19) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    When Government invest in sending them to study Nursing they don't come back to pay the dues to the territory and the country.
  • Lilly (25/09/2020, 09:22) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is it being proposed that the retirement age be changed again? we cannot segregate and say bring back retired nurses only. What about teachers, doctors etc. All retirees who wish to work can do so.
    • Norris Turnbull (26/09/2020, 07:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Got retired immigration surveillance officers they will never bring back because they are NOT Corrupt. They appoint who they can control.
  • pat (25/09/2020, 09:50) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Fraser is the man he speak the things we the people want to hear clap clap clap
  • NB (25/09/2020, 09:51) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
    Mr. Fraser, reality is how many local are interested in that field and if they are, do you really think they will want to work here? Also, you fellow locals will not want to be cared for by another local. They are not confidential. People business will be all over the street.
    • @NB (25/09/2020, 21:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most in that field are not from the BVI and people business are still all over the street. From observation they are no more confidential than locals.



    • @NB (25/09/2020, 21:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most in that field are not from the BVI and people business are still all over the street. From observation they are no more confidential than locals.



  • fraser to the rescue (25/09/2020, 11:37) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is exactly why we need experience people in the house
  • JYD (25/09/2020, 11:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    great idea but first some of the stumbling block is when the nurse retires at the top of their game and pay when them want to come back the employers want to pay them at a low starting salary as if you now leave nursing school or lowest pay scale and that why some not wanting to come back
    but first question how long is a considered a broken service before you can rejoin your work to have a continuous work service
  • Ghost (25/09/2020, 12:39) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sounds great!.. however some current nurses need to “up their game” for they don’t keep abreast of current trends in health care and at times they give out outdated information.. Also, the salary for RNs need to be improved..when Gov’t hire health care workers on contract from overseas, they compensate them with good salaries and additional benefits, why can’t locals receive some of these same benefits?...I remember when the salaries of BVIHSA were all exposed for the world to see, it amazed me the difference in pay for locals and expats doing the same job..Thank God for that exposure; it forced the tide to change..a lot of the times nurses etc stay and work in the US it’s because the salary here is not enough and cost of living in BVI is so high..This high cost of living need to be looked into. But Great idea Hon. Frazer..
  • Concerned! (25/09/2020, 12:47) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think the retirement age for BVI govt should be put back to 62 as optional, for all of those who wish to retire earlier than 65.
  • We in Trouble.. These waste of time (25/09/2020, 13:24) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why these politicians kept dodging the real issues and dont have the guts to ask the premier the tuff questions... These the question i was hoping to hear...1/ What makes opening the borders in December better than November,...2/ Whats the plans for reopening entry.....3/ Whats the status and plans for cruise ships arrival,,,,4/ Why 2000 people were deny stimulus....Deal with real kitchen table painful ssues.. not these distractions....Waste of time and tax payers money...
  • please (25/09/2020, 13:27) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let them stay where they at and enjoy their pension...Most of them attitude are so bad ...worst than the young ones... . I can tell you. I had many experience with a them...
  • How (25/09/2020, 13:49) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    They have served their time working, remember we have younger people coming up and government can not keep bringing back the retired ones. Space is limited in this hard time. There are locals who still looking for jobs.
  • trust (25/09/2020, 20:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    With all due respect I think she’s need go rest herself she did her time let’s give a next one a chance. And wonder why people don’t got experience to show that locals can work is people like them come on let’s be real go relax yourself now! U did your part
  • locals (29/09/2020, 04:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are many young trained and qualified locals whose applications are being turned down and have to go to the US to seek employment. While every day we import expats. Noboduy is addressing this issue. All we hear about is locals do not come back. There are those who want to come home but are refused employment.


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