The Labour Department will soon be known as the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Photo: VINO/File

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has disclosed that the Virgin Islands processed thousands of work permits just five months into 2019, which he said is a clear indication that the territory’s economy is on the move. Photo: VINO

This is according to the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), during the Fourth Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on June 3, 2019.

Honourable Wheatley said this is part of Government’s mandate to reform the department.

“Mr Speaker, this is not just a change in name, but also in function and focus. We have to do more to get our people not just back to work but participating at the highest levels that they are qualified for.”

Hon Wheatley also noted that a number of changes to the department are also in the making and that they are currently testing at least one new integrative imitative, which is expected to be rolled out fully very soon.

Economy on the move

Meanwhile Hon Wheatley disclosed that the Virgin Islands processed thousands of work permits just five months into 2019, which he said is a clear indication that the territory’s economy is on the move.

“Mr Speaker, do you know that for the first four months of this year 2019 we have issued almost one thousand new work permits and renewed over one thousand as well.”

Describing the numbers as “alarming”, the first time minister of government said, “It goes to show that the economy is on the move and we have to pay attention, for growth has implications.”