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VG resort workers laid-off for refusing to take COVID-19 jab

- Oil Nut Bay gives unvaccinated workers 90 days to get inoculated
At least two employees at the Oil Nut Bay resort on Virgin Gorda, Virgin Islands (VI) have been reportedly sent on a 90-day lay-off period, for not getting vaccinated for COVID-19 by an April 30, 2021, deadline, set by the company. Photo: Internet Source
Sources told VINO that the temporary lay-off period comes in keeping with an email circular sent to employees, by Oil Nut Bay Vice President Mr Daniel Reid at the beginning of April 2021.
Sources told VINO that the temporary lay-off period comes in keeping with an email circular sent to employees, by Oil Nut Bay Vice President Mr Daniel Reid at the beginning of April 2021.
When contacted, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley told VINO that while he received no reports of the lay-off, he said any such report would be sent directly to the Labour Department for handling ‘as they should be’. Photo: HoA/File
When contacted, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley told VINO that while he received no reports of the lay-off, he said any such report would be sent directly to the Labour Department for handling ‘as they should be’. Photo: HoA/File
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI – At least two employees at the Oil Nut Bay resort on Virgin Gorda, Virgin Islands (VI) have reportedly been sent on a 90-day lay-off period, for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19 by an April 30, 2021, deadline, set by the company.

Sources told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the temporary lay-off period is in keeping with an email circular sent to employees by Oil Nut Bay Vice President Mr Daniel Reid at the beginning of April 2021.

Employees warned to get vaccinated 

In the original letter seen by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Reid told employees that the resort was looking forward to all staff having completed their first COVID-19 vaccination by April 30, 2021.

Employees were also reportedly threatened that repercussions will come should they not get vaccinated, “The company will not be able to carry the liability for employees who choose not to be vaccinated after this date,” the VP went on to say.

Effective May 1, 2021, the company is said to have adjusted its schedule for those who have not been vaccinated 

When VINO contacted the resort, while some staff appeared shocked at the allegation of a layoff period, it was later confirmed that the company has started to temporarily send home employees in what it terms an effort to protect staff and guests from COVID-19.

While VP Mr Reid rejected calls from our newsroom, speaking on condition of anonymity, one resort worker told VINO that some guests have reportedly requested vaccinated workers only, as such, the company had ‘no choice’ than to do what is best, as it cannot run the risk of compromising the health and well-being of both guest and staff.

Company relying on section 135 of VI Labour Code 

Section 135 of the VI Labour Code, 2010 states, among other things, that: (1) An employer at any workplace including a construction site shall ensure that, (a) a safe, sound, healthy and secure working environment is provided as far as is reasonably practicable; (b) the measures and procedures prescribed by the Code and the Regulations are carried out; (c) every supervisor and every employee performing work complies with the Code and the Regulations; (d) every reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances for the protection of a worker; (e) reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances to protect the general public who comes into contact with the work site…”

When contacted, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) told VINO that while he received no reports of the lay-off, he said any such report would be sent directly to the Labour Department for handling ‘as they should be’.

Vaccination not mandatory but...

Government has not made vaccination mandatory in the Virgin Islands; however, it has repeatedly said businesses and customers will be left to determine who benefits in the 'new normal' as the unvaccinated may be deemed a risk to health and business.

So far, only 2034 persons are fully vaccinated in the Virgin Islands while 10, 462 have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine available free of cost.

64 Responses to “VG resort workers laid-off for refusing to take COVID-19 jab”

  • Rubber Duck (07/05/2021, 09:58) Like (198) Dislike (115) Reply
    Entirely correct. Every employer in the tourist industries will follow suit.

    No jab, no job.
  • lol (07/05/2021, 10:03) Like (132) Dislike (71) Reply
    Keep playing stupid and then act shocked at the results. If you have a medical reason for not talking the vaccine, prove it. If you have a religous reason, state it and take the necessary steps. If you just flat out refuse to take it for no real reason then go work for yourself. Simple?
  • omg (07/05/2021, 10:07) Like (179) Dislike (27) Reply
    Mark of the beast type stuff.
    • A VOTER IN #6 (07/05/2021, 10:44) Like (18) Dislike (38) Reply

      YOU MAYBE AN ADVENTIST BUT A TRUE ADVENTIST KNOWS BETTER. STOP TALKING SH** DON'T MAKE ADVENTIST LOOK BAD. IM ONE WHO BELIEVES WE SHOULD TAKE THE VACCINE.

      • @A Voter in #6 (08/05/2021, 01:59) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        I DO NOT TRUST PASTORS, SCIENTISTS, DOCTORS, POLITICIANS BECAUSE THEY ALL WORKS FOR THE devil...I TRUST NO ONE BUT GOD!!!

        • God (12/05/2021, 06:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Someone you've never met and 100% of what you believe in comes from Man. Good luck with that.
      • Why (09/05/2021, 00:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Why? What compelled you to take it?
    • Kitty (07/05/2021, 11:25) Like (61) Dislike (8) Reply
      I guess we are being prepared for when the mark comes because this here sounds a lot like it, If you don't have the mark of the beast no job.
      • Be Observant (08/05/2021, 02:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        ISAIAH 25:8

        HE WILL SWALLOW UP DEATH IN VICTORY; AND THE LORD GOD WILL WIPE AWAY TEARS FROM ALL FACES; AND THE REBUKE OF HIS PEOPLE SHALL HE TAKE AWAY FROM OFF ALL THE EARTH: FOR THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT...
    • hey (07/05/2021, 11:26) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
      yep pretty much looks like it
    • Biblical (07/05/2021, 11:40) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
      SO TRUE, RUN TO THE HILLS!
  • Pure (07/05/2021, 10:28) Like (98) Dislike (23) Reply
    Locals, please get together, buy properties and open businesses so you don't have to depend on expats for jobs.
    • @Pure (08/05/2021, 09:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      For real. They have people figured as some sort of slave. You are replaceable yet they want to dictate how to live your life.

      I’d quit but if there is a severance let them pay it.
  • goat (07/05/2021, 10:43) Like (52) Dislike (48) Reply
    Life over oil nut job any day.
  • Hmm (07/05/2021, 10:50) Like (43) Dislike (4) Reply
    @ PURE. THE MARKET IS GEARED TOWARDS EXPAT INVESTORS OUR LOCALS DON'T WANT LOCALS TO PROGRESS WATCH THE PRICES FOR PROPERTIES NOT STAYING LOCALS DON'T HAVE MONEY BUT CHECK IT OUT AND YOU WILL SEE FOR YOUR SELF. Take note I'm not here saying don't take the vaccine it's your choice and our own choices sometime comes with consequences.

    • tell me (07/05/2021, 11:37) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      Are you suggesting that locals should sell cheaper to locals?
      Take a loss and have less generational wealth for their own? WHY???
      Some say we chupid but we land owners not crazy..
      Who are the locals of which you speak.
      Certainly not the ones that have changed the character of the VI for worse.


    • @hmmm (07/05/2021, 11:51) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      Oh yeah ,u give and give, call u stupid and then rob and kill you ...all too familiar.
      Give them status and jobs and they reward u with a bullet to the cranium because they say yo chupid.
      No tru locals any more and these newbys will never have no matter how cheap you give. Land cheap as dirt from where they originated but they must come, destroy yours downgrade it and degrade it. I taking every dime I can for mine and will be certain that the newby local won't be the new recipient.
    • Giddyup (07/05/2021, 12:07) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Blame blame and moreblaming is time consuming and irresponsible.. Next door land a plenty water and more water, fertile soil,gold,oil,cheap labour next door. Ghana begging for descendants of slavesto return inexchange forfree land..Place in Italy selling houses for One dollar..big big abandoned houses. White expats came to nothing ,a dry weather nothing here and started something..
    • tola (07/05/2021, 14:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

      https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57021738
  • cay (07/05/2021, 10:53) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    I must agree with this but the government don’t have the balls
  • A VOTER IN #6 (07/05/2021, 10:54) Like (33) Dislike (41) Reply
    IF I HAD A BUSINESS ALL MY EMPLOYERS WOULD HAVE TO VACCINATE NO IF AND BUT.A HEALTHY STAFF HEALTHY CUSTOMER.
  • We from here (07/05/2021, 11:12) Like (5) Dislike (36) Reply
    This is we land remember that! It was a local man sold oil nut land. Facts!
    Give we back we land, we barn here.. where dem man from? Not here, for real meson
  • unvaccinated (07/05/2021, 11:15) Like (26) Dislike (19) Reply
    We will not be voting for nobody who cant represent us
  • Checker (07/05/2021, 11:18) Like (39) Dislike (62) Reply
    i totally agree with oil nut bay all businesses should follow . in fact no one will be working for my companies if they refuse the vaccine .i need to keep all my staff safe
    • U Lie (07/05/2021, 14:32) Like (33) Dislike (16) Reply
      You own companies and can't even write a proper sentence? The forcing of anyone to get vaxxed in order to work is wrong on so many levels.
    • @Checker (11/05/2021, 10:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      WHAT IS IN THE VACCINE THAT CAN STOP THIS VIRUS???? HOW THE VACCINE KEEPING YOU SAFE????
  • Mr Shovels (07/05/2021, 11:50) Like (41) Dislike (8) Reply
    No problems with this as long as they're only accepting fully vaccinated guests too
  • ... (07/05/2021, 12:02) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
    Well, you made your choice and they made theirs..
    • Lot more to follow.. (07/05/2021, 12:46) Like (38) Dislike (13) Reply
      You all who dont want to take the vaccine, thats you all body, thats you all choice...A business man that doesnt want unvaccinated employees, thats the business man money and his choice... we respect you not wanting to take the vaccine, then respect the business for not wanting unvaccinated employees,...One contact tracing can shut a whole business down with unvaccinated staff,,, Businessses have to protect their money and investments...when the business shuts down and all employees home without pay, they all will be bitching and runnong to labour....avoid all that...Vaccinate..
  • Saddened (07/05/2021, 12:25) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    Employees should be able to sign waivers. Also this thing about no jab no job. It simply says they plan to allow a bunch of infected people
    • Rubber Duck (07/05/2021, 15:42) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
      What some of you none too bright seem unable to grasp is that once vaccinated your chance of catching and spreading Covid is one fiftieth , 50 times less, of that of unvaccinated people. Who do you want preparing your food?
  • Just B (07/05/2021, 13:07) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
    If vaccinated per son's were to start dropping down like flies or get covid you who disrespect the unvaccinated choice will shut your mouths right?? The vaccine does not protect against the virus either! Facts.
    • 007 (07/05/2021, 15:52) Like (8) Dislike (42) Reply
      Of course it protects against the virus, that’s the whole point of it ffs. It cuts your chances of catching it by 100 to 1 and makes certain you won’t be seriously ill if you are one of the unlucky 1% ( it’s much less really ). Wtf do think has happened in Israel and the UK. And for the religious, isn’t it the Israelis rules you follow?
  • I am in agreement (07/05/2021, 13:23) Like (35) Dislike (29) Reply
    I am in agreement with the resort owner. We as potential guest have to be fully vaccinated and follow protocols before we enter the BVI and we expect the resorts to do the same with their employees.
  • Overding it (07/05/2021, 13:34) Like (54) Dislike (20) Reply
    No one should be forced to take the vaccine, or tourist dont have a right to tell us what to do. What will be next suppose we have a break out of something else, would we be taking vaccines for ever. This is just an excuse to take control of people's lives. Just follow protocals, the virgin island people and caribbeners who live here are healthy people
  • PSA (07/05/2021, 13:59) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    @We from here, You sound so stupid.
  • Cost vrs Benefit (07/05/2021, 14:03) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Good! The choice is theirs to make, but bad choices have costs.
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (07/05/2021, 14:18) Like (22) Dislike (13) Reply
    I sorry but the Labor code doesn’t speak to employers forcing their employees to this. Where is the Minister who is over Labor ????? Why are you letting these people over turn the Labor code and treat staff in this manner.
  • Sell out (07/05/2021, 14:22) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
    Section 135 of the VI Labour Code, 2010 states, among other things, that: (1) An employer at any workplace including a construction site shall ensure that, (a) a safe, sound, healthy and secure working environment is provided as far as is reasonably practicable; (b) the measures and procedures prescribed by the Code and the Regulations are carried out; (c) every supervisor and every employee performing work complies with the Code and the Regulations; (d) every reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances for the protection of a worker; (e) reasonable precaution is taken in the circumstances to protect the general public who comes into contact with the work site…”

    What is safe and healthy about this vaccine? Was this in their contract when they took up employment?

    Where the lawyers at?
    • Sell out (07/05/2021, 15:57) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      I just realise I forgot to mention something. In terms of a construction site, what does safe mean? I googled and this is what I found: You must: make sure your buildings are in good repair. maintain the workplace and any equipment so that it is safe and works efficiently, put right any dangerous defects immediately, or take steps to protect anyone at risk. There are many ways to define a healthy environment. It includes the air we breath, our water, our food and our surroundings. It's the chemicals, radiation and microbes as well as the physical world that we have contact with everyday.

      Oil Nut Bay workers need not back down because this vaccine has nothing to do with what is in Section 135 of the Labour Code. I saw that there was so many deaths throughout the world as I was doing some research on the Internet today. This vaccine does not prevent one from getting the virus and spreading it. In fact, we are about to see an outbreak of the virus from all those persons that have been vaccinated. May God help you all.

      This is nothing but oppression upon the poor work permit holders because they feel that they have no where to go(some may have come here from St. Vincent)and cannot go back because their country is in a state. You workers need to fast and pray because a break through is coming. Their evil plans will be interrupted. Trust God!
  • Guest (07/05/2021, 14:32) Like (33) Dislike (13) Reply
    Will not be patronising Oil Nut Bay.
    • Mr W (07/05/2021, 16:44) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
      Good evening. The vaccines today are not traditional. The technology around them has chaned since years ago. People assume that these are the same old vaccines that they had as children. They are dead wrong. Vaccines today are based on gene edeting therapies. As such, the science about them is still young and still misunderstood even by the people whom are responsible for making them. This poses a huge ethical problem surrounding their safety. Bvi persons have not been told the true nature about the risk to these new vaccines for which they are utilizing..
  • LAW SUIT WAITING TO WIN! (07/05/2021, 15:58) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    That lay off is more than likely to be found UNFAIR and the employee should file a claim in the BVI High Court...they should not waste time with the Labour Tribunal although I find Jamal is doing a good job with the Tribunal.
  • 10 fold (07/05/2021, 16:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    U from here d news just say a local tested positive for d virus d person from here in touchable d virus respect no one
  • Knowledge is Power (07/05/2021, 16:37) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Wow! All I can say is Wow! Why is it that the Government is trying to find ways around mandating an experimental vaccine. World Health Organization (WHO) said no one should be mandated, huh. Yet the BVI enabling employers! What about the rights of the employees? The fact that everyone is sitting down and thinking that this is normal worries me. The BVI Government need to think for themselves. It seems that Hon. Cabinet want business as usual, but how is it possible to have normal business in "the new regular." Even with vaccine WHO is still urging everyone to keep on his or her masks. Stop listening to Big mouth Cline! He is full of hot air. Somebody let him government and paying him thousands to talk.......!#$ This is the time for the Hon. Cupboard to focus on things they said they would. What happened to Agriculture and all the talk before elections? The only thing the Government is concern about is Tourism. Change the focus. There are other things bigger than Covid in the mix. The BVI can't even feed itself. Covid is not going away and no vaccine can stop the spread. Which government in their right mind will want to vaccinate everyone not knowing the long term effects? The VACCINE IS EXPERIMENTAL. IF AN EMPLOYEE IS NOT COMFORTABLE AT THIS STAGE Then THEY SHOULD NOT BE FORCED! If some of us are vaccinate and others are not, then we are all contributing to Science either way. What is the big deal? Your basic human right is being taken away, and everyone talking bull. Sad! This is the kind of situation that will have repercussions in the future. Furthermore, if businesses follow Covid protocols no cases will be anywhere. Everyone in this place want to be talking to friends like Covid has a special face. Please! Change your mind set BVI and we will be fine.
  • Thinker (07/05/2021, 17:06) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    Nobody is forcing anyone to take the vaccine. But it is entirely appropriate for someone to say,"without a vaccine, I won't associate with you, nor do business with you." There is nothing wrong in that. Those who are twisting logic and saying they are being forced to take the vaccine are actually trying to force the vaccinated to associate and trade with them. And that is NOT right.
  • Thinker (07/05/2021, 17:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nobody is forcing anyone to take the vaccine. But it is entirely appropriate for someone to say,"without a vaccine, I won't associate with you, nor do business with you." There is nothing wrong in that. Those who are twisting logic and saying they are being forced to take the vaccine are actually trying to force the vaccinated to associate and trade with them. And that is NOT right.
  • You embersels (07/05/2021, 18:21) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    Believe that this vaccine is god.Wake up people, WAKE UP. No one have the right to force anyone against their own will. To me those workers at Oily nut who got sent home need to come together and fight against this injustice. The workers have to wear their mask and sanitize before they board the boat and continue the protocols through out the day. So what is the big deal if they vacinated or not. You all Ministers of G'mnt better stop playing games with people lives. There are many wolves in sheep clothing but you don't want The Almighty, All Powerful God of the heavens and the earth to visit your house hold. Stop selling out the people. "The love of money is the root to all evil. Naked I came into this world and naked I shall return."
  • People march (07/05/2021, 18:32) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Time to march ...this is a affect on all of us ..not just those poor workers at oil nut bay ...a shame on the bvi vip party leader mr hon andrew fahie and his goverment. ...administration ...but we the people soon coming to wake the dead on u all oppressors....
  • safe (07/05/2021, 18:56) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    good move no vaccine no work
  • Citizen (07/05/2021, 21:42) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    Good move, all businesses should implement
  • Interesting (07/05/2021, 22:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    With everything that's unfolding before our eyes I wonder if the church is awake or if we are sleeping with our eyes wide open. No work without a forced medical procedure. Sounds like a dress-rehearsal for the tribulation to me. Then again, self preservation is more important to some.
  • @ interest (08/05/2021, 04:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The church!! Lol.... the many sheep and few wolves..
  • Sure (08/05/2021, 17:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    For sure what ever the outer world does we will have to follow suit. Dont be caught off guard. It will become mandatory keep watch. GOVERNMENT SAYING OTHERWISE soon they will have to face that hard reality.
  • Maybe ... (09/05/2021, 12:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Maybe this is an opportunity to do something out of the box? Have guests prepare their own meals and do their own cleaning?
  • IF THEY ONLY KNOW!!! (11/05/2021, 10:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    MUST WATCH ON NETFLIX - THE BARRIER

    EDUCATE YOURSELF AND GET TO KNOW THE TRUTH AFTER ALL
  • Shotta screws. (12/05/2021, 12:56) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Time the BVI get some Unions. Labour/Gov is a waste of time. People can't even control where they came from. #yourRightsMatters


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