VG resort workers laid-off for refusing to take COVID-19 jab
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”
No jab, no job.
The choice is yours.
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.
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...
I’d quit but if there is a severance let them pay it.
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.
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.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-57021738
Give we back we land, we barn here.. where dem man from? Not here, for real meson
What is safe and healthy about this vaccine? Was this in their contract when they took up employment?
Where the lawyers at?
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!
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND GET TO KNOW THE TRUTH AFTER ALL