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Employees’ training a 'proactive step' – Labour Commissioner

Labour Commissioner, Ms. Michelle A. McLean said the Employability Skills Training has been designed to bring the Territory up to par with the recent changes brought about by the Covid Pandemic. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islanders and Belongers are now better positioned to deal with the changes taking place around the world relative to an increased multicultural workforce or as a result of the new generation having a different relationship with an online technology platform.

This is according to Labour Commissioner, Ms. Michelle A. McLean who addressed the 16 graduates who successfully completed either of the two cohort of the Government’s Employability Skills Training Programmeat the closing Ceremony held virtually on Tuesday, March 15, 2022

“The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major social and economic dislocation, particularly amongst the most vulnerable.  While COVID-19 wiped out important workforce development gains in only a few months, it also opened the door to necessary transformational changes which brought about opportunities, such as this training, for VIslander/Belonger job or entrepreneurship seekers to capitalize on,” Ms. McLean said in her address.

She added that the training has allowed the Territory to make great strides in designing systems that are more comprehensive and responsive to the differing needs of vulnerable persons and groups.

“It is a great pleasure to be here today to participate in this Closing Ceremony for the ILO sponsored Employability/Entrepreneurship Skills Training Programme. Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to ILO on the successful implementation of the Programme and to my government and nongovernment counterparts for the roles that they played to make this event achievable. The collaboration between the participating agencies played a critical role in progressing towards achievement of the programme’s objectives, while supporting the Government’s overall efforts to make our VIslander/Belonger workforce more employable,” said the Labour Commissioner.

The Labour Commissioner also noted that as a result of the training, relationships and networks will be or have been molded among participants experiencing common challenges.

Mrs. McLean encouraged the participants to seize the opportunity and embrace the valuable knowledge acquired.

The Certificates will be presented to the graduates by the Minister for Natural Resources Labour and Immigration, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley at a formal ceremony to be held during the upcoming week.

The training exercise was sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and was a collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration; the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

9 Responses to “ Employees’ training a 'proactive step' – Labour Commissioner”

  • Karen (21/03/2022, 03:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope this training allows tge BVI Frontline staff to no longer question government issued from another country when individuals present it. Simply saying, I had the most craziest experience at an office.
  • John boy (21/03/2022, 09:23) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Unless they change their attitude all training will be a waste of time
  • Future (21/03/2022, 09:29) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thank you Ms Mclean, and all organizers and the Government for looking out. When locals in any country is dileberately refused employment because of their nationality it is discrimination to the highest degree and can only destroy a country. I have nothing against expats we all have to get along but locals have to eat and pay bills, to be able to do that is to be gainfully employed . This intimidation and discrimation have to stop. In the long run no one will win if this practice continues. Young people take the opportunity that is offered by the Labour Department for yourself and the future of the Virgin Islands.
  • Rasura (21/03/2022, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I would hope that with all of this "necessary" training, that "this time", our people would have reached the goal post !

    For too long, it seems that with subsequent training, and more training, our people STILL cannot qualify for true and meaningful economical opportunities granted by foreign employers.

    We are counting on you, Commissioner, to ensure, that if "honey IS in the rock, Virgin Islanders will get their share"!
  • Hmm (21/03/2022, 20:51) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    You guys ever think that the tone in which the message is sent is a turn off for potential investors. With a country so dependent on foreign investment your policies are extremely hostile, it's a turn off for future business entities especially with the Caribbean more now being able to compete on the same levels.
    • @hmm (23/03/2022, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      We want our people to be gainfully employ. It do not make sence for investors to come and invest if they have to import employees and the natives not working. There is nothing wrong with getting the natives employable. it seems like anything to uplift the Natives is unpopular with you people.
  • asura (22/03/2022, 03:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mrs. McLean was the best person for the Labour Commissioners job


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