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Labour Tribunal still seeking new Chairman several months later

- Vacancy to close March 22, 2023, as matters left stalled since July 2022
Subject Minister, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) on December 2, 2022, had said that a new Chairman would be in place by January 2023, however, those plans may not have materialized. Photo: VINO/File
A vacancy is still out for a Chairperson of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal according to a vacancy notice by the Ministry for Natural Resources and Labour on March 14, 2023, after the tenure of the last chairman ended in July of 2022. Photo: GIS
A vacancy is still out for a Chairperson of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal according to a vacancy notice by the Ministry for Natural Resources and Labour on March 14, 2023, after the tenure of the last chairman ended in July of 2022. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A vacancy is still out for a Chairperson of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal, according to a vacancy notice by the Ministry for Natural Resources and Labour on March 14, 2023.

The tenure of the last chairman ended since July of 2022. 

Subject Minister, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) on December 2, 2022, had said that a new Chairman would be in place by January 2023; however, those plans may not have materialised.

“The Labour Tribunal has gone through; I think the Commissioner for the tribunal post came to end at the end of July. Advertisements have gone out, applications have been received, so it is now going through the process to be able to have that position filled,” he told the press following questions. 

Matters before tribunal on hold since July 2022 

Former Chairman and attorney Jamal S. Smith, appearing on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on November 7, 2022, said since July 31, 2022, there have been no matters put before the tribunal, given the absence of a chairman.

Mr Smith, who was first appointed chairperson of the tribunal on August 1, 2020, for a period of two years, lamented that the absence of a chairman has left persons with matters in a hostage situation for the last four months.

With no chairman in place, it means cases waiting to be heard before the Labour Tribunal have been heldup since July 2022, as cases cannot be heard without a chairman.

8 Responses to “ Labour Tribunal still seeking new Chairman several months later ”

  • Youth (16/03/2023, 10:36) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    The sooner this arrogant, power hungry, sell out, gets out of politics the better for the BVI.
  • Victim (16/03/2023, 10:38) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sure there are matters submitted to the tribunal before July 31, 2022. I submitted such a matter which the minister handled poorly. Several calls to the minister and unable to speak with him. The absence of a chairman has indeed left persons hostage. That is how I've been feeling. No empathy to the victims in employment disputes. No one cares when you are dismissed without pay and unable to cover your expenses. No one is getting my vote this election.
    • @Victim (16/03/2023, 11:27) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      I know exactly how you are feeling as the same thing happened to me and a few friends of mine since this waste of time Minister has been the Minister. He puts on a show in front of the camera and for the media and public, but he really does not care. He is so rude and arrogant.
  • Ah boy (16/03/2023, 10:51) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    What a mischief-maker of a man that tells no truth and always portraying himself as the victim to play on the emotions of the people.
  • pat (16/03/2023, 11:28) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Flax hendly all the way
  • District 2 voter (16/03/2023, 11:30) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is time to get a representative that is respectful, cares. do not be drunk, do not be smoking, do not cheat, has true integrity, does not sell out the people for power, and will tell the truth and not live one life in the public's eye and another behind closed doors.
  • This Is Not Acceptable (16/03/2023, 14:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Soo, no one is not responsible for arbitration between employers and employees. Some of whom are treated as indentured servants (aka slaves). And others are more mistreated (including sexual cruelty and crimes).
    When the employees are told to go home for speaking out and then have no income and in cases no immigration time they are yet more mistreated as landlords and grocery are still rising prices while no income. Yes! No income!!!! One cannot work or even look for another position while your complaint is lodged.
    Shame!
  • flUffy (16/03/2023, 16:00) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    So why not just re appoint the old chairman to clear the backlog until a new one can be found???( after all your family member got 3 contracts to do nothing)


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