Cruise Lines commit to 1000 Jobs Initiative - Premier Fahie
The Premier was at the time making announcements at the Friday, May 17, 2019, Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth HoA of the VI, when he pointed to companies like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises as having already indicated interest to provide more local jobs.
‘Every posse must work’
“Mr Speaker when we were in the midst of the campaign, we declared our known slogan in the Caribbean, ‘Every posse must work’ and while we captured the Caribbean vernacular to explain in one phrase, a serious policy position, we were determined that this was not relegated to a catchphrase tailored for a short campaign,” Hon Fahie told the House.
The 1000 Jobs in 1000 days promise came as part of the VIP Manifesto 2019, prior to the General Elections on February 25, 2019.
According to the Premier, he envisaged most of the jobs would be available in the tourism sector, which would lead to greater encouragement and promotion of investments, expanding existing service, as well as rebuilding the Territory’s infrastructure
“Mr Speaker it is through work we will empower our people and it is through work we will expand this economy. Work is part of a broad Government policy to broaden the consumer base so that people here can deliver goods and services, the earnings for which can be used for greater investments in our children and their future,” he further implored.
Big Incentives
The Premier noted that to qualify for the initiative, “interested locally based businesses among others must register with the Premier’s office to be part of the programme.”
“Among those already indicating they will come on board are our partners at Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and some of our other cruise lines. They have agreed to explore the opportunities available to partner with the BVI on the employment initiative,” he said.
Further, the premier told the House that other businesses like Banco Popular, Riteway Food Markets and InterCaribbean Airways are more companies committed to joining the initiative.
“After a year of employment of people under this programme, the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Premier’s Office will pay a one-off 10% of the annual salary of the locals employed by the private sector,” he noted as part of the business incentive for hiring and training local workers.
Building Partnerships
“The most exciting thing about all of this is the example of the partnership we seek to build involving the government, local business and the people working together,” which according to Hon Fahie will boost the self-esteem of locals and help them take their rightful place in society.
While not providing a new date, and noting that more partnerships still have to be ironed out, Hon Fahie also revealed that the 1000 Jobs in 1000 Days initiative will be officially launched in a few days.
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