Section 12 of the Labour Code mandates the formal designation and certification of labour inspectors by the Minister through an order published in the Virgin Islands Official Gazette. Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), stated that the labour code grants labour inspectors significant authority. Photo: YouTube

During the debate for the Labour Code Validation Bill 2025, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), stated that the labour code grants labour inspectors significant authority, which includes entering workplaces, conducting examinations, questioning relevant documents, issuing warnings for violations, and collaborating with law enforcement when necessary. 

Section 12 of the Labour Code mandates the formal designation and certification of labour inspectors by the Minister through an order published in the Virgin Islands Official Gazette. 

Lack of regulations prevented Minister from appointing inspectors 

He further explained that the code requires inspectors to be issued a certificate of appointment, which serves as official proof of their authority. 

While the code allows for the appointment of labour inspectors, the lack of regulations at the time prevented the Minister from officially designating them. 

However, the Labour Code (Appointment of Labour Inspectors) Regulations 2025 now enable the Minister to officially appoint qualified and certified labour inspectors. The Labour Code Validation of Labour Inspections Bill 2025 seeks to regularise all inspections conducted since October 4, 2010. 

By passing this bill, all inspections carried out since that date will be deemed valid, as if the public officers had been officially designated as labour inspectors and furnished with certificates of appointment under Section 12 of the Labour Code 2010. 

He added, "This bill is another step in the formalisation of the work that has been conducted in the territory by the Department of Labour and the Workforce Department."

Other bills passed

Premier Wheatley moved motions for the Second and Third Readings of three bills for consideration: the Labour Code (Validation of Labour Inspections) Bill 2025, the Miscellaneous Amendments (SIGTAS) (Validation) Bill 2025, and the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Each bill was debated, taken through the committee stage, and passed without amendments. These legislative measures underscore the Virgin Islands' dedication to strengthening labour standards, enhancing tax administration through SIGTAS, and improving international cooperation on tax matters.

The HoA will resume on Thursday, July 10,  2025, at 10:00 AM.