Despite the Virgin Islands (VI) being one of the world's premier yachting destinations, qualified native captains report that they are systematically overlooked in favour of foreign crew members. Photo: VINO

The aggrieved captains and chefs have stated that the Labour Department and the government are aware of this matter; however, something needs to be done to bring this matter under control, and locals can be hired by charter companies operating in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File

Local boat captains and chefs in the Virgin Islands are expressing significant concerns over a growing lack of employment opportunities. Photo: VINO/File

Despite the Virgin Islands (VI) being one of the world's premier yachting destinations, qualified native captains reported that they are systematically overlooked in favour of foreign crew members. 

'As long as we are Black, they don't hire us'

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, a boat captain stated that some charter companies hire only Caucasian captains. “As a Black captain in the VI, it doesn’t matter which island we’re from. As long as we are Black, they don't hire us. Many will say, 'Yeah, okay, we’ll call you,' but they never do. The moment a white captain shows up with whatever resume, they are immediately given work,” he explained.

He added that local Black crew members, regardless of their qualifications and experience, are often not hired due to their skin colour. “From all angles, as a Black local captain, we are fighting against various forces,” he remarked.

A local chef, who has been in the cruise industry for over 14 years, shared her experience of recently being terminated under the pretext that the company had no job openings, even while they continue to hire chefs from outside. She questioned why foreign workers are being brought in when residents with equal or greater qualifications are unable to find work. “We are suffering here; we aren’t getting jobs, especially the Black community,” she said. 

Impacting local boat owners & chefs' livelihoods

Another local boat captain, who has been in the profession for 30 years, noted that locals typically only get hired if companies cannot find Caucasian workers. He expressed concern about the impact this has on their livelihoods, stating, “These guys live on boats and only call us if they can’t find any white people to work. Almost all of the companies don’t want Black people on board. It feels like a white industry in the Caribbean.” 

Another chef pointed out that local chefs often only get work when someone is sick or on vacation. “We need at least two jobs per month. We’re not asking for all the jobs; we just want enough to feed our families and pay our bills. It’s unfair because when companies hire these foreign workers, they don’t have to pay rent, utilities, or buy food,” she said. “All we want is just some more work instead of constantly calling different people and scrambling for jobs.”

These captains and chefs have stated that the Labour Department and the government are aware of this matter; however, something needs to be done to bring this matter under control, and locals can be hired by these charter companies.

Virgin Islands News Online attempted to contact charter companies for comments on the issue, but was unsuccessful.