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Minimum wage discussion to be taken to the people- Premier Fahie

- said balance has to be found as businesses have already faced hardships through pandemic
The topic of minimum wage, which has been heavily discussed on social media recently, will be given public consultation, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said. Photo: Internet Source
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, appeared as a guest on the Morning Braff Show on Tola Radio VI with host Floyd Burnett aka ‘Heritage’ on April 13, 2021. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, appeared as a guest on the Morning Braff Show on Tola Radio VI with host Floyd Burnett aka ‘Heritage’ on April 13, 2021. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The topic of minimum wage, which has been heavily discussed on social media recently, will be given public consultation, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said.

The minimum wage in the [British] Virgin Islands was last raised from $4 an hour to $ 6 an hour effective October 1, 2016, after being stuck on that amount for over 10 years.

Public consultation

“The minimum wage has to be a larger discussion and a couple of persons have asked about it so we will bring it up now as a discussion, bring it to the people and ask the people overall and get views on it,” Premier Fahie said while appearing as a guest on the Morning Braff Show on Tola Radio VI with host Floyd Burnett aka ‘Heritage’ on April 13, 2021.

A listener to the show had wanted to know when would the VI raise the minimum wage and when would Gov’t start paying overtime.

Mr Burnett remarked that the VI economy would have to be “healthy” for any minimum wage increase as businesses would be adversely affected.

“I agree but remember something too, we are not saying it will come in immediately but the question is when do we tackle it?” Premier Fahie responded.

The Leader of Government Business added that the discussion would also have to be about making the balance between the employer and employee, “because you can’t put the businesses out of commission. They already went through a lot of hardship with COVID-19.

‘People need to be paid what they are worth’

“But I will also say now, is the reason it will be a conversation for the longer term, in terms of when we will get it done, is that we have already started and approved in the Cabinet where we are going to look at job reclassification and also salary review for all public officers."

Premier Fahie said that task would be completed within 6 months to a year.

"I am a firm believer with my government that people need to be paid what they are worth,” Hon Fahie stated.

26 Responses to “Minimum wage discussion to be taken to the people- Premier Fahie”

  • g (14/04/2021, 08:33) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you Mr minister it's about time
  • resident (14/04/2021, 08:37) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please do that... It's hard in these times. But, while you're at it please and kindly discuss our increments. We have not seen one in ages and cost of living keep rising. This government seems to have money for palm trees, buildings that are not necessary at the moment, consultants and all these things EXCEPT money for the poor middle class. Yes, it's time to raise the minimum wage and pay at least one increment. We need it.
  • F (14/04/2021, 08:37) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Killing u with five hours work which should have been done in eight hours wickedness in high places but there is a God
  • People (14/04/2021, 08:59) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    The MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE AT LEAST $15.00 PER HOUR. $6.00 IS NOT ENOUGH TO BUY GROCERIES, PAY RENT, UTILITIES AND OTHER EVERYDAY EXPENSES. A LOAF OF BREAD COST MORE THAN $6.00. YOU ALL BETTER START BAKING YOUR OWN BREAD AT HOME AND PLANTING YOUR OWN FOODS.
    • @People (14/04/2021, 14:19) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Correct, I bake my own breads at home IE.. Coconut bread and regular bread. I also have a nice garden in the back of my home where I have a variety of fresh herbs, Tomatoes, Peppers, Okra, Peas, Squash etc. The Strawberry, Blueberry and Peach plants is starting to spring up. I am also trying to see if I plant some apple seeds if it will grow and produce apples.
  • Sarcasm (14/04/2021, 09:02) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    What a perfect time to discuss minimum wages smh. Why not lower taxes and things of that nature
    • Exactly (14/04/2021, 15:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Just a next way to look good while killing our local business..but anyway it was long time due ...what we need is a difference in taxes as well for those who makes that overwhelming chunk and those that just get by...
    • tt (15/04/2021, 14:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      YUP
      FOOD PRICES SKY HIGH
      RENT HIGH
      TAXES
      AND EVERYTHING ELSE GOING UP
      IN A PANDEMIC
      THEY SENDING YOU TO NHI TO GET THIS TAHT TAKES FOR EVER
      PLUS SOCIAL SECURITY AND INLAND REVENUE TO PAY MORE AND BE FUSTRATED. OVER A MONTH IVE BEEN WAITING ON NHI AND INLAND REVENUE
  • O Boy.. (14/04/2021, 09:48) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Great Idea. Bad timing.. Come back in a year time hopefully the economy will be much better...Thats the time to tackle this issue and you sure are going to get much needed political mileage...
  • HELP HELP HELP (14/04/2021, 12:09) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    Calling Marlon, Myron, Mitch, Ronnie, Dancia, Fraser and Kedrick to get to get together fast and come to our rescue
    • ESSENTIAL (14/04/2021, 12:40) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      I second that motion, we really need it no more than ever, this Government is the worst especially Health it is a family affairs
    • splendid idea (14/04/2021, 13:43) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      Mitch {D2}....Fraser....{D3}....Ronnie {D4}....Kedrick {D7}....Marlon {D8}....Dancia {AL}....Myron {AL}......WILL MAKE A NICE DREAM TEAM LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
      • This not a game (14/04/2021, 15:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Not the time to play politics with the situation at hand of the people with politics....u all only go suffer us more ...
        • Sue (14/04/2021, 21:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          I totally agree. The above mentioned names would be a power house team.
      • @Splendid Idea (14/04/2021, 21:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        INDEED IT WILL.
    • Totally agree (14/04/2021, 13:54) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      We are sending out a SOS TO THE ABOVE NAMES MENTIONED. YOU HAVE TO STEP IN AND RESCUE US. THE WATER LEVEL IS UP TO OUR NECKS, WE ARE DROWNING FAST. HELPPPPPP.
    • Truth is last year (14/04/2021, 15:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      We didn't call wat we got now for that same ones ..hmmmthink we need to call the people in unity as I. One forces ..but we so divided by them both ..ain't easy ..VIP ..NDP .AND ALL OTHER Ps....the answer is who really is majority force behind all it take to get the ball going the few or the hard working majority...so ironic to see the 1% decide for the 99%
  • Firm (14/04/2021, 12:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I work in the tourism for many years if the guest only knows how much we get pay they will reconsider... why you think when people leave they don’t come back ain that they don’t wanna work the employers don’t wanna pay ... the system ain for the ppl remember that .. the rich get rich but I try not to give up and hold firm and pray my situation can over turn I jus need them to be realistic you workin 9-5 pay is only $460 , day care is $300 per child , food is $400-$500 light and water , clothing , rent is $800 , every school term bout $800-$1000 them schools have more fundraisers I’ve ever seen ... right now all I can do is scrape and once I get what I want I’ll be out of here and no return ....
  • mad max (14/04/2021, 14:04) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Discussion goes:
    Minimum wage employee (normally non-Belonger) - "Can you raise the minimum wage please, I'm starving".
    Employer (normally Belonger): "No! Complain again and you're fired".
    Government: "No! You are not voters, I'll look after the employers".

    The End
  • Hmm (14/04/2021, 14:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    But if it raised then expats will have to paid more in work permit fees. Imagine some ppl were laid of almost all of last year and yet the govt. charging full work permit fees.
  • Allthose (14/04/2021, 15:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Names were part of something before and today the people still suffer ......
  • YAWN (14/04/2021, 16:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are people so daft? You expect that the businesses that sell you goods/services will drop prices as a result of having to pay their staff more? WTF? Government just needs to work with businesses that provide the staple items (water, flour, bread, sugar etc.) to ensure that the persons making less money can still afford to eat. The real problem here is the construction costs which drive up rental costs, it is total madness. If Government want to help they will reign in these Real Estate entities and lodging prices which are criminal at times.
    • :) (15/04/2021, 13:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      you are so right, just after people go through hurricane, and flood all rent went up sky high; BUT I AM GLAD THAT THERE IS THE ALMITGHTY WHO SEES AND KNOWS. BLACK HEARTED PEOPLE THE ONE ABOVE IS STILL IN CONTROL.
  • E. Leonard (14/04/2021, 21:13) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Given the high and skyrocketing prices and the stratospheric cost of living, a minimum wage of $6.00 per hour is scandalous regardless of how you dice it. I will take a wild a...s guess that most employers are paying more than the measly $6.00 per hour, looking out for the health, safety and well-being of their employees. Nevertheless, $6.00 per equates to $240 per week, $480 bi-weekly, $ 960 per month and $11,520 per year before social security, NHI.......etc.

    On the other hand, minimum wage is a supply and demand issue. Typically, when demand is high and supply low, prices rise. Conversely, when supply is high and demand low, prices fall. Moreover, generally, the supply of labour at low rung of the economic ladder is high and the demand for services is low. Minimum wages are intended to set a wage floor to help minimal/low skill workers. Workers at the lowest economic rung deserve a living wage. Nonetheless, care must be taken in adjusting the minimum wage so that it does not hurt the very people that it is intended to help. Increasing the minimum wage is an increase in the cost of doing business. And employers will definitely increase the cost of goods and services sold and pass the increase on to customers. Will the low wage worker standard of living and quality of life improve, if something is given in the right hand and then taken away from the left?
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (15/04/2021, 08:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Trying all kinda things now that we going through a pandemic how come they never thought of this from years ago why now!? Is that helping us right right now mehn ayo does act as if ayo doing things to help people...they know the minimum wage will not happen now so why bring it up to be spiteful..?? How can you talk about minimum wage need to be raised but there is no work for the people...Let us talk about that providing work for people until then ntn makes sense!!!
  • 300 job (15/04/2021, 14:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmmm exactly. promise comfort to a fool..


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