Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced that while the RATED programme has achieved commendable successes, there are areas that require improvement. Photo:Internet Source

RATED is a government initiative aimed at providing temporary jobs, apprenticeships, and skills training for unemployed or underemployed residents. Photo:VINO/FILE

RATED is a government initiative aimed at providing temporary jobs, apprenticeships, and skills training for unemployed or underemployed residents.

During the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Premier noted, "In 2025, three million dollars was allocated to the RATED programme to cover payments to the participants, training, and contributions to Social Security, NHI, and payroll tax.’’

The Minister of Finance also reported that out of the 419 applications received, 318 individuals were assisted, and of those, 297 were placed in temporary employment for roadside cleaning, and 11 participated as apprentices. Additionally, 21 apprentices received training.

Benefits of the programme

The benefits of the programme have been highlighted through several achievements, including: 

1. Numerous participants gained practical work experience, which has improved their skills, confidence, and employability.
2. Some participants have qualified for and secured full-time positions within various Ministries and Departments, with nine individuals transitioning to permanent employment after their participation in the program.
3. Twenty-one young participants benefited from a job-readiness training session delivered in partnership with HireBVI.

Areas for improvements 

"While these achievements are commendable, there are areas for improvement, which are being addressed through updating the programme’s mandate, amendments to the policy, instituting accountability, safety and performance evaluation mechanisms, improvement in the financial processes, increased public outreach, closer collaboration with partners/stakeholders, etc.’’ the Premier added. 

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the program into additional sectors, including agriculture, technology, marine services, hospitality, construction, utilities, and landscaping, to create broader pathways for employment and skills development across the Territory.

"We are also engaging professionals to better assess the capabilities, interests and developmental needs of applicants to offer them more tailored and individualised assistance to fulfilling their career and personal aspirations."