The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced the appointment of Mr Samuel Jack Husbands as Chair of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal. Photo: GIS/File

The Labour Arbitration Tribunal is an independent tribunal set up under the Labour Code, 2010 with the power to make orders and awards. The parties appearing before the body are entitled to the same rights or privileges as they would have before any court. Photo: GIS

The appointment of Mr Samuel Jack Husbands as Chair of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal ends a near year-long wait for a new Chairman following the exit of former Chairman Mr Jamal S. Smith.

The former Labour Minister under the then National Unity Government, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), had received criticism for failing to see a new chairman in place and there were reports the government was sued over the non-functioning Tribunal.

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on May 25, 2023, this significant appointment was made by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE, with the approval of the Cabinet, in accordance with Section 29 of the Labour Code, 2010.

Mr Husbands will serve a tenure of two (2) years, commencing May 1, 2023.

New Chair has extensive legal background

With an extensive legal background spanning over thirty years, Mr Husbands brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

His professional journey includes serving as a Barrister, Managing Associate, Partner, and Money Laundering Officer, and he currently holds the position of Principal at Lawton Chambers. As a respected member of the BVI Bar Association, Barbados Bar Association, International Bar Association, STEP, and a fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mr Husbands possesses a deep understanding of the legal landscape.

His leadership is expected to be a great contribution to the efficient resolution of labour disputes, the press release stated.

Honourable Smith extended congratulations to Mr Husbands on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Tribunal with integrity, fairness, and efficiency. She also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chair of the Tribunal, Mr Smith, for his invaluable contributions to the Territory while serving in that capacity.

The Labour Arbitration Tribunal is an independent tribunal set up under the Labour Code, 2010 with the power to make orders and awards. The parties appearing before the body are entitled to the same rights or privileges as they would have before any court. The tribunal makes decisions about labour disputes, and it regulates its own procedures as to how it will do so. This includes complaints concerning unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, redundancy, and discrimination in the workplace as well as reviewing certain decisions of the Labour Commissioner.