VI minimum wage ‘not an easy issue’ to address– Hon Lorna G. Smith
Hon Smith was at the time speaking during a Friday, November 10, 2023, press conference and answered questions from the media on the way forward.
Public consultations
“There must be public consultations... There has to be very wide consultation on this whole issue of the minimum wage and, as I said, the minimum wage is just a part of the whole issue of the cost of living,” she said.
Hon Smith said cost of living, however, remains a significant problem over the years but with the increase in interest rates, and increases in so many other areas, minimum wage will now be given the highest priority.
“That's why I also said that it's being done in keeping with the Labor Code. The Labor Code requires that this minimum wage be examined regularly, you know, regularly. So it will definitely be enforced once it's accepted by the government,” Hon Smith said while noting that enforcement of the minimum wage salary is critical.
Matter to go to Cabinet - Hon Smith
The Deputy Premier and Labour Minister said the advisory committee set up to review the minimum wage would make its recommendations to the ministry. The recommendations, she said, would have to be taken to Cabinet and once that decision is taken, the minimum wage would be enforced.
“And let me be careful in saying that is not an easy issue. I was very deliberate in talking about a review because you know, you have to look at and weigh different factors and we don't know where it's going to come out, but once it's accepted by the government, we expect it to be enforced,” she added.
Hon Smith said she has no doubt nobody can live on $6.00 an hour but the Government will look at all the factors and how it is going to impact the macro and micro economy.
“If it were to be increased, how would it impact the wider economy, the whole taxation issues and so, so there are a number of issues to take to take into account with this, this minimum wage,” she said.
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40 Responses to “VI minimum wage ‘not an easy issue’ to address– Hon Lorna G. Smith”
Hopefully, employers are paying much more than the exploitive, embarrassing, and shameful paltry $ 6 per hour, which equates to $960 per month. Any employers who pay employees $6 per hour do not really give a rat’s ass about the employees and their families , caring more about their bottomline—profit margin. Yes, employers make the investment and take the risk, but employees are the straws that stir the drink, contributing to the profitably of the company and should reasonably enjoy the benefits from the fruits of their labor.
Again, given the skyrocketing cost living on the proverbial basket of goods, it is not a question if the minimum wage should be increased but rather by how much. Moreover, the discussion on raising minimum wage should take into account the impact on employers/businesses business operations, but the main focus must be on and about on the health, safety, well-being and paying those at the bottom of the economic ladder a living wage. Hope, there are no ulterior motives to slowing raising the minimum wage or keeping the increase artificially low. Further, it is fraud and criminal to deduct social security and NHI from employers already paltry wages and not submit the deductions to social security, doubly kicking and punishing the employees.
On another note, there is clamoring call for price control in the BVI, which operates on capitalism. However, price control results in shortages and poor quality products and services.
In fact it is a long overdue issue, that has been overlooked by surcessive political Parties governments.
Many have, and continue arguing that if the minimum wages issue is address and adopted, let say from $6.00 to $8.00, many businesses would hike their prices, and others would lay off some of their employees. Yes this would happen. Those are some of the reasons why our political leaders should not be allowed to give themselves a pay raise, and travel overseas for entertainment purposes.
True democratic practices should not be without the people's approval. But the political leaders know that the most of the people of the BVI are weak heart, loud mouth people, so they continue taking advantage of them.
Lorna in our corner. Whose corner is she in? I know. Most of you, I hope know by now whose corner she is in. If it is true that she is in our corner, who are that are the our? And where is the corner located.
Fastly wise up people of the BVI, our finances present, and moreso our future is questionable, critical. Break loose from the shackles that have us bound from within. If we do, we will better be able to break loose from the shackles from overseas.
I am feeling the same pain that you are. Our great enemies are the unseen ones, and self.
Victory is achievable, over defeat. Do you believe? If you do, then fight for rights..
NONE VIOLENCE METHOD ALONE, PLEASE.
What I would suggest, is a Price Control be put in place. Do not announce the wage increase until this is done. Ensure that the Consumer Protection Act that's somewhere idling on someone's desk is pass in the House first. Let us enjoy some of the increase instead of having to give it all back to cover our daily expenses.
It always seems impossible until it’s done. Let’s get back to basics. Let’s make the systems of government work again.
Let’s make living in Tortola, virgin Gorda, jost van dyke and ANEGADA easy again. Let’s make sure these problems don’t arise again. But in order to achieve this, we can’t keep going down the road some of you with your one-sided agenda are taking us.
I strongly believe Minister Smith is doing a marvelous job
That can help
however some local businesses are nailed to the cross by SSB, NHI due to tuff financial conditions in our country. not speaking about the companies that collects money from workers and not submitting
that is why a tax was levied on money being sent from the territory; most of which was obtained from unauthorized employment(undeclared income
plumbing companies getting blows because some
Permits holders doing plumbing on the side
Garden companies getting blows because the permit holders comes & cut your grass for less money
have nothing against anyone
Secondly some have mentioned in these blogs to move income tax from $10000 to $18000 for persons earning $30000 and under. This will be a help to.
If the 2 above suggestions are done. Many will benefit.