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‘We have to stop treating people like they are less than us’- Hon Turnbull

- laments that work permit holders are being inconvenienced & made to pay for inefficiency in system
Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has called out the inefficiency in various government departments, which he said has affected both employers and employees, including work permit holders. Photo: Facebook/File
Hon Melvin M. Turnbull highlighted the issue where work permit holders have been unable to renew their work permits in a timely manner due to delays in the public service; however, the work permit holders have to pay for regular extensions to remain in the VI, while others have allegedly been asked to exit the territory. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Melvin M. Turnbull highlighted the issue where work permit holders have been unable to renew their work permits in a timely manner due to delays in the public service; however, the work permit holders have to pay for regular extensions to remain in the VI, while others have allegedly been asked to exit the territory. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has called out the inefficiency in various government departments, which he said has affected both employers and employees, including work permit holders.

The new Minister of Government was at the time lending his voice to the Business Licensing Act, 2020, during the continuation of the 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

“We cannot stifle our people, Madam Speaker, to be held hostage by different areas of development and systems and departments within government that are not successful… Speaker.”

Hon Turnbull then lamented the inconvenience persons experience as a result of poor customer service in the public service system.

“We have to stop treating people like they are less than us, Madam Speaker. This deals with employers, this deals with employees, it deals with those of us who are in customer service in this public service.

He also highlighted the issue where work permit holders have been unable to renew their work permits in a timely manner due to delays in the public service; however, the work permit holders have to pay for regular extensions to remain in the VI, while others have allegedly been asked to exit the territory.

‘We are not doing people favours’

“Madam Speaker, we have a job to serve our customers, we are not doing people favours, we are doing them a service, and when we get back to that understanding, that we cannot hold up, whether employers or whomever, Madam Speaker, hold up an employee’s life by not doing the things that we are supposed to do.”

Hon Turnbull added that some of the persons asked to leave the territory have been in the territory for over 20 years.

“They don’t know no other place but the BVI as their home.

“So, Madam Speaker, I am saying this because this area the Premier has given me responsibility for. Over the last three and a half weeks, we have started work, this Government of National Unity has started work to try to fix some of these ills because while we are passing new legislation and while we are bringing new ideas, Madam Speaker, we can’t do new things and the old systems haven’t changed,” Hon Turnbull stated.

11 Responses to “‘We have to stop treating people like they are less than us’- Hon Turnbull”

  • one eye (20/06/2022, 17:54) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Here who talking
  • dis 2 (20/06/2022, 18:13) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why don't you practice what you preach in your own district sir? You have neglected us. CGB should be treated as a premier destination with proper sidewalks, docks, lighting, beautification, get rid of the trash and old cars and boats and the vender squatting on gov property! It's not that hard. Live by example. Stop treating us like we are less. Good points with Labour though!
    • Real Simple (20/06/2022, 20:43) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      A district rep doesn’t have much control over those areas unfortunately. The ministers responsible for works and environmental health now you can hold their feet to the fire.
      • Hmm (21/06/2022, 13:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes, they do. Once they bring the matters to the House and the Minister responsible and keep talking to them and bringing it up in the House it gets the attention and action needed. He does neither and there is no proper feed back either. Spooners Estate suffers the same fate. He is quick to respond when receiving praise tho.
  • Oohhh boiiii (20/06/2022, 18:22) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mitch. I’m 60. This has been a “ custom “ in the BVI especially amongst the older heads —- it is not so prevalent now AS money has broken the “ CLASS” stigma that was associated with the wealthy/affluent/well to do / good hair/ fair skin ( no offense intended) but we did have a SERIOUS stigma attached to our Caribbean cousins : However today it is still present in a milder form —- let’s look at MINIMUM WAGES ( how many Caucasian work for $6.00) let’s look at obtaining any loan ( besides an auto loan ) You have to learn your family history—-We need to address This from ALL angles as we don’t want /need this type of division in our little “ neck of the woods “ Waiting on solutions Now that you were Bold enough broach the subject
  • 911 (20/06/2022, 19:25) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    He looking air time but his time as a minister will be very short
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands. (20/06/2022, 20:13) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only now Hon. Mitch Turnbull that you are coming to your sences that other people are your equal, and those that have voted for you are your boss? And that they ought to be treated fairly, Spiritually, socially, kindly?

    You reminded me of a former BVIPA Operations manager that said, after approximately fifteen years in that position, "I am going to start to do what I was appointed to do", after been threatened that the position held will be given to another.
    Since when employees are greater than their employer, in reference to a job that they have been employed to do, politically speaking? Oh oh, it it only since you got a ministerial position in the the current Governor's forced together so-called unity government, and the pressure are being screwing tighter on the the so-called unity government, Only now? Most of the people don't believe you, included me. Neither do we have confidence in the other ministers of the new put together ununified pretentious unity government.
    You and the other ministers have better concentrate on fulfilling the the CoI recommdations accurately, and on schedule, or else the current ministers will be changed to former Ministers sooner than all you think.
  • Agree Mitch (21/06/2022, 10:16) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    I totally agree with you Mitch! Clean up and Clear out dem people in Labour that treat people so bad.
    I’m a BVIslander and is ashamed to hear the horror stories coming out of that Department.
  • continue (21/06/2022, 15:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Continue the good work Hon Mitch . The Most High be with you.
  • RedStorm (21/06/2022, 20:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I believe you are on the right road to successfully turn things around. Moving employees means moving old habits, and attitude, helping them to see a different picture of how to level up bring new perspectives, people can change in 21 days you can see changes , if not demote them.

    Immigration drop the ball , many expat leave because of the month to month time that was given each time it’s 25$. Most not returning. Another area is the amount of money owed to most of those expat whose boss had a hand in them leaving. They could not pay their rent or buy food but was working each day eating cornflakes. God will reward them ten fold from what the Fowler took, and decrease the boss tenfold for his ruthless behavior.


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