The Minister of Labor, Honorable Vincent Wheatley has stated that the October 31st temporary termination deadline will be extended to November 15th, 2020 to benefit employers and employee across the BVI.
The question was posed by a concerned resident of Jost Van Dyke during today’s community meeting hosted by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
The November 15th tentative date was rejected by some residents who said they have persons ready to work, and further requested the date be extended to December 15th or 31st.
In response, Minister Wheatley said he is trying to find a middle ground by seeking a balance for both parties.
It was further stated that the government is also considering the possibility of a payment plan for severance pay, to buttress business owners facing financial constraints as a result of COVID-19.
In May of this year Minister of Labor, Honorable Vincent Wheatley, in an exclusive interview with 284 Media revealed that the Government is considering extending the 3-month temporary termination period to 6 months following the pandemic.
Business owners across the territory are anxious as we close in on the end the temporary termination period in trying determine whether to re-employ or permanently sever staff as a result of COVID-19.
According to Premier Fahie, today’s meeting was designed to give the Government an opportunity to ascertain residents’ concerns and to discuss, share ideas and plan for strengthening that community and the overall Territory.
Premier Fahie was today joined by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honorable Natalio D. Wheatley; Minister for Health and Social Development, Honorable Carvin Malone; Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley; Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye Rymer; Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Sharie B. deCastro; Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles; Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Representative, Honourable Nevllie Smith; and Representative for Sixth District, Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines.