‘Changes’ coming at Labour Ministry; people to be ‘shifted’
Newly appointed Minister of Labour, Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, said there will be several shakeups within his ministry as the new government of national unity seeks to combat some of the issues that have been affecting the portfolio over the years.
While giving remarks at the HireBVI Career Expo at the weekend, Turnbull said both Labour and Immigration departments are in the service industry. He said they must, therefore, ‘serve the people’, who he described as ‘the customers’.
Turnbull further said it is important that his ministry understands the issues that employers in the territory are facing. However, he said he does not only want to hear the problems but he wants to involve employers in the problem-solving component of the job.
“We want you to give us solutions to those problems so we could implement them. From a ministry standpoint, we are going to be implementing some changes. From a Labour standpoint, we are going to be implementing some changes,” Turnbull said.
“Throughout this territory, you are going to see some things change and some people shifted. As the Premier [Dr Natalio Wheatley] has rightfully said, it is going to be uncomfortable. But for it to be uncomfortable, you are going to have to get used to being uncomfortable,” the Labour and Immigration Minister said.
In giving his remarks, Turnbull told residents who attended the expo that the Labour Department will be taking employment in a different direction in the Virgin Islands. He said he knows and understands the difficulties and challenges people are faced with regarding the areas that fall under his ministry.
“Specifically work permits and specifically being able to get work permits on time; I am saying this, and I am saying this the only way I know how – those issues that you have will be addressed immediately. In order for this to work,” Turnbull explained.
He reassured attendees that he will continue to do everything to ensure that whatever solutions are needed are implemented and enforced immediately.
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The power hungry one got he wanted now. Let us watch and see.
So you dont know that labor is the worse department in the BVI Government at any time. Real under hand and paid on the side service.
When is see some people work permit process i want to cry… Criminals with bad records from their country got processed. Some of them even dating women in labor. Ask them how come they have free apartment at L-Bay
The only change that i see is a new minister and people from the 2nd district will now run things
You mean the people from Cane Garden Bay. That is the only set he looks out for. Oh and the elders from Brewer’s bay. These set will run things.
Shifting people eh? That’s just transferring the bad attitude somewhere else….you sure allyo have the courage to make tough decision? Is shifting really the answer? How about finding people who will be committed to being fair, reasonable and practical?
So you are basically saying you are firing the whole department and turn back the entire mess V. Wheatley created?
Because everybody knows the mess was created on purpose.
Yea people mr Davide need to move when you go report at matter at work he don’t give u satisfaction he siding with his people from here .move all of them mr Davide for sure
First thing I’ve heard from this ‘Unity Government’ that I like.
Because you have a personal interest. People coming on here with their personal issues, no one gives a rat’s a** about the future of the country. No country this small should issue so many work permits. There needs to be a change indeed, but I doubt it will be in the right direction. To many fronting and bonding of people with no work etc. I know this for a fact because I receive proposals all the time, and I hear Mr X have me sponsored, but I work for Mr Y. What does that mean really???
All praises to the King of Glory Jesus Christ. The Most High be with you Most Honorable Turnbull.Make a Speedy and BULLISH TURN of justice, mercy on your Ministry for the sake of the Customers, always staying as HUMBLE as you are.
Sounds like a plan to me. God bless you my brother. I have a work permit in 7 months now and when I call the idiots just keep telling me it’s not ready. They wont even offer to mention what documents are missing. We need a system where within two weeks they either inform that it’s NOT approved or tell the client what documents are missing.
You calling a tolian who helping you out an idiot?
Mitch please be careful with these ungrateful set ah islun people
well the lady on the phone this morning at the labour department was like a breath of fresh air compared to the last person.
She took time to investigate multiple ways to help and arrrived at a solution where she will call me back with an update once she has checked with the processing department, even if its not ready its a great step forward.
This is the same individual that allegedly denied assistance to 2nd District residents who did not vote for him after Hurricane Irma/Maria? This Unity Government is just a farce.
@warning you are from the biggest continent on this planet you illiterate f%%l that’s why we are having so much problems in this big country.
Mr Minister, slow down and take some time to learn and understand the issues in the Ministry before you react. All of the complaints are not work permit related but systemic. Some of the employers that are complaining the most are causing most of the issues.
I hope the Minister will not only be looking at the interest of work permit holders because that will speak volumes. People should not be given work permits indefinitely. Check what countries like Cayman and Bermuda do. Succession planning should strongly be encouraged and monitored to ensure implementation and the success of its continuity.
Start with Mrs. *C she is the major problem in there and have 80 percent of the staff annoyed.
Still waiting for my renewal 9 months now.
yes. but for 9 months you have been working illegally so what you complaing about , you need to start your new renewal now so its ready in 3 months so you can pay twice at the same time!
Sir, please replace all those that have to do with processing Labor Document. To much fraud going on, in there.
finally we will get work permits! TY minister of district 2
Good luck to you sir. You will be fought every step of the way. Hope you have a broad back. Some people get change and like chaos. I think the system was set up to deliberately frustrate permit holders.
What about Ports deputy premier?
How long should a permit be issued for, i.e. indefinitely or for a number of years. There needs to be succession planning implemented. You are correct there needs to be changes made, but make sure they are for the betterment of the BVI and its citizens.
I do hope one of the changes is to make sure that work permits are issued to persons who will be employed by the person or business it is issued for and not Peter bond me but I am working for myself or with John. One thing I notice with expats as long as they cannot get to break the laws they cry bloody murder and say they are being wronged. There are many persons running their own business who are bonded by someone else and pay no tax or social security. Hon. Turnbull we are expecting that the whole system will be made right lots of cleaning up to do. Look out for the interest of both expats and locals be fair. leave no stones unturned, Then we will see the true picture of the injustice.
May God be with you and guide you!