Commentators slam government over minimum wage deferral
The government’s decision to defer the planned increase to the minimum wage has sparked criticism from panellists on the Talking Points radio show.
The panellists expressed concern over the lack of communication surrounding the delay, which had been set to come into effect on November 30th.
Speaking on the show, commentator Elvin Grant highlighted the frustration caused by the absence of an official explanation. ‘We can’t have situations where we are having to speculate as to the reason why a government policy has not been implemented,” he said. “Businesses hate uncertainty, and [they] would have planned for this, and they would have made adjustments.”
Guest Ian Thomas, a local DJ and business owner, acknowledged the complexities of raising the minimum wage but argued for a gradual approach. “We’re barely making ends meet,” he said, pointing to the economic challenges businesses face. “Imagine raising the minimum wage to $8.50 per hour, but your income is still the same or even less. How do you warrant that?”
Thomas suggested that a smaller incremental increase would have been more feasible. “Let’s try a dollar or $1.50 increase instead. That, per month, would make a big difference,” he argued.
The panellists also discussed the broader implications of the minimum wage delay. While Grant emphasised the need for businesses to pay a living wage, he noted that economic stimulation doesn’t necessarily require a larger population. Grant noted that good customer service and efficient operations can drive economic activity. Thomas concurred but added that many businesses lack proper training and planning.
The delay has also raised questions about government accountability. Grant called on leaders to provide transparent communication, arguing, “For the government to come out and say, you know, we’re rolling this back, and it will be [in the] first quarter of 2025 with no rhyme or reason as to why it’s being done, I mean, we’re into fantasy land, aren’t we?”
Despite the challenges, the panellists agreed that addressing the minimum wage issue is essential for the territory’s economic and social well-being. They urged the government to take a balanced approach that considers the needs of workers and the capacity of businesses.
The government has yet to provide an official statement explaining the reasons for deferring the policy
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Most business has identify persons that them goin to fire and blame on need to pay higher salary – and now them have to delay firing till next year
most probably are not from here. Whereas business owners facing the wage increase most probably ARE from here. So…from here people make a few calls, complain business bad, unspoken threats about votes and all of a sudden all of Lorna’s work is thrown out. SMDH. ONLY IN THE BVI.
How do you know all of that?
How do you not know it/that – it is pretty common knowledge and discussed by business owners. We did the same after Irma, Covid and the floods – every cloud has a silver lining for employers.
Let the minimum wage workers stay home and see if these clowns in HOA can run the island themselves.
Rent raising with or without minimum wage increase.
Thats when the Virgin Islands Uneducated Voters put Lil Children to do Adults Job. This VIP Government had No reason to be Re-elected. The Corner Woman caused them to be there and yet the Corner Woman tried to implement a Minimum Wage and the Party-Mare Fired the Corner Woman so He and the other PlayMates could stop the Minimum Wage from happening. The Corner again, All by her Lone Self was allowed to Suspend the Trade Commission which was already passed in the HOA, which was the Vehicle to help the Population with the Consumer Protection Bill from Businesses Robbing the already Poor people. Doesnt that sounds like Highway Robbery orchestrated by the Now Politicians of this Territroy? Wouldn’t You agree that the People of this Territory are FR!gged?
I want a portion of whatever you is smoking
is the same politicians who own supermarkets and other businesses, who tell you they want people to live like humans.. they want us begging all the time.. smh
ITS THE WHITE LADY , BUT YOU HAVE TO PUT THE BLAME ON THE UK & THE GOVERNOR / COLLINS ISN’T HERE NOW , SO HE GOT AWAY , PERHAPS THE CANARY ON THE YELLO SITE CAN CREATE SOME OF HIS USUAL DRAMA , SO HE CAN PUT SOME OF THE BLAME ON CINDY & WALWYN • HE’S VERY CLEAVER AT IT