BVI News

Deputy Governor refutes Customs strike rumours

Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr.

Deputy Governor David Archer Jr yesterday, July 19, refuted claims of pending strike action within the ranks of His Majesty’s Customs.

Archer said in a statement released late Wednesday that the Financial Secretary invited him to meet with members of the Customs Department and the members of the Customs Welfare Association. Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr Natalio Wheatley, along with representatives of the Finance Ministry, were reportedly present during the meeting.

“A bountiful discussion on the importance of Customs officers to matters of national security and economic stability culminated in solutions to address a number of organisational matters outside of increment payments,” Archer stated. “As such, I would like to unequivocally dispel any rumours of Customs officers striking as a result of increments not being paid.”

He further denied that the the workers had planned to strike as a result of long outstanding salary increments not being paid. Instead, he said the members of the Customs Department simply wanted to get an update and offer their support in the processing of increments.

According to the Deputy Governor, the Customs Welfare Association made it clear in calling for the meeting that their goal was to discuss their purpose, address matters impacting Customs officers, and to ascertain a detailed update on outstanding increment payments.

Over 40% of eligible Customs officers paid increments

To date, Archer said, just about 1,420 of 2,261 eligible public officers have been paid their outstanding performance increments, with arrears, for 2018 and 2019.

He further pointed out that the processing of increments for eligible Customs officers has started, with more than 40 percent of eligible Customs personnel getting paid.

“Following my circular shared on Friday, 14th July, we have now received 98 percent of the needed documentation to begin processing increment payments for the balance of Customs officers. While initial payments were made to officers with no changes to their employment during those years, the remaining payments require a more complex calculation per officer and thus requires more time.

Payroll officers are reportedly working overtime to ensure all outstanding increment payments for 2018 and 2019 continue to be paid as soon as possible. However, the Deputy Governor said this was contingent on all outstanding increment reports and letters being submitted by Heads of Departments by end of day yesterday.

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7 Comments

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  1. Dont mind he! says:

    Somebody leaked the news to him so he called an early meeting with the heads of department to avoid the strike

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  2. Damage control says:

    Why all these lies?

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  3. Salty Fish says:

    Honourable, you can spin it however you want! But to a lot of us there is some serious stink coming from your neck of the woods!

    What’s going on in this place, from drugs, to Civil Service increments, to sick outs, power outages, drug busts, endless water breakages, dug up roads left in disrepair for months, Sophie Bay Hill at a standstill, covid payouts and subsequent denials of wrongdoing, COI $hit, duplicitous politicians, airport shutdowns, $250k parties, the list still goes on and on!

    But yin all honesty, you really want to know the terrifying part for the people of this territory? It is our fundamental fear that we ain’t even close to hitting rock bottom yet!

    Tell me, what else you all hiding from us still? Because we all know there is a lot more bubbling away while we wait for the next show to drop!

    Like 19
  4. Tired and Weary says:

    From the time I was a civil servant/teacher to now retired and ready to move on to the next calling, I have been looking up to this man for basic humanity, decency and compassion, only to have received nothing, nothing and nothing. For over forty-five years and more have been looking to that gentleman and other for relief, but to no avail.

    Many of them may have retired and have been rewarded handsomely, while many are still behind the desk reeking hell, misery and damnation on the souls of many good and deserving people, because that is what disciples of Satan do.

    Here we are almost thirty years into retirement and not a penny of our EARNED INCREMENT are in our hands.. Will we ever receive our monies we have worked for, earned and need? Why should I wait thirty odd years and still waiting to be paid what I have already worked for?

    Is that an indication that government does not intend to honor it obligations to it former employees? That is a crude and horrific way to treat your people Governors, Deputies, CEO’s and all others responsible. All appear heartless criminals of the worst kind.

    Meanwhile, retired teachers and others have been waiting twenty plus years and are still waiting to receive their EARNED AND OWED INCREMENTS…But their accounts, stomachs and mouths are full to running over..

    Yet, they can be seen and found in church every Sunday. And during the week, they busy themselves reeking hell on innocent people who have done them absolutely nothing. It is often wondered if they really believe in God.

    Will we ever get o monies Mr. Deputy?

  5. Truth says:

    Strupes! That straw hat wearing guy is
    useless like tr**h

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  6. DP says:

    Sweet talker that.

  7. WEW says:

    Sure got your attention. Got the results the workers wanted and you still deny there was nothing to it. LI@r

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