Jack Husbands appointed as Labour Arbitration Chair

Samuel Jack Husbands

The government has announced the appointment of Samuel Jack Husbands as Chair of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal.

The announcement comes days after the disclosure that someone had been selected and approved for the post after a year-long vacancy.

The appointment was made by Deputy Premier and Minister for Labour and Trade, Lorna Smith, OBE, with the approval of the Cabinet.

Husbands, a longtime attorney in the BVI, is expected to serve for a two-year period which reportedly commenced from May 1, 2023.

The government said his professional record, which spans over 30 years, includes serving as a Barrister, Managing Associate, Partner, and Money Laundering Officer, and he currently holds the position of Principal at Lawton Chambers.

Smith, in extending congratulations to Husbands on his appointment, said she has confidence in his ability to lead the Tribunal with integrity, fairness, and efficiency.

The government said Husbands’ leadership is expected to be a great contribution to the efficient resolution of labour disputes.

The Deputy Premier also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chair of the Tribunal, Jamal Smith, for his invaluable contributions to the territory while serving in that capacity.

The Labour Arbitration Tribunal makes decisions about labour disputes and regulates its own procedures as to how it will do so. The parties appearing before the body are entitled to the same rights or privileges as they would have before any court.

Disputes assessed before the Tribunal may include complaints about things like unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, redundancy and discrimination in the workplace as well as reviewing certain decisions of the Labour Commissioner.

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