Labour urges patience, still recovering from flood

While noting that the Labour Department is yet to fully recover from the recent flood, Minister of Natural Resources and Labour Dr Kedrick Pickering said the August 7 tropical wave that caused flooding and landslides across Tortola should be used as a lesson.

“The damage sustained by our community will be counted as a learning experience, which has taught us to be vigilant at all times, but more so especially during the hurricane season,” he said.

Dr Pickering added that, although repair works are posing some challenges at the Labour Department, all services are being provided to the public.

“This means that the regular course of conducting business will be restored as soon as possible. We recognise that this department has a heavy influx of traffic, and we will like the clients and staff alike to be comfortable while conducting business,” he added.

Dr Pickering noted that an assessment was done to ascertain the extent of the damage at the department’s office located on the ground floor of the Ashley Ritter Building. Computers and furniture were damaged as a result of the flood. Services provided at the ground floor of the department have been moved to the second floor.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Ronald Smith Berkeley, in the meantime, gave an assurance that the government is working to fully restore the department.

“We are aware of the challenges which exist at the department of labour,” he further said. “Efforts are being made to have the department back in order as soon as possible. We further thank the community for their patience, and ask them to continue to be patient as we work to rectify the situation”.

Labour Commissioner Janice Rhymer said staff at the Labour Department is assisting to ensure the everyday processes run as smoothly as possible.