Lorna Smith decries postponement of wage increase as “immoral”
Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has condemned the recent postponement of the minimum wage increase, calling the delay “immoral.”
Speaking during the 2025 budget debate in the House of Assembly (HOA) on Wednesday, December 18, Smith highlighted the government’s initial announcement in July, which stated that the minimum wage would rise from $6 to $8.50, effective November 30. However, just two days after the scheduled increase, the government announced the delay, citing “a policy decision” without further explanation.
“A full two days after the minimum wage was to take effect, an announcement was made that the increase would be postponed until next year due to a ‘policy decision’,” Smith said. “No other explanation.” She added, “In the words of those who needed that increase most, this was nothing short of immoral. Others used stronger words, but I will stick with immoral.”
Preparations were made
Smith, who served as Minister for Labour, Trade, and Financial Services, expressed concern over the delay, noting that all necessary preparations had been made during her tenure to ensure the minimum wage increase was implemented.
“I can attest that I personally met with all the major supermarkets, along with the staff from the ministry, to ensure the requisite preparations were in place to bring the minimum wage into effect,” she said.
The former minister also pointed out that the Cabinet had already approved the increase, which would have raised the fortnightly earnings for minimum wage workers from $480 to $680 for a standard 40-hour workweek, providing an additional $200 every two weeks.
Help people to earn a decent wage!
Smith urged the Premier, who now serves as Minister for Financial Services, to prioritise workers’ welfare. “I call on the Minister to put workers in the British Virgin Islands in a position where they can earn a decent wage that allows them to live a decent life,” she said. “He must bring this minimum wage into effect so that the people of the country can live a decent life.”
The Ministry of Financial Services announced on December 3 that the minimum wage increase would be postponed, citing an undisclosed policy matter. The Premier stated that the policy matter could not be disclosed at this time.
The proposed wage hike, originally introduced under Smith’s leadership, had been the first increase in the minimum wage since October 2016, when it was raised from $4 to $6 per hour by the previous National Democratic Party administration.
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This the same Lorna Smith that allowed staff from trust companies to be sent home and cover it up in HoA? Cyah Be
Dem deadbeat civil servants had an opportunity to rebell when the greedy bill was talked about by Kishma Penn and Cindy Rosan. But they sat behind their desk dumbfounded and said NOTHING out loud. Now they(HOA) keep talking about paying into a persion fuud. Have the elected officials paid into one inorder to collect theirs, which is for their uncle, tonton and nene. On my taxes, where outside of the COI is that okay to the tax payers. Try Check again!!
Prices gone up as if it did take effect, what will happen when it actually does. Unscrupulous in this place.
So is postponement of the Virgin Island Trade Commission… Lorna Smith
the local businesses alrdy making 300% profit off of us. then government increase import tax so if we try to shop cheaper outside by time it reaches is best you had pay the extra 5 dollars at the rich local stores.
When covid hit and gas prices went up them thing never came back down. they saw the opportunity to make another 300% profit and continue it all after prices went back to normal post corona and post fuel increase. then bviec saw the opportunity buh fuel surcharge and still busting this surcharge till this day. this is one greedy frig up lil economy in the bvi boi… People use to buy used cars outside the country and bvi government stop the boat cuz the dealerships not making sales with their brand new expensive cars costing 500+ a month to pay off. dealerships in the states actually sell used cars but not bvi own mehson. Don’t even talk about the our banks crazy high interest rates highest in the Caribbean and states no one asking no questions why. no wonder nobody met the criteria for that failed housing project anything to ease the pressure like raising minimum wage and all of sudden we got pure excuse and energy to fight it but not the other way around…
I say it. That it will be. This minimum wage that the Premier messed with will propel Lorna and sink the Premier next election.
That was her motivation when she was ready to betray the Premier so we should not feel sorry her. If her gets the premiership ok but lets stop the pity party.
Rich exploiting others. People here learnt a lot from Colonial times.
BUT SAME YOU , JUDGE WIGGIE ALWAYS WITH YOUR SARCASM OR RACISM BLOGGINGS ON OTHER PEOPLE SHOWING OFF YOUR DIRTY MENTALITY AND THINKING YOU ARE SOME KIND OF A HERO ” ESTEEMED ONE ” / TRY ” WANNABE ” THE LATTER WILL BE MORE SUITABLE FOR YOU
Its not only the so called wigged one that see through her . Much of the public as wel . she could have been loyal and waited her turn. She now comes across as power hungry.
The never owned anything brigade out in full effect as usual!!! Businesses making 300% while the cost of doing said business is at 400%! Step out from behind the keyboards and cellphones and start a business paying all your employees 5k a month so they can all live like Kings/Queens, pay SS/NHI/Taxes, Duties, Rent, Utilities, Maintenance. Do it and tell us all about it after you have done it!!
Most politicians are paid $8000-10000 monthly and these are the cobblers, can you imagine what the sharks are fetching! It’s is stupid that we are putting bread plus in their mouths and they’re feeding us gravel and wind. Let us decide their salaries and benefits and our too and shift power from from these betrayers to the true patriots and nation builders.
, IS THAT YOU AGAIN , TRYING AH AGAIN – THE WANN OPPOSITION WAS FORMED BECAUSE OF EVERYBODY WANTED THE TOP SPOT / IT HAD NOTHING TO DO BWITH HER , WHEN YOU AIN’T JUDGING CINDY OR WALWYN , ITS THE UK OR THE GOVERNOR , /WELL COLLINS AIN’T HERE NOW
SO YOU JUMPING ON POOR LORNA . WHAT TRIBE YOU FROM ? CANNIBALS EH WIGGIE
we know that is you , using a different name as USUAL / so hush