BVI News

Over 1700 lost their jobs since March! Most work permit holders

Statistics from the Department of Labour indicate that a total of 1,719 persons were severed from their employment since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an economic shutdown in the BVI.

Speaking the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Labour Minister Vincent Wheatley said the majority of these persons were work permit holders.

A total of 861 work permit holders lost their jobs entirely.

Giving a breakdown of the figures, Wheatley said 74 BVIslanders, 439 Belongers, and another seven persons with resident status was released from their job.

“In addition, persons with work permit exemption showed a total of 156 persons being severed. Further, it should be noted that an additional 182 were severed but the reports did not specify the nationality or status within the territory,” noted Wheatley, who said job losses differed from island to island.

“While, 40.2 percent of workers were released on Anegada, a substantially lower 10.3 percent were released on Virgin Gorda, and 13 percent on Tortola,” the minister stated.

It is not known how many of the employees received their severance pay to date.

Meanwhile, the statistics were generated based on 1,442 businesses that voluntarily reported their status to the Labour Department between March 2020 and February 2021. Collectively, these businesses employ 12,188 persons which represent 58 percent of the BVI’s total workforce.

Some 10,282 of the total employees mentioned above retained their jobs.

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20 Comments

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  1. Spin Doctor says:

    The Economy is about to go into overdrive..

    Like 13
  2. SMH says:

    Only 74?

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  3. heckler says:

    I thought he had say 1000 jobs in 1000 days but he forget to mention the word “lost”

    Like 21
    Dislike 4
  4. one man gang says:

    Who kill this country covid or vip epidemic ?????

    Like 16
  5. We Must Vote says:

    WORST GOVERNMENT EVER!

    Like 19
    Dislike 9
  6. $h!+ says:

    Don’t worry, Marijuana Farms, Drag Racing, Casinos and other ‘innovative’ ideas will have the economy in overdrive in no time. BVIslanders, get your 3-day trade licenses in line and be ready for a massive overdrive! Do not mind the statistics which are produced by man, with the Great God of the Universe anything is possible *insert Bible quote here*. Your Government is working for you with BVILOVE and will get you out of the woods that the Health Minister has you in. The BVI is on the move and we are not turning back.

    Like 21
    Dislike 2
  7. Rubber Duck says:

    Lies, damned lies and statistics.

  8. heckler says:

    The economy more look like its in reverse instead of overdrive…lol

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
  9. Question says:

    What would it take to have a recall election or a vote of no confidence? We can’t survive like this much longer.

    Like 22
    Dislike 3
  10. @ mice says:

    Yo mama who amhas 4 legs like U couldn’t have chosen a better name for U ?

  11. Paul says:

    How man goverment workers were laid off?

    Like 4
    Dislike 2
  12. Indigenous Virgin Islander says:

    Send all them work permit holders and work permit exempted workers who lost their jobs home. This is what suppose to happen yet too many still here. Why is everything in this country so lawless? BVI law states if you lose your job on a work permit, your time ends and you have to exit the territory.

    Like 2
    Dislike 11
  13. Hmm says:

    And another post only 162 hired from 1000 target.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  14. Road Town Rebel. says:

    Unemployed non belongers need to go home if they cannot find work. After all they are migrant workers. Look it up

  15. ghutty says:

    they need to send all the tolans who born amaerica back home too their birth land. how about that!! they are not from here. alyo worried about down island people but none of you real;ized that all the asian/ filipino taking all the jobs here…lol . they need to send back them who born in america too and see who locals remain here. bunch of idiots

  16. Ghutty says:

    Ghutty we who are belonged , is not a burden on the BVI , we got land and money, so stop your nonsense, we are hear because we love the land of our parents, not to suck the country dry, we don’t have to send thousands of dollars out this country, so you better check yourself.

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