Six people land full-time jobs under RATED programme

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has moved to defend the government’s RATED programme, stating that 721 persons have applied since inception and six have already landed full-time jobs in government.

Premier Wheatley also shared that the programme has already cost the government $1,430,753.61 (figures from December 2022 to September 2023).

The programme has been criticized by members of the Opposition who say that it seems to be a quick fix that doesn’t provide long-term solutions to unemployment among locals.

But speaking in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 31, Premier Wheatley rebutted this claim, saying though the programme is short-term, it has allowed persons to gain the necessary exposure to employment opportunities with a number of ministries and departments.

According to the Premier, these government offices include the Premier’s Office, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Virgin Islands Trade Commission, the Department of Information and Public Relations, the Civil Registry and Passport Office and many others.

The leader said to date, some 53 apprentices are working in the areas of administration, customer service, data entry and sanitation. He also added that government departments are willing to hire persons long-term if the opportunity arises.

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn described the programme as a band-aid, arguing that it was an insufficient mechanism for addressing the territory’s employment challenges.

Walwyn said there are major unemployment issues, not just in his Sixth District, but throughout the territory and enough is not being done to address that.

According to Walwyn, the programme only gives persons a six-month stint to keep some money in their pocket. He added: “If you don’t get a job by then, you’re back to square one. We need to revisit it.”

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