Some people experiencing heartbreaking hunger

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Lorna Smith has again highlighted the need for a hike in the minimum wage, stating that there are residents who cannot afford meals and are experiencing hunger in the society.

“It is not an easy one (the minimum wage decision) but people have to eat,” Smith told the Talking Points radio show recently. “I was at a meeting on the weekend and you may think we exaggerate when we say there are people in this country – children – who cannot afford to buy a meal. They are hungry, it is very real and heartbreaking.”

She continued: “We must find a way through our minimum wage and social protection policy to make sure that people are able to live in this country and buy basic food.”

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has promised that the minimum wage in the Virgin Islands will increase from $6 to $7.25 per hour starting in July.

He said the change will be implemented in phases, with a further increase planned “sometime in the future.”

While many are happy about the impending increase, others believe it is still below the living wage and doesn’t reflect the prices residents are subjected to daily. Some businesses are skeptical of the increase, as they feel their profit margins aren’t enough to support wage hikes.

In the meantime, Smith doubled down on the Premier’s promise that the government is working on naming a “basket of goods” that should remain at low prices because of their importance in everyday life.

“We can’t just have a basket of goods for foods and necessities, we also need a basket of goods for the construction industry because that is what we thrive on. That (baskets of goods) is being developed by my ministry and persons in business,” Smith explained.