We’re fighting for locals in the marine industry, says Labour
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development has defended its efforts to secure more employment opportunities for Virgin Islanders in the marine sector, amid continued complaints that locals are being overlooked for jobs.
Deputy Commissioner of Labour Felina Moss said the department has been working to ensure Virgin Islanders are given first preference, particularly since she joined the department in 2024. Her comments came during a recent marine forum where elected leaders and other Virgin Islanders raised concerns about barriers preventing locals from benefiting fully from the territory’s lucrative marine industry.
They called on the departments of Labour and Trade to do more to ensure locals aren’t locked out of the sector. However, Moss said while the complaints of disenfranchisement are valid, the Department of Labour has been doing its part to empower locals to enter the marine sector.
“It would be remiss of me to sit here and not defend the Department of Labour,” Moss said. “I joined in 2004 and since then we have been focussing on Virgin Islanders and ensuring they are given first preference.”
Moss acknowledged that change will not happen overnight, but said the department has been educating charter companies and employees about their rights and responsibilities.
“We have been working tirelessly for Virgin Islanders, and I do not want to sit here and not defend that,” she added.
Moss also urged local marine professionals who believe they are being sidelined to engage directly with the department, noting that individual employment cases can differ. She said discussions are also needed about practical measures that could create clearer pathways for locals, including giving Virgin Islanders first preference for captain positions.
Moss further suggested examining whether some entry-level jobs within the marine industry could be specifically set aside for Virgin Islanders. Her comments come as pressure grows for government and private marine operators to address long-standing complaints from local captains and other workers who say expatriates are sometimes favoured for jobs.
At the forum, several stakeholders argued that stronger measures are needed to ensure the BVI’s marine industry creates meaningful employment and advancement opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
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So as a business that has invested millions in operations, who do I turn to when I have issues with local employees if Labour is looking out for them? Is there any wonder that some people just show up and do as they like? If Labour has my back I would do the same. Then you wonder why the economy is the way it is? Keep up the good work killing this place while other places improve theirs.
I’m not in the marine industry but from the numerous news stories I’ve read on this subject, it seems one of the major problems is the lack of ethic on the part of many locals in the marine industry? Correct me if I’m wrong but the problem seems to extent beyond simply providing opportunity. If the ethic and attitude are the problem, the employers need to say it and stop beating around the bush. Say it so it can be addressed
Mam we business owner and management have no problem you are looking out for your people but you have to look at the bigger picture we have no problem hiring them but they show up to work late, haircuts and hair styles looking like old sea urchins, cut up clothing, smells like weed no manners home training and the list goes on and on i have had complaints about their attitude and appearances in the past from guests. Decent vacationers don’t want to come out in such an environment keep on trying to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs in the bvi train then first.
Mam we business owner and management have no problem you are looking out for your people but you have to look at the bigger picture we have no problem hiring them but they show up to work late, haircuts and hair styles looking like old sea urchins, cut up clothing, smells like weed no manners home training and the list goes on and on i have had complaints about their attitude and appearances in the past from guests. Decent vacationers don’t want to come out in such an environment keep on trying to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs in the bvi train then first.
quite a generalization now if we start talking about the bad attitude and subservient services required of these same guests and those that run these businesses we’re in the wrong. how about you go try and make your money somewhere else that local demographics are more of your preference
What are they doing to ensure that local applicants are qualified for marine jobs? How many such applicants have completed the STCW 95 safety course, for example? How are they tracking their sea time?
As a qualified captain I have worked with lots of young locals and they have no manners they smoke their weed on the vessel even trying selling it to the guest not paying attention to their work when received their pay disappears till the money finish then returned no principle atol.
but apart from that they’re great….
You cant talk to the locals. They pack up and leave.