Acting Labour Commissioner Oleanvine Maynard has assured members of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) that the Labour Department is taking steps to better serve their needs and those of the Territory in general.

The Acting Labour Commissioner addressed members of BVICCHA on the future plans and objectives of the Labour Department during a breakfast on Tuesday September, 30.

“Changes will come in the form of restructuring the present labour organisation and implementing new services.  We will also see the introduction of a new Labour Code as we have started the initial stage of identifying personnel, who will carry the Government’s mandate forward in this respect,” Maynard said.

The Acting Labour Commissioner further discussed the Youth Employment Service programme and the department’s overall objectives including its plan for more efficient work permit processing.

“New work permits, presently have a four to six week turn-around time; I propose to cut this time in half.  Work permits that are straightforward will be processed within two to three weeks, temporary permits within five days and change of employment, seven days,” said the Acting Labour Commissioner.

In her remarks, Chairman of the BVICCHA Dr. Birney Harrigan spoke of the Commissioner’s ability to work with the Association to provide better service to all.

“I am pleased to say that the Acting Commissioner Oleanvine Maynard came to the Labour Department with a mission to provide better service.  When you speak to her you get a strong sense of the person that she truly is and her integrity and commitment to facilitate not impede,” Dr. Harrigan said.

The Labour Department plans to embark on a public education campaign during this month highlighting the duties, functions and responsibilities of the department.

The Labour Department falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Natural Resources and is the Government arm responsible for the processing of work permits including renewals and exemptions; labour dispute resolution; employee health and working conditions; and job performance and leave rights.

The Department aims to promote good labour management practices at the workplace and to ensure stable and harmonious relations between employers and employees both in the private and public sectors. 

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