Labour Pushes For Locals In Marine Sector
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is defending its efforts to ensure Virgin Islanders receive priority for jobs in the marine industry. Deputy Labour Commissioner Felina Moss addressed community concerns at a recent marine forum, highlighting ongoing initiatives to support local captains and crew. Officials are considering structured measures, including reserving entry-level maritime positions for qualified locals.
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is standing firmly behind its efforts to secure meaningful employment opportunities for Virgin Islanders within the territory's lucrative marine sector, responding to ongoing community concerns that qualified locals continue to be overlooked.
Speaking at a recent marine forum, Deputy Commissioner of Labour Felina Moss addressed frustrations voiced by elected leaders, local captains, and industry workers regarding barriers to entry and career advancement. Stakeholders at the gathering called on both the Department of Labour and the Department of Trade to implement stronger safeguards to ensure Virgin Islanders are not locked out of the maritime economy in favor of expatriates.
Moss acknowledged that complaints regarding historical disenfranchisement are valid, but emphasized that the department has consistently worked to advocate for the local workforce. She noted that labour officials have been actively engaging charter companies and marine employers to educate them on statutory obligations, while simultaneously helping local employees understand and protect their workplace rights.
To achieve sustainable change, Moss noted that targeted interventions and clearer professional pathways are necessary across the maritime sector. Among the practical measures under consideration are establishing firm first-preference protocols for local captains and evaluating whether certain entry-level marine positions could be specifically reserved for Virgin Islanders.
Moss also urged local marine professionals who believe they have been unfairly sidelined or bypassed for employment opportunities to report their cases directly to the Department of Labour. As the BVI continues to navigate workforce demands across its vital yachting and charter sectors, public pressure remains high for both government regulators and private operators to deliver tangible economic inclusion for the territory's workforce.
Primary source: BVI News