BVI Government launches Technical Drafting Committee for new National Employment Policy

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (ILO News) - The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken a decisive step toward tackling employment challenges and advancing decent work with the launch of the Technical Drafting Committee (TDC) for its first-ever National Employment Policy (NEP). The Committee, which convened virtually on 9 September 2025, will guide the drafting of the territory’s first comprehensive framework to improve employment opportunities, foster inclusive growth, and align with international labour standards.

The meeting brought together key government ministries, social partners, and community representatives, including Permanent Secretaries, the Labour Commissioner, representatives from the BVI Chamber of Commerce, trade unions, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, professional associations, and Sister Islands delegates. This broad-based membership reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the NEP captures diverse perspectives across economic sectors, communities, and generations.

Delivering remarks at the meeting, Co-chair of the Committee Mr. Christopher Holder, representing the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the need for practical outcomes: “As co-chair, my focus is on ensuring that this national employment policy is not an abstract exercise, but one rooted in fiscal realism and aligned with our National Sustainable Development Plan and Vision 2036.” He went on to make the point that to achieve real results, there must be institutional capacity, where there are clear roles, adequate resources, and strong social dialogue with employers, workers, and civil society.

Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, commended the BVI for its leadership in advancing labour policy reform. He stated: “The National Employment Policy will be a central framework to strengthen the labour market, expand opportunities for young people, and improve working conditions, wages, and job security.” He further affirmed the ILO’s ongoing role, saying: “ILO is committed to supporting the Virgin Islands not only in designing this policy but also in its implementation. The success of this process depends on strong social dialogue, and I am pleased to see government, employers, and workers engaged together at the table.”

Representing the workers’ perspective, Sean Henry of the BVI Teachers’ Union underlined the importance of national ownership of the policy process, saying “employment is not just a policy matter; it is part of the very DNA of our country.”

Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation presented the roadmap for the development of the National Employment Policy, the role of the technical committee, and the proposed modalities of work over the coming months. Referring to the national employment diagnostic analysis undertaken with ILO support earlier this year, she noted that the British Virgin Islands faces a multifaceted employment reality, shaped by labour and skills shortage, limited economic diversification, recurrent global and climate change shocks, youth exclusion, and a pronounced reliance on tourism and financial services sectors. She also indicated that the NEP development will proceed in two phases- an inception phase that will mobilise and sensitize stakeholders, and address both technical and financial planning; and a formulation phase, that will focus on prioritization of the key issues identified for attention.

The agenda also featured a presentation from Mr. Nicolas Serrière, the NEP consultant, who outlined the inception report, which will serve as a blueprint for the drafting process. ILO Employment Specialist, Abdelmalik Muhummed emphasized the importance of aligning the BVI’s employment strategy with global decent work priorities, while Government officials underscored the policy’s role in shaping a sustainable and competitive economy.

The next steps will involve a series of consultations with stakeholders to refine policy priorities and ensure broad national ownership. Once finalized, the NEP is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Virgin Islands’ economic and social development agenda, advancing job creation, skills development, and social protection for all.