ILO strengthens partnerships for decent work in the British Virgin Islands
ILO Caribbean Office team visited the BVI to strengthen partnerships and promote decent work and social protection. The team held high-level meetings with Government leaders and institutions to support fair employment, stronger labour systems, and improved data for policymaking.
12 May 2025
TORTOLA, British Virgin Island (ILO News) - The ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean carried out a strategic mission to the British Virgin Islands from 4 to 8 May 2025, focused on strengthening partnerships, boosting technical cooperation, and reaffirming support for decent work and social protection. Led by ILO Caribbean Director, Mr. Joni Musabayana, the mission included a series of courtesy calls and high-level engagements with national leaders to support inclusive growth and sustainable development.
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting with Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley. Discussions focused on deepening collaboration in areas such as labour administration, social dialogue, labour migration and the implementation of international labour standards. During the meeting, Premier Wheatley was presented with the ILO’s Employment Diagnostic Analysis – British Virgin Islands, a comprehensive report that analyzes the BVI’s current labour market and provides strategic recommendations to advance decent work across the territory. He confirmed Government's commitment to developing a National Employment Policy using the Diagnostic as the base.
The ILO’s team also met with Acting Labour Commissioner Mr. Mervin D. Hastings to better understand the dynamics of the Labour Department. The exchange emphasized the shared goal of ensuring all workers in the Virgin Islands have access to fair employment opportunities and are actively included in national dialogue on labour matters.
In another key engagement, the ILO held discussions with the Social Security Board (SSB) which focused on strengthening the social protection system. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to expand coverage, enhance programme sustainability, and ensure that no worker is left behind. The ILO invited the SSB to consider the relevance and applicability of Convention 102 to the Virgin Islands. These efforts underscore the ILO’s dedication to supporting fair and robust systems that safeguard the well-being of all workers.
The mission also included a productive session with Mr. Phillip Raymond, Director of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), and his team. The discussion centered on improving labour market data collection and analysis—an essential step for evidence-based policymaking and guiding the future of work in the Virgin Islands. Strengthening data systems will support better decision-making and national planning aligned with decent work goals.
The ILO’s visit to the British Virgin Islands reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with national partners to protect, empower, and uplift workers and is considered a first step to extending more strategic support to the Overseas Territories. Through these collaborative efforts, the ILO continues to work closely with local stakeholders to help shape policies and programmes that foster stable labour relations, protect workers’ rights, and contribute to the Territory’s prosperity.