By John Denny
Observer Nevis Reporter
(Charlestown, Nevis) – Chief Labour Officer Averil Williams held a workshop for employees in the construction industry on April 9 at the Red Cross building. This was the fourth in a series, each one targeting a different industry on the island.
The workshop dealt with a number of topics. Primarily it provided information about labor laws, terms and conditions of employment and tips for being a better employee.
“Employers sometimes complain that they cannot get a full day’s work out of their workers,” Mrs. Williams said.
The Hon. Premier and Minister of Labour Joseph Parry spoke for a few moments at the workshop. He told the workers in attendance if they gave 100 percent at their jobs, they could count on 100 percent representation from the Department of Labour.
He told the attendees they need to be sure to be signed on for social security in preparation for their later years.
Mr. Parry also had some good news: the Nevis labor market seems to be fully employed.
“Contractors have come to me complaining that they cannot find workers here and that they are having to look for them overseas,” said Mr. Parry
They have a shortage of skilled labor in Nevis and have instituted a program for training workers in building trades in Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Parry said.
“We are hoping that when they come back they will encourage some of their friends to get training and get into the work force,” said Mr. Parry.
Mr. Parry said they are willing to be creative to improve their workforce.
“We need to identify leaders… leaders of gangs, leaders of groups, and by putting them into a different environment so that when they return they will have a change of heart and a change of mind,” said Mr. Parry. “This will do two things: it will increase our workforce and diminish crime at the same time.”
Mr. Parry said that if Nevis has to bring in workers from overseas we should start by looking as close to home as possible.
“We should look as far south as South America and as far north as Jamaica,” said Mr. Parry. “I’m not afraid to say this: we prefer to have West Indian or Caribbean people living here.”
