During the 14th Sitting Of The Second Session Of The Fourth House Of Assembly, held on September 23rd, 2020, Hon. Vincent Wheatley, Minister of Natural Resources and Immigration reported that more than 60% of approved claims for Unemployment/ Underemployment Benefits have been paid out.
Thus far the Government of the Virgin Islands have paid out four million three hundred and sixty-six thousand four hundred and eighty-eight dollars and three cents ($4,366,488.03) in Unemployment benefits.
There are still two thousand one hundred and seventeen (2117) claims unpaid at this time.
Minister Wheatley acknowledged that there are persons yet to receive benefits and explained that this is not due to the lack of effort on behalf of the Social Security Board but due to the lack of salary information from employers.
He further explained these employers are in violation of the Labour Code, he said “there are hundreds of employers who continue to deduct from their employees and do not remit the contributions to the Board. These employers are also in violation of the Labour Code by not giving their employees pay-slips. Thus, this lack of information has led to the inability of the Social Security Board to calculate and pay benefits.”
The Minister reported that several employers, who were in default for an extended period of time, have been forced to pay past due contributions.
It was then revealed that a significant number of employers are still non-responsive to the call to pay their dues.