Mrs. Michelle A. Venzen McLean has been appointed Labour Commissioner in the Department of Labour and Workforce Development effective January 11.
As Labour Commissioner, Mrs. McLean will manage the Department of Labour and Workforce Development to ensure effective administration of the Labour Code, 2010; participate in the preparation, co-ordination and administration of national employment policy; and provide technical advice to the Government as it relates to labour matters and the labour market.
Additionally, Mrs. McLean will be responsible for ensuring that workplaces are maintained in a safe and healthy manner through the implementation and promotion of health, safety and welfare policies; as well as through regular workplace inspections. As Labour Commissioner, she will also help to develop the Virgin Islands workforce to ensure that the legitimate employment interests of Virgin Islanders and Belongers remain paramount, among other tasks.
Mrs. McLean holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Campus. She is also a trained Court Connected Mediator, Partnership for Peace Facilitator and a Commissioner for Oaths. She holds an Essentials of Occupational Safety and Health Certificate from the International Labour Organization’s International Training Centre.
Mrs. McLean joined the Public Service in 1988 as a Clerical Trainee, and for approximately 25 years has served in various senior capacities such as, Training Officer, Training Division; Senior Administrative Officer, Law Reform Commission; and Senior Court Administrator, Supreme Court. She has over 10 years of experience at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development ranging from being the Employment Services Manager, Deputy Labour Commissioner and most recently, Acting Labour Commissioner.