The Labour Laws in Anguilla are coming under public scrutiny at a series of island-wide town meetings which commenced at the Island Habour Primary School on Tuesday evening, April 8.

The meetings are aimed at giving all persons an opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a Labour Code for Anguilla, now in its draft stage. Four pieces of legislation, already in effect, are being reviewed for consolidation into the Anguilla Labour Code. These are The Labour Department Act, The Control of Employment Act, The Fair Labour Standards Act and The Work Permit Regulations.

The opening meeting at Island Harbour attracted a number of persons from the area among them being the Elected Representative Kenneth Harrigan. Though not a large gathering, the attendees showed a considerable amount of interest in the meeting and actively participated in the discussions.

This not only underscored their understanding of the importance of the legislation to the socio-economic development of Anguilla, but showed that they were pleased to be part of the process and that their views were being taken into account.

The meeting commenced with brief introductory remarks by Othlyn Vanterpool, one of the residents of the district who is also Director of Fisheries and Marine Resources in the Anguilla Public Service.

Rodney Rey, Arjul Wilson and Evalie Bradley

The discussions were led by Rodney Rey, Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office which also has responsibility for Labour and Immigration matters; Evalie Bradley, Labour Commissioner; and Arjul Wilson, Legal Draftsperson/Crown Counsel attached to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The next public meeting is scheduled for the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, East End, on April 10 with others planned for the West End Primary School on April 22; and the Bethel Methodist Church Hall on April 24, all to commence at 7.00 p.m. A second series of meetings will be held later in other areas of the island to ensure wide discussion on the Labour Code, now in its very early stages.

Island Harbour residents at meeting

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