The initiatives being taken by the Government with respect to labour matters, as mentioned to some extent in this issue of The Anguillian, signify that new efforts have begun to re-shape, re-define and strengthen various issues needing attention.

Certainly, one of the attempts is to bring an end to illegal working on the island by nationals of other territories but, according to the Chief Minister and Minister of Labour, this is being done with some compassion. It is thought that there are many illegal workers at various places of employment on the island, particularly some of the larger projects where there is need for a big labour force.

What the Chief Minister has said is that unlike in other countries, the Anguilla Government will not embark on a mass deportation programme of illegal workers, stop them from working in the first place or have them suspended from their jobs until they could satisfy the requirements of the law for a work permit.

No such action is contemplated. Just to process their employment status right on their jobs and allow them to continue working, provided they have some form of immigration or other approval to be in Anguilla, is more than generous. It is perhaps a slap on the wrist and a stamp of approval for them to remain in Anguilla and be gainfully employed without any unpleasant action taken against them.

The fact is, however, that there is a great need for construction workers in particular in Anguilla, but they must be skilled workmen – not persons who claim to be carpenters or masons but cannot draw a straight line. At the same time, however, there is a need to ensure that a project really needs the volume of labour it calls for or whether the work can be done with fewer workers. That aside, it is comforting and re-assuring to know that there is plenty of employment opportunities in the various sectors of the economy for Anguillians and non-belongers at various levels of service.

Other matters of much interest to workers are the early promise of a draft Labour Code and a National Minimum Wage, using the expertise of a local and knowledgeable consultant. It is also welcome news to hear about the establishment of a National Productivity Centre which will look at fostering harmonious relationships between employers and employees in the island’s working environment.

Anguilla is developing at a fast pace on several fronts and there is a need to tighten up the lose ends wherever they exist. The labour issue is one of them which must be under scrutiny, in all of its forms, for the wellbeing of Anguilla and every worker whether Anguillian, belonger or general holders of a work permit.

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