WAPA employee looks on as barge arrives at plant
ST. CROIX -- The Virgin Islands Department of Labor (DOL) conducted an investigative report concerning the activities at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Propane Project, and found that a WAPA subcontractor, VITOL, failed to post job vacancies with DOL, according to a press release issued this afternoon by The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA).
The report focused on the behavior of the sub-contractor employed by WAPA for the construction of the propane facilities in the territory. According to the release, the subcontractor in question failed to follow the regulations stated in Title 27, Section 303b of the Virgin Island Code that requires employers to register job vacancies with DOL
By failing to register these job vacancies, as is alleged, the organization provided jobs for non-locals that should have been occupied by Virgin Islanders as required by the law. Hence, money that should have circulated and supported the Virgin Islands economy, likely did not.
DLCA reminds all entities licensed to do so, to comply with all laws of the Virgin Islands. Failure to comply will result in administrative action being taken against them. Such action may result in sanctions up to and including suspension or revocation of their license as well as monetary fines.
The department said it will be monitoring all licensees and how they conduct business. Infractions of Virgin Islands law on the part of any licensee shall be dealt with seriously, DLCA said. The consumer watchdog said if any business is unsure of whether their operation is or is potentially in violation of Virgin Islands law, feel free to contact the department’s Division of Licensing at 340.713.3522 or 340.714.3522
VI Consortium has investigated the issue of unlawful hiring practices by WAPA subcontractors extensively. The related stories are here and here.
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