Bill to Consolidate Workers' Comp and Gov't Insurance Draws Mixed Reviews

Critics argue the proposed legislation lacks sufficient input from the private sector and adequate checks and balances

A bill seeking to bring the Government Insurance Fund and the Workers’ Compensation Administration under one umbrella received mixed reviews when presented before the Committee on Education and Workforce Development on Monday night.

Bill 35-0240, sponsored by Senator Novelle Francis, would transfer responsibility for administration of the Government Insurance Fund from the Department of Finance to the Department of Labor. The measure would also amend various sections of Title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 to facilitate better recovery for injury or disease that arises out of and in the course of employment in the Virgin Islands under the Workers’ Compensation Administration.

If passed into law, the bill would also ensure that workers entitled to workers’ compensation receive medical coverage, rehabilitation services, and disability compensation without undue delay, by merging the benefits and payment components of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program.‌