REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS + 97 1. Placement services 2. Reports and analysis and labor market information 3. Counseling, testing and related services to industry and labor 4. Farm placement services 5. Unemployment insurance programs Placement Services Total nonagricultural placements for the year ending June 30, 1962 were 4,346. This was an increase of 854 or approximately 24.5 percent above the previous year. The comparative distribution by major occupational classes was as follows: 1962 1961 Percent change Total nonagricultural placements_ ----- --------------,-- 4,346 3,492 24. 5 Professional and clerical ---.. -------------------- 413 470 -12.1 Service--- 1---- .---- -----1,549 1,139 35.9 Skilled and semiskilled ------- ------------------------------- 909 802 13.3 Unskilled and other ------------- 1,475 1,081 36.4 From the above it is apparent that nonagricultural placements during fiscal year 1962 showed a significant climb above the previous fiscal year in all occupational categories with the exception of pro- fessional and clerical work. The supplemental labor force continued to be drawn from the British West Indian islands. In this connection, 11,039 nonagricul- tural job openings were certified during the year for the employment of foreign nationals. Nonagricultural certifications during the 1962 fiscal year increased by 2,957 or approximately 36.6 percent over the previous fiscal period. A total of 1,553 agricultural certifications were issued during fiscal year 1962. These were largely for agricultural workers in St. Croix including harvest hands for the cutting of the sugar cane crop. Reports and Analysis and Labor Market Information During the year two studies of prevailing wage rates in the hotel industry were completed, one for the St. Croix labor market area and the other for the St. Thomas-St. John labor market area. The pre- vailing rates disclosed by these studies were utilized in the placement program and served as a basis for fixing wage standards for the em- ployment of foreign nationals in this industry. These studies are being extended to other industries and a review of the wage rate structure will be conducted periodically.