I am from Miami, Florida and I recently travelled to St. Thomas to spend some time in the islands.  I took a day ferry over to Tortola today and on my way back I could not believe what happened.

The security guard/Port Authority person who was checking everyone as they passed through the electronic sensor, was making all of the foreigners (American or white persons) take off everything, including their belts and shoes and then, when a dark skin-colored person went through, he would just wave them through.

A couple of the ones that he let through today sounded the alarm as they walked through the sensor, but he told them to go ahead.  I could not believe it.

I walked over to a woman who was next to him and explained to her that a couple of the persons that he had let pass by had sounded the sensor and he had not done anything about it, but in other cases he had made “white” individuals take off everything.  She told me that it was the “hairpins in their hair” and not to worry.  I thought that answer was unacceptable as well, so I wanted to bring this to your attention.

First I do not think certian classes of people, whether native or any color skin, should be treated differently than those that are not from there.  Secondly, if the alarm goes off I expect the authoriteis to send the person through again and find out what is making the alarm go off.

I would appreciate it if someone could respond to my concern.

Thank you
Richard Urra

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73 Comments

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  5. Richard Urra
    November 4, 2010
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    Well, I finally got settled in and happened to do a search and found my post! I am Richard Urra. SHOCK! What exciting commentary. to those that erroneously call me a racist, first I am of Cuban descent, so I don’t know how that works for you. I grew up poor, in a poor neighborhood with parents that worked very hard to make sure I had food to eat, clothes on my back and studied hard to make them proud. I have seen discrimination here. I am a liberal Democrat. This had nothing to do with race. Secondly, I have travelled the world, so not sure where that comment came from. I am glad some people got the point – it wasn’t about racism at all – like I said at the end – i expect him to do his job = the same with everyone – not just the 2 or 3 tourists that were there. The reason i know this is because when the (white, American) tourist in front of me went through, the security guard made a comment to him that he had to take everything off (belt, hat, wallet, etc.) and the tourist said something to him about having to do all that. The security guard then said “everyone here is in the same place, but me, everyone has to do this”. Because I had already heard this, I took all those items off (as I always do, and expect I should do whenever i travel). The point was he was not doing it to the islanders. One walked through and the alarm went off. He waived her through. He did not know it was a hair pin because he did not ask her to take it off and go through again. He just waived her through. I saw that happen twice. The person I approached to tell her this was happening was an alternate security guard who was not watching (she had just come back from somewhere or just gotten to her post). When she told me it was a hair pin, it was crazy because she had not seen the incident. This has nothing to do with race. My point, if I did not make it clear, let me try again – EVERYONE should be treated equally. EVERYONE should be made to follow the rules, not because not to do so is discrimination (I could care less because I don’t plan on coming back) but rather because it is for the SAFETY OF EVERYONE! And that I do care about. And the only reason I sent this to this website is because I attempted to send it to 3 different BVI government websites from the governor’s office to the port and customs authority and they all got bounced back as wrong emails addresses. I got those emails from their own website, how could they be wrong? Not sure what is going on but if you don’t mind lax security then why have security at all? I don’t want to get the guy fired, i want to get him to do his job so that everyone is safe. If that is not important to anyone here, ok, then ignore the post to begin with. I have a right to have my voice heard. I will do it here in the States and I plan on doing it anywhere I please. If i described the people by color it was to indicate that I knew where they were from – because I heard the white American speak with an American accent. And I heard the lady with the hairpin and other ladies that were allowed through and they were islanders (admittedly I don’t know which island). Maybe he let only women through without checking and it wasn’t a local v. tourist thing. Still my point is, everyone should get checked, so check yourself people!

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  6. Well Sah
    November 1, 2010
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    Is the BVI a tourist destination promoting people to come to our shores..my my

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  7. Go Around Come Around
    October 23, 2010
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    The man might have been talking about leaving the BVI and experiencing the lax attitude of security personnel but the same thing happens when returning on the ferry and being checked by customs. When the buzzer goes off to signal some metal object still on the person body then 9 times out of 10 the visitor to the Territory will be pulled back and inspected again–belt off, chains off. But if someone who might be local rings that bell, then nobody cares, nobody worry. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Even if there are bags and boxes and KFC by the ton. Remember the man who brought in the cannabis in KFC box–could do the same with a gun. It’s all a joke. Corruption has you by the throat.

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  8. October 20, 2010
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    Can he go to the airport and do that.

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  9. observer
    October 20, 2010
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    When u travel to other countries; can u tell the security how to do their job. Get over it u racist u just felt bad because u had to go through the machine twice

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  10. tola mna
    October 20, 2010
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    No one judges anybody in Tola! White. Or black we de same.. Tortola is jus relaxed and customs knows who the good people are… Why hold up a granny for she hairpins.. No point! Miss America is much worse wen it come to races.. So check ya self

    Reply to this comment
  11. Read Nah
    October 20, 2010
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    I iook a ferry over for a day trip…… What authority does in sound like. Geez

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  12. Simone
    October 20, 2010
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    Ok. Protocol is Protocol. Everyone is suppose to go through security and they did.. its not like they let them pass on the side, and I know for a fact that hairpins do cause the alarm to sound.. even an underwire bra or costume jewelry. So MAYBE just MAYBE it appeared that the security guard was letting the “white” people as you say take off their belts,maybe thats what you wanted yo see. So none of the others took theirs off because I’m “black ” and from here and I take mine off everytime… So I really don’t see why you had to make this whole thing a race issue and pin it on the BVI like we racist because Im sure like someone mentioned earlier, our country has soooooo many different immigrants if we were they wouldn’t be here.. would there…?

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  13. looking on
    October 20, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

    it is sad to see the comments the BVIslanders make. They treat everyone they believe is not from the BVI differently, even if the person “born ya” and have parents from outside the BVI. So why all that hate and negative comment on someone who has made an observation. They even disrespect the governor who serve the Queen and call him “the white man” what does that say? but this is and was not about race, they seem not to comprehend the man’s language. He never spoke about the people he commented on the system. Because he knows what freddon of speech is he made that comment and that comment can save your country.

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  14. Truly concern
    October 20, 2010
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    This scares me and let us end it. The country dont need it. The whole discussion is unfortunate. the language used is inappropriate but rules must be followed, I remember once being on a plane and an employee left a package on the seat and tell the attendant drop this off at the next port and left. I camly said to the attendant ‘that not going on this flight?’ The attendant called a ground attendant and had it removed.

    Rules are rules and they should be enforced. On the other hand words must be used very carefully. So let us end this. It helps no one!

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  15. so stupid
    October 19, 2010
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    @lodger: that was not the point every black person suffered because of slavery, your forefathers had to be the ones that used to say massa look dem trying to escape

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  16. spanish fly
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

    A Simple Solution…
    Here’s a solution to all the controversy over full-body scanners at the airports: All we need to do is develop a booth that you can step into that will NOT X-ray you, but WILL detonate any explosive device you may have hidden on or in your body. The explosion will be contained within the sealed booth. This would be a win-win for everyone. There would be none of this crap about racial profiling and the device would eliminate long and expensive trials. This is so simple that it’s brilliant. I can see it now: you’re in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion. Shortly thereafter an announcement comes over the PA system, “Attention standby passengers, we now have a seat available on flight number…”

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  17. Anonymous
    October 19, 2010
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    I suppose if we (BVIslanders) were racist so many non-belongers would not be in this country. People please stop making such unfair statements. Everyone knows that such statements are unfounded.

    Reply to this comment
  18. October 19, 2010
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    At last there is some nice and well manered security there now

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  19. what rubbish
    October 19, 2010
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    i lived in the states and have seen the looks and stares and even though i had on my long sleeve shirt, shinny shoes and sometimes a tie these B!#hes would clutch their bags. So u know what, i say HAHAHAHA, u lucky it wasnt me. I would’ve stripped searched you.

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  20. @ Area Code
    October 19, 2010
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    You couldn’t have said it better. Such ignorance in this place. To Mr. Urra I am sorry for what you have gone through and because of what you said here it brings out the ignorance in BVIlanders. I am black and from another Caribbean island they treat us the same way and then they depend on our last penny to pay their many mortages and other bills they don’t care about anyone “who is not from here” Yet they always talking about the tourist dollar. They better be warned there will be a drought in this land and it wouldn’t be for food or for water…. I have never seen more arrogance in my life people of BVI you all need to stop!

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  21. Keeping It Real!!
    October 19, 2010
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    well Phillip< he brought race into it so wh can't the bloggers. You need t re-read the article. he is saying because the skin colour was darker they were not checked thoroughly, bu whe the skin was lighte, they wermade to take off everything. Get the picture!!

    Reply to this comment
  22. T
    October 19, 2010
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    @lodger: And what is your (writer and hmmmm) point?

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  23. T
    October 19, 2010
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    And your point now?

    Reply to this comment
  24. :@ Reece Jones
    October 19, 2010
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    @lodger: Racism by Who officers??? If u would read correctly you’ll see Reece Jones is blaming Customs while Richard Urra letter to the editor is directing his frustrations on B.V.I Ports Security and NOT CUSTOMS……

    Reply to this comment
  25. lodger
    Reply to this comment
  26. lodger
    October 19, 2010
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    @Reese Jones: I didnt see anything wrong with his letter. If anything he is pointing out racism by the officers.

    Reply to this comment
  27. ***
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4

    @Sean Bell:
    Stop Being so Stupid!!!! Sitting in the back of the bus, segregated in restaurants; that happened in the States not here!!!
    He is talking about the security policies of today!!!
    If hair pins made the machine go off it is the Port authorities personnel duty to then do a body check to eliminate any other items being concealed.

    Reply to this comment
  28. Strupesssssss
    October 19, 2010
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    Please!!! u sound so ignorant !!!

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  29. Queen Mara
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10

    Why don.t you look deep and tell us what is really bugging you?
    Perhaps u have never been out of the US and to a lnd where it is controlled by Black folks?
    Oh my, no one is shuffling and kissing your pinky ?

    Reply to this comment
  30. Phillip
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0

    People get a grip of yourselves. I agree with the writer in that it is about following protocol. I am black and I am a BVIslander who have travelled the globe. When I travel I expect to be treated the same way regardless of whether I am travelling through Beef Island airport or Puerto Rico. It is about protocol and it’s obvious that the port security officer in this case failed or just plain out refused to follow the port security protocol. I don’t think the writer was made any reference to being singled out because of the colour of their skin. It’s about protocol regardless of who you are.

    I have never witnessed any instance where a US NTSB officer allowed a person to pass through a security check point with their shoe or belt because the person was white or black or jew or Gentile. It’s about and the need for it to be followed in the interest of keeping us all safe.

    The person in this case has a right to complain if they feel they were unfairly treated. Let us leave race out of it. Bringing race into a conversation like this shows how arrogant and small minded some people can be. I encourage you all to travel some more and take the opportunity to see the world. It will open up your eyes and make you see a little of what you are missing.

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  31. :@ Reece Jones
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0

    @Reese Jones:
    Where did he say Customs was his problem???
    Quoted from Mr Urra ” I took a day ferry over to Tortola today and on my way back I could not believe what happened.
    The security guard/Port Authority person who was checking everyone as they passed through the electronic sensor,”
    Geeze even though your point was well taken please direct it to the proper department

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  32. HELL NO!!!!!!!!
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2

    u r not going to bring your neocon homeland security bulls#@t
    here to the bvi, u sick people aready stop us from having a nice walk
    on the cruse ship dock,which was paid for with MY tax money not yours!!!!!

    Reply to this comment
  33. Reese Jones
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 7

    The fact of the matter is, if you have a complaint, please follow the chain of command… there is a complaints office that you could have filed this. Second, language used in the letter is completely inappropriate……I get it, you feel as though you are white and you were done wrong….. if this is so, this should be corrected, not because you are white but because you are a person just like anyone else. Dont think for one second that because you are white that you should be given special treatment…This is not the 1960′s and back…..
    I must admit that I have seen how tourist are treated by customs going in and leaving the territory… they do have a tone but when it comes to people from the caribbean, its as if they are like ok…. you are my people so i’ll be friendly… I’ve seen it and at one point had an argument with a lady at the customs office about her tone to a particular couple.. who so happened to be on my flight…. we had time to discussed the situation and I can tell you that they were extremely offended by the way they were treated specially from having their vacation be cut short from flight delays….

    However, Richard, let me make its clear again, you letter makes you sound arrogant and bold faced.. Its makes you sound as if you live in a trailer.. you know – the trailer trash type…. hillbilly… Rednecks… those types………Before you sent this letter, I guess you were angry.. But dont make you anger consume you… It made you come off as a racist and as I SAID BEFORE……. Racism is not tolerated in the BVI…….I hope that customs paid attention to your letter though…..Enjoy!

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  34. exiled
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1

    Iam black from the bvi and when i go through customs,iam asked to take off my belt and empty my pocket.The only thing that bothers me is their departure tax.

    Reply to this comment
  35. @ Mr. Urra
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3

    Now ports after reading this letter going look out for your face lol when they check tax and passport so do come again LOL

    Reply to this comment
  36. Kalel17
    October 19, 2010
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    People stop being dumb we are all the same people, homo sapien sapien, we just developed different looks because of different climatic conditions… jeez!

    Reply to this comment
  37. Well I Never
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0

    @Sean Bell: That still doesn’t make it right, rules are rules! Thats the exact reason why racism will never stop, because of thinking like that!

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  38. Everyone should be checked the same
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0

    What is the purpose of the security? Is it to look for belts? Earings? hair clips? Is it there to annoy the traveler? The purpose is to prevent the movement of illegal contraband into and out of the country. We have a huge gun problem in the Virgin Islands. This said, perhaps a tourist, white or black, may be the conduit, but the person(s) who have the best chance to carry these items through customs are those we trust most. The ones who are waved through. They are the ones that would be approached by someone to move illegal contaband. Well known fact. So therefore, customs and immigration need to do their jobs without exception. White or black, family or friend. Everyone that passes through security should all be faced with the same checks and I hope this lesson comes from the top down.

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  39. Yeh right
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2

    @BVI: Since when. The BVI is the most racist of countries I have ever visited. Just read these online posts. They hate white and anyone from other islands.

    Reply to this comment
  40. Anonymous
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

    @truth:
    Dear truth,
    I respect your views, and I totally understand your situation, but what I want you to do is to believe that no one is superior to you or your race but God. We all disagree with the racism and all what they did to your race thru the years, but treating the wrong with another wrong will not make it right. For your info, I’m not black, nor white, and I have been harassed on the U.S. borders for my color or my race just like how you’ve been harassed, but we should not have hateridge in our hearts, let your faith prevail over their actions, and exchange the harassment with a smile, maybe they will realize that only a pure-hearted person will do that. Only the heart that is filled with light of God will shine over these deeds.

    Thank you all, and may God send peace and blessing s to you all.

    Reply to this comment
  41. Anonymous
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2

    this is what black people experience all the time. every time i travel to the US it so happens that i get selected for Random search when I am leaving…how Random is that? now that you experience what we experience then you should have some understanding of how it feels. Wunna americans think that everyone in the world is dependent on you and then when you come to other people’s countries you wanna be treated with the same Royalty that you do when you are home. your country’s system is flawed and you need to deal with that. if ya live in a glass house don’t throw stones…

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  42. Sean Bell
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 5

    Dear Richard Urra,

    Have you been asleep for the last 300 years? We black people have been the victims of racism and discrimination for centuries. Who are you to deem one case of misunderstanding on your end as discrimination. Was it not discrimination when we had to sit at the back of the bus , not allowed to eat in the same premises as yourselves. Was it not discrimination when we were forced to work for free and beaten and treated like animals just because of our skin color. That Mr. Urra is discrimination as well as criminal and a violation of every religious creed known to mankind.

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  43. forgiven
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2

    The readers of this compalint is not clear of which port this took place, was it in st. Thomas or while leaving Tortola please explain. Thist will be helpful so the community will make changes< today people do not know who is who so that is why these measure are taken . I am sure he just want to be sure! he is a visitor. He is not been prejudice? just a concern !just stop .

    concern citizen God bless

    Reply to this comment
  44. Big Dick Johnson
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4

    Im glad even though im not in favor of racism but I had many experiences in St Thomas where I would position myself to be in front of the line in the USVI ferry terminal just to watch as Americans were all called ahead of me. I always said to myself the Americans giving their people first preference at our displeasure and when they get to the BVI we still put them ahead of ourselves.

    Reply to this comment
  45. garkhov
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3

    When Jamaican’s go anywhere they experience the same thing lol

    Reply to this comment
  46. Born BVIslander
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3

    To the writer, I understand your concern, as I am a born Bvi Islander and i see first hand the treatment that tourist receive here in the BVIs with Customs, Immigration and Port Authority, and I know others have seen it as well, but do we look to do anything about it, no we just turn a blind eye, it is time someone speakout, the Government need to hear and see these things and get these department fix, it is distroying the BVIs. We depend on Tourism here and when tourist is turned off like this they tell their friends not to come to the BVIs, and we don’t need this, with out the tourism we are no where, so people lets stop the Racism and let see what we can do to make the situtation better.

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  47. :@ StarBurst
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3

    @Starburst:

    PLEAS READ BEFORE YOU BLOG
    WHERE IN THIS GUY’S LETTER DID IT SAY CUSTOMS/IMMIGRATION???
    HE WAS MAKING A COMPLAINT ON B.V.I PORTS AUTHORITY!!
    WHO CARES ABOUT YOUR GRIPE WITH CUSTOMS??
    MAYBE NEXT TIME IF YOU FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU READ YOU WOULDN’T MAKE SIMPLE MISTAKES IN CONFUSING CUSTOMS/IMMIGRATION FOR B.V.I PORTS AUTHORITY

    Reply to this comment
  48. truth
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 11

    Dear Mr. Urra, you just got a taste of what we black people have been subjected to all our life, and I am sure it hurts that why you wrote this letter. This is nothing to fuss about. Usually we black people would kiss your asses, fake a smile and let you through, but not today. You were one out of a million. But we”black people” have been going through this type of this from the dawn of time and we have still manage to survive so I know that you will too. I know you are probably upset, with the person but I suggest you do the same instead of wasting people time with little petty non-sense. We in the BVI are not racist and we will never be but we are just fed up about how you all treat us even though we treat you well. I know to get here that you had to go thru similar or worse check points and you felt that you were treated differently but you know what the sad thing is, is that you are the one who appear to be racist and tried to make the individual look bad or perhaps loose there job, that in itself may be the underlying reason for your letter. Did he/she harrass you, did they insult you or any other such thing, I am hoping your answer to this question is NO. So what is your true reason for this obsurd letter Mr. Urra???

    Reply to this comment
  49. @My Say
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2

    You take the words right out of my mouth. Thank you.

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  50. imagine
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 5

    Firstly these security arrangements were put in place due to America’s “want to rule the world” attitude. It was ok for America to arm the Taliban when they were fighting the Russians, it was ok for America to arm Saddam Hussein when he was fighting Iran, it was even ok for the US to drop an atom bomb on Japan and kill over 100,000 people. If it wasn’t for your government and systematic abuse of the world we would not be in the mess that the world currently is.

    And lets not even start on Americas hunger for drugs and how that has ruined millions of lives.

    Imagine being a muslim entering the US – then you would have a better idea about being singled out.

    Whenever i travel through the ports here in the BVI i see everyone getting the same searches as i do, i do not feel singled out because i am white. But then the white-black issue does not sit on my mind like it apparently does with some people. We are all the same, even if my skin colour is paler than others.

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  51. area code
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 6

    here we go again with Tolian ignorance. Some of your comments are so sad. With your comments you have confirmed to the writer that her assumptions that BVIslanders being racist is true. How can you say comments like “you got a taste of your own medicine”. Are you justifying that racism is right, if what the writer experienced was in fact racism. How sad.
    Writer, i agree that there is some form of prejudice in the BVI. However, the main form is that as long as you are not “from here” you will receive some form of racism. Colour does not matter much. What you experienced at the Port is sad, but as a black outsider, residing on the island i’ve had to do the typical security measures. Perhaps the security knew these ppl. but this should not excuse them from protocol.
    I’ve found that blacks are the most racism and segregated race and it disgusts me. Get over it ppl. Love peace and unity. Bless!

    Reply to this comment
  52. My Say
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3

    Well racism today is alive and kicking just as it did yesturday, now this is how i honestly feel, this may sound childish and arrogant, but now you see and understand how it feels when “WHITE” people, just like yourself maybe not you in particular, but ppl who look like you treat us “COLORED” people the same way. It is not right and millions of people had to die so we may have the same priviedges that you have been enjoying for decades maybe even centuries and still racism is not dead, it’s in intensive care.

    Don’t get me wrong, i’m not saying what was “allegedly” done was right, it’s not right but i had to be honest with you. They are racists of all colors, no doubt, maybe you saw what you wanted to see, because that’s what you were paying attention to.

    However security measures must be taken seriously at ALL times, and they should not assume what the possibility is, because they never know what can and will happen at any given day.

    Mr. Urra, if this really happened to you, i wanna sincerely apologise to you, and pray and hope that that will not stop you from any future visits to the territory, take care.

    Reply to this comment
  53. PressurePills
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1

    Sir…first of all thank you for VISITING OUR SHORES…we are sorry that such a letter had to be written to us, but I am a colored person and have to do the same thing as you when I go through. Often times, I have seen caucasians get bleeped from the sensor and all they were asked to do is remove the belt, they get bleeped again and nothing!!!!…..I wonder if I can say, it depends on the officer…so sorry sir…but do come again!!!

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  54. Reese Jones
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 8 Thumb down 13

    First off, let me just state that I am appalled by your comments in this letter. The words used, the tone and in general, the main purpose of the letter. Everyone who goes to the BVI go through security, just like any other country…… I think that perhaps the reason why you feel this way is because you came from america and african americans normally give you the occassional fake smile and send you on your way. Doing so make them appear to be friendly… A method used to kiss your butts so that they do not loss their jobs. Furthermore, I think its your belief that by you making a complaint, the end result would be employees would be fired just like in america. Let me make this plain and clear, RACISM IS NOT TOLERATED IN THE BVI YOU ….. You honestly sound like a descipable human being…. If you dont like how you were treated, stay where you’re at…… Thanks

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  55. Rome
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8

    Mr. Urra, please find something else to worry about.

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  56. well
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3

    I dnt really see an issue, as a few ppl have pointed out, when i myself travel to outside territories i get searched ridiculously. Subjected to “random” searches, yet everytime my ticket is printed with 4 ‘S’ i am sure to be searched, made to take off any and everything, while these “white” ppl watch and snicker among themselves as they pass by. So excuse me if i dnt sympathize with your sensitivity to how they treat the locals or “dark skinned ppl”…..u shud be voicing a different tone as to why racism and classism needs to come to an end, and not preach it when its relevant to you!

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  57. black
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

    how come when we leaving st thomas no body dont screen us?

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  58. Girl
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3

    I understand the hairpins because we like big do. When I travel through the caribbean they tell me its the hair pins so they use to it thats why he told the person that. Those guys know we went shopping up STT but we dont know you and you wont holding kfc lol

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  59. Sound off
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4

    The shoes don’t feel right when its worn by the people who give them out. Living in America and traveling to Europe for over 24 years, racism is the fabric of those countries and it is prevalent here in the BVI as well. I have vivid experiences and it makes you boil, but Richard you should go back to your country and join forces with Al Sharprton and denounce the racism or go to South Africa and initiate a campaign about the injustices and inequity that is laid at the feet of blacks everyday. I am not in any way advocating injustice, but I wonder if you have spoken out about racism in the US or Europe.

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  60. D
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 7

    When “Black” go to America they are treated the same way. The TSA Screens the blacks and takes hand swabs and other “extra” security measure with black,. while “whites” are not subjected to those measures. So I see no indifference.

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  61. Geese & Ganders
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 11 Thumb down 11

    Prejudice and racism is alive and well – I know, for I have been on the receiving end, and I imagine how the writer felt.

    As a proud, black Virgin Islander, I am appalled. None of our officials should demonstrate such prejudiced, unprofessional behaviour. This should be discontinued, under penalty of termination.

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  62. Whatever!
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 6

    Mister take a pause and sit yourself down……

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  63. another example of how backward we are...
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1

    when you go thru the detector at the west end ferry – they make you take off your belt etc BUT they only ask that you put your bags on the table – they dont go thru the detector and nobody ever checks them. How idiotic is that???

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  64. Traveler
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0

    The security at the ferry docks is not effective nor should it be. What difference does it make if a person has something in their pockets when the baggage (which is not screened) could have anything inside and is readily available to a traveler on the ferry. Thus you can put anything you want in the baggage and then retrieve it while on the ferry from your baggage.

    Note that there is no security from St Thomas to the BVI. The ferries are not airplanes. There are more like a bus or subway. No security there. What are you going to do if you hijack a ferry?

    There is probably a legal reason why the security exisits on the ferries from the BVI to USVI. I think you can guess what that is!

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  65. HMMM
    October 19, 2010
    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 12 Thumb down 11

    Getting a taste of your own medicine and can’t take it?????? What happen there sound wrong, and just how you feel, is how was been feeling all the time.

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  66. Answer
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 5

    Don’t the security at JFK do the same thing to the “blacks” as opposed to the whites at US airports. The balcks have to take off everything. In any event, maybe, the security guard is familiar with the individual and knows that he/she is not a law breaker as a terrorist as we have none. He cannot be sure with those that he does not know.

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  67. Starburst
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 5

    Immigration, Customs need to get their act together and stop making up their own rules as they go along. This is exactly how drugs and weapons pass through our islands endangering the lives of our residents and vistors alike. I am sure there are set procedures in place, which they are not adhering to.

    I already have a gripe with Customs not following proper procedure. I hope the Government Officials take time to read these blogs and you should address your letter to them as well.

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  68. BVI
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4

    This is the British Virgin Islands. We do not do skin colour. I am black, I am local and I am also an attorney, and they have insisted that I take of my belt as well.

    Personally, I think that the belt thing is a bit much. But don’t sum it up to your colour. We don’ t do that here. People from around the world have been visiting the BVI for decades and eveyone is welcome to these shores. We do not do race and we do not do skin colour. We are not ignorant concerning these things; we just do not do it here.

    BVI

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  69. LB
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 3

    I think your concerns are unfounded. I am a “dark skin colored person” and the fact that you refer to black people as “colored” speaks to your racism.

    EVERY single time that I have gone through the BVI ports, I have always been asked to remove my belt, electronic devices, keys, etc. So much so that I even complain at times.

    You would need to travel several times, and see the same thing happening before you can make such a wide open and unfounded claim.

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  70. LBM
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 5

    The other end dont feel so good huh … lol

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  71. WELLSA
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3

    Wellsa let me say this to you, sometimes people who travel know they got to take off their belts or any melts and sometimes ladies with fancy hair styles that carry hair pins they would be on guard to judge that……………so you want the security to take them out for them to clear the way…………. come on open you minds.

    Plus for you to think its a colour issue you are so wrong because im black and trust me it had white people as well travelling and i had to take off my belt and still the sensor went off…why? my zipper…………..

    So before you go posting letters find out first………..you people like to see a little slip to write crap. This is what i had to read this morning………………..

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  72. For real
    October 19, 2010
    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

    Is this B.V.I Ports Authority or Air Ports Authority.

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  73. hmmmm
    October 19, 2010
    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2

    america do that they treat outside differently all the time

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