COMMENTARY: A Virgin Islands Migration Conundrum
By Dickson Igwe, Contributor
I return to the need for the adoption of a national ID card as stated in the previous article as a means of tighter migration control and keeping a tab on all citizens and non-citizens.
Why the fear of a resource that will help manage both migration and the Virgin Islands population safely and securely.
An ID card will offer structure in the migration and citizenship process. It manages the migrant that breaks the law or overstays, as it will define the boundaries of the migrant’s stay in the Virgin Islands. It will remind the migrant there are rules in place. That those rules are best followed. When rules are broken, there are penalties. The ID card is both a monitoring device and law enforcement tool.
A national ID will help identify who is who in the event of a disaster such as a car crash or a health emergency. It will offer data on blood type, allergies, residence status, criminal records, social security and national health insurance, employment, next of kin, and more, on the resident.
The migrant with evil intent will be unable to hide if he or she is in the Virgin Islands illegally. It will be illegal for a migrant not to have their ID in their possession. Better, still a card with a chip to monitor the migrant’s movements in the territory.
Migration may be a great thing to support businesses and services that natives cannot or will not do. However, when migration gets out of hand with no population controls and social and cultural assessment of migration policy misery lies ahead.
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Perfect. Just what we need another category of person that lives in the VI that can be discriminated against or for.
BVislander – Not live on island and have ancestors
Money Bags Belonger – I paid a million dollars to The Wheatley Gang
Born Here – Those that did not learn to read or write but get though life with their Buddist Mantra. I was Born Here. (Not a match for VIslander)
VIslander – People who know to much about history and status
Bottom dwelling Belonger – Stayed alive long enough
Resident – Hanging on. In both senses
Work Permit Exempt – Not any longer
Work Permit – We dont want you but our businesses need you and when we have damaged their business with delays, lost time say in Immigration, ever increasing charges, there is no other option. Real BVIslanders dont live here and Belongers all have a job.
Down Islanders – Gutter dwellers who dont even deserve a minimum wage. They are useful to the Elites and those who long for past plantation glory days.
ID Card holders – Card that means nothing to anyone has no value but will cost dollars that goes to the “right person” for the right price. Will be used for political control and discrimination. C.O.S-C will want one that says he is a woman on it. Of no interest to anyone else.
Visitors – $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The MIND on Youuuuu. Brilliant and funny . Let’s start a movement of honest , bi-partisan discourse in the BVI
Digital ID coming soon ,this government putting on a show,cant keep playing analog in a digital world especially where gas prices is high and the realm of AI lol
What is the issue a very conceited, arrogant and self obsessed person has with a Virgin Islands ID policy?
Inquisitive minds want to know.
Igwe is a jacka**. BVI news got the village i**ot posting now?
Wtf are you doing posting this man’s bigotry. Shame on you Julia.