Fear driving locals’ perceptions of immigration — Walwyn
Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn argued that fear has been driving some of the perceptions locals have of the expatriate community.
Speaking in the House of Assembly during the debate on the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, Walwyn said the expatriate population is double that of the local population.
He said that this has created fear among Belongers that they are being displaced.
“It does. And so when you hear sometimes terms that we deem derogatory, which they are, ‘Island man’, and other different things, they’re not coming because people are bad. It’s coming from a position of fear. Here I am in my country, and I feel as if I am being displaced,” Walwyn said.
Walwyn said that this fear is not unique to the BVI and that he has seen it in other Caribbean countries. He said that the fear is often driven by the fact that expatriates can find jobs and appear to be living better than locals. “It is not a good feeling. It creates issues,” Walwyn said.
Walwyn said the government needs to address this fear by strengthening the local economy and making it easier for Belongers to do business. He also said the government needs to improve the education system so that Belongers can get the skills they need to compete in the job market.
“Build up your people. Build up capacity. Make them wealthy. Not in an illegal way, but through your policies. That is how you equalise it,” Walwyn said.
Walwyn’s comments come as the BVI is grappling with a growing number of immigrants. According to some reports, the territory’s population has increased by 68 percent in the past 21 years, driven largely by immigration. This has put a strain on the territory’s infrastructure and social services.
The government has said it is committed to addressing the challenges posed by immigration. The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024 is one of several measures the government has taken to manage immigration.
The Immigration Bill is in response to Recommendation B33 of the Commission of Inquiry, which identified the need for clear and published guidance for considering applications for residency and Belonger status and for clarity regarding the time expats have to spend in the territory for them to be granted status.
The Bill seeks to address issues including the length of time required for being eligible for residency and Belonger status, the establishment of guidelines and criteria governing the award of status by Cabinet, and the process for determining quotas and an appeals process. Other issues addressed include children’s path to residency status and children born in the BVI to non-Belonger parents.
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I saw this on someone’s facebook post and thought it fitting to share.
GOT THIS IN MY SOCIAL MEDIA FEED AND THOUGHT IT WAS A BRAVE AND MUCH NEEDED STATEMENT BY THE AUSTRALIAN PM (disclaimer: she might not have actually said it). WHO AMONG OUR LEADERS ARE WILLING TO MAKE SUCH A BOLD AND DEFINITIVE STATEMENT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS? THIS SPEAKS TO RELIGION PRIMARILY BUT I VENTURE TO EXTEND IT TO CULTURE, POLITICS, MUSIC, WAY OF LIFE, EDUCATION SYSTEM, ETC.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard- Australia:
‘IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT..
Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.
‘This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom’
‘We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society …. Learn the language!’
‘Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.’
‘We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.’
‘This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, ‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’.’ ‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.’
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
AMEN!
This reporting of Julia Gillard’s words is false! Social Media is full of fake news. Please be more careful. See the truth here – https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/get-out-of-australia-speech-falsely-attributed-to-former-pm/
“Ms Gillard did not make any such comments at either event. In fact, she said the opposite at the lecture.
“Migration is an act of nation-building. And multiculturalism is how we make it work,” she said.
A Google search reveals much of the claimed speech comes from a newspaper opinion piece, titled This is America, Like It or Leave It, written by Republican politician Barry Loudermilk in 2001.”
It doesn’t matter where it came from…the words are spot on
Of course it matters. It borrows someone’s reputation and authority to lend weight and legitimacy to the argument and in doing so also defames that individual.
@Sara
I totally agree with these words as they relates throughout the immigration society worldwide especially in the Virgin Islands. Some immigrants feel that they are entitled to what they feel is right for them in another’s country whereas they have no say from where they commeth.
Am I the only person who thinks that statement is crazy?
is the united kingdom a better place to live than the united states of america? which country has better human rights clause?
In my opinion, the US is a place where you are free to do a lot of things. They are a bit too much on the democratic side —In my opinion— However, on the other hand, the UK is more authoritarian, which, in my opinion, is a good thing in some ways.
What I’m saying is that the UK has more control over what you do which makes it safer, but the U.S. gives you more freedom, an example in this case is that anyone in the U.S. can get a gun, unlike the U.K. where you have to go through a long process. (Which is good.)
This comment probably didn’t help at all, but, I tried.
are black treated better in the uk with a british passport that the usa? do we have more human rights in the uk than in the usa?
Imagine if you have 68% less peoples working and adding value in your country and imagine that you don’t have a financial sector (that was set up by expat lawyers) and imagine that you don’t have the sailing industry (established by expats) and bring rich tourists and imagine you are still taking the hills up on a donkey? how does this makes you feel?
@. Your coward,ass. I live in the virgin Islands before all of that. What’s your Moot point?. This country have laws.
The reality is some of the immigrants are not half as qualified as some locals. Some are criminals and have engaged in criminal activities and have committed crimes against locals which are heinous and life changing. There has to be a balance.
The independent Caribbean countries need to take care of its citizens better so that they do not become an economic or social burden on the Caribbean OTs and other countries.
What does qualified even mean? Being local with a college degree means shit if your attitude and work ethic are bad. There is no need for name calling. I am pretty confident that 95% of strong minded locals with positive attitudes and work ethic are not out there crying or looking for jobs. They are engaged and trying to achieve whatever they have set out to. These stupid arguments only benefit the lazy as excuses abd politicians as division!
What is your point? There are lots of immigrants with bad attitudes, with and without qualifications and bad work habits who are eating really good off the BVI, some have not been fired or deported. The point is the BVI cannot afford to continue to be a dumping ground for the Caribbean independent nations. The growing crime and social ills are too much to ignore.
Live and LET LIVE! We continue to be distracted by these stupid fake issues. Nobody gives a f**k where anybody else is from until the media or politicians start some bulls**t argument!!!!! ENJOY LIFE AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT DUMB F**K!
A lot of these expats come with big qualifications and still looking to learn how to do the job on the job from the same unqualified people that there working all the time. how thorough do we fact check?
Yep, those flipinos are famous for that….yes maam no maam.
My only problem is the crime that comes with highscoolers not having entry level jobs, and the way the immigrants take abuse from the bosses (they have no choice) lowers everyone’s standard.
We need genetic diversity Im glad to see a mix of race now.
Agreed. Unfortunately, immigrants seem to not recognise that the deplorable conditions or the abusive situations they place themselves in doesn’t warrant them keeping that job. It only guarantees that the cycle continues. What you don’t put up with at home please do not condone it here. It speaks volumes about your character. If it happens once, it will happen numerous
times. Stop perpetuating these type of bbehaviours. Stand up for yourself,
start recording these encounters and learn to safeguard your peace of mind.
Make sure these pariahs take
accountability for their despicable
actions. Buy a small recording device or
button or pen camera on Amazon. You are
not only saving yourself but countless
others who may fall prey to this person
or persons. We often believe that this
man or woman is of a certain caliber or perhaps a Christian where you might let your guard down not realising how dangerous this particular person is. They wolves in sheep garments, disguised as Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Teachers, SuperMarket Owners, Bankers, Store Ownets/Managers, Accountants, Ministers of the Word; they work in private and
public sectors. These are the pariahs that make the Virgin Islands their home. Some are expats,some are Belongers, sone are Virgin Islanders, some are old, some are young, though rarely; some are women
but most are men. Most believe when they offer you a chance to work with them, you have to work on them or provide a service whereby you are expected to sucumvent the laws of these beautiful islands. When you stand up for yourself and decide to not participate in these despicable acts or degrade yourself because your value is worth more than their job offer. So you quit! Then these people find or create situations to make you seem or look like you were or are the problem. Telling Labour is a waste of time, therefore your best option is to sue their asses but please be mindful to always have proof as backup. Document in writing and by using recording device whether its your phone or a button/pen camera or any camera small enough and not noticeable for them to cause hurt to you. Perhaps, this might cause them to ammend their behaviours.
These type of behaviours doesn’t only affect the expat. It also affect the Belonger and Virgin Islander as well. Some pariahs blur the lines and cannot fathom why there should be a difference and expect all their workers to be or do the same. Why is it that Ms R, Ms G and Ms T can ignore sexual harrassment or innuendos whilst Ms H, Ms J has a problem with it? Why does Ms H and Ms G argue if salary payment is late one week or if their government benefits aren’t paid for over 6 months but Ms R and Ms H has a problem when that happens? We are all doing a job so whether you are an expat, Belonger or BVIslander lets stick together and strive to make the Virgin Islands great again. We don’t need to be family, we don’t even need to be friends but as god fearing people lets live in love and be each other’s neighbour and survive this rat race called life. Stop killing each other for a penny! God bless the Virgin Islands people!
The solution you propose ,in theory is a no Brainerd. The biggest problem however, is to be expelled frkm the BVI tk their homelands and so taking that risk is of grave concern. No matter hw they complain they wont return home. A home they have collectively created i its horrified state and maintained. The same conditions they set out to duplicate in Another mans country. Hence their presence is loathsome wand suspect everywhere they venture.They have large land mass and every natural gift Mother Nature can endow in their homelands Not so these VI…the character of a people is what makes success…Sadly base character ingratitude accompanied by a natural penchant for violence
and murder is recipe for disaster .Inability to change some say is a result of an imposed demonic curse which accompanies them.
Who is more divisive than this cl**n looking and fighting for power?
it is not an expat problem it is a governance issue. Expats never stopped you form rehabilitating the country, creating opportunities, milking the social security fund, rolling in an Audi or building a wall. Economically, there is an advantage to the numbers you just have to know how to harness it for the betterment of all and not the few. Hater!
Local population fear, anxiety, nervousness, etc are not something unique among just Virgin Islanders. It is happening in developed countries, viz, UK, US, etc. For example, former US President Donald John Trump rode into the White House in 2016 running on fear, division, white grievance, etc. He convince me and is convincing a dissatisfied xenophobic sector of the population that they are being replaced by immigrants who will move into their suburbs, exurbs, etc neighborhoods, the streets will flooded with illegals, they will take their jobs,,they(immigrants), would commit violent and property crimes, they will lower their standard of living and quality of life, etc. Britons have a similar attitude, eg,,the UK is requiring visas from the citizens of their former colonies, except Guyana where visa requirements was lifted after it found vast oil reserves. It is starting the process deporting Africans. Labour says it will stop the process of return to power, I doubt it. Immigrants flock to where there are job opportunities and relaxed rules. No one is flocking to Russia, North Korea, etc.
For the BVI continue to grow it needs population.. A country cannot just have producers; it needs consumers. There are some jobs that Virgin Islanders are not gravitating to and being done by expats. It is natural that as a standard of living and quality of life changes the local population shy away from certain jobs. This will continue, so the government must strike a delicate balance.
Aern’t a lot our best criminals home grown such as AF and OM and son. They are even still celebrated on Gov Web sites and by sitting Members of our HOA.
As a BVIslander with generational ties going waaay back,I am not scared I am scarred.. I am scarred as a result of the adverse effect of the major immigrant group now occupying these VI and USVI.I am not afraid I am filled with disgust.
I continue as a property owner in these parts but the behavioural
character of this new demographic I cannot understand or accept Murderers and thieves as an identifier with our NATIVEs covered in the same paint is degrading and destructive to these Islands as it is to the islands from whence these unfortunates came. We have the option of cashing in and settling pretty much anywhere we choose but does not change the fact that these lands of our birth,made worthy by the blood swaeat and tears of our ancestors have been reborn and rechristened in purgatory and made foul by the
unnecessary overwhelming presence of THEM. We did this to ourselves.. makes it more heart wrenching and underscores the fact that we are our own worse enemies.
@PoWe
Totally my sentiments. I am petrified. Could you imagine trying to explain to the new generation where your roots started is no longer acceptable in your homeland(outsiders domain).Virgin Islanders both US/BVI are being suppressed and disenfranchised by their own. It’s a very frustrating and frightening situation we are living in.
you cannot make people wealthy who DO NOT want to work or do certain jobs! that is the whole problem, expats do whatever they have to do to survive and save and live comfortably. That is all.
This coming month is national gay pride ️ month.
Dis man understand life in a next man home land .now we need to get them island man police out of hear or them going back home in box
Really for me it’s the comments I read here. It seems that the visitors that came here never met a kind person. Never met someone who helped them. Never met someone who didn’t call them names. When I go to Jamaica they call me small island man, that doesn’t offend me, but it seems some people are offended by being called a down islander. So the comments I read here is what skews my perception. The fact that I read here that none of us locals are qualified or are hard working. That sort of thing drives my perception of immigration.
Racism and xenophobia is fine if you fear being displaced .. the UK residents will be pleased to hear that.
The UK residents are coming here for work and making 3 to 4 times the locals earn. They come here not because they want to but because they need to. They down play our qualifications and lie to the labour department consistently for their friends to come here as well. We need to get this in check. There are other expats that are following this trend but the UK residents are a major contributor to this problem. If you come to someones country for work, first, have some respect for the place and second, just know that you will have to leave when your time is up so dont drain us and leave us. If you are going to stay, contribute meaningfully and dont try to take over.
Indeed fear
Crooked politicians
Double standards in implementing policies by senior administrators
Fear of losing positions
Greed for money
Power
Dishonest practices
Prejudice , racism and discrimination
Hatred of other nationalities
Have brought us where we are
Not to sound gloom and doom because there are people of integrity amongst us
The evil
Outweighs the good and it is instilling fear
There are more immigrants living and working in Monaco than there are Nationals
38,682 residents of whom 9,486 are Monegasque nationals..
Zero crime .. zero poverty
In our backyard there is St Barts with like demographic statistics and an absence of crime and poverty.
Selectivity of immigrant residents is key.Drowning the BVI with known criminals potential criminals,illitrrates and illiteracy with cousin poverty can only result in self inflicted fatality of your country,its culture its future.Common sense !!!!!! I cannot comprehend the self destruct and its cousin blame as a living
willingness. Self annihilation at its best is how these BVI pathetically roll in the mud. Disgust is my feelings no way scared just simple and ample disgust.
The UK residents are a thousand percent better for the positive contribution to their host country than the updeisljn folks who are totally void of civility and is unable incapable of conducting civility for any length of time. The spiritual curse they carry they cannot separate. These VI are doomed with its current updeIslun strewned debris littering its shores. FACT!
The uk has been invaded militarily or by immigration by all sorts it’s what has forced us to learn to read communicate educate and adopt foreign cultural activities like knives and forks that’s why we’re known as Great Britain we assimilate accept and learn from other cultures without fear or prejudice we don’t bitch about being forced to improve ourselves, what did the Romans ever do for grandad numerous stuff including building decent roads!
Australia’s PM is a boy..
The Immigration Bill is in response to Recommendation B33 of the Commission of Inquiry, which identified the need for clear and published guidance for considering applications for residency and Belonger status and for clarity regarding the time expats have to spend in the territory for them to be granted status.
The immigration and passport Act of 1977 covered this. Take a read for your collective selves.
The government need to get an immigration policy and enforce it. The immigration department is a law enforcement department. Let us not forget that.
Speak for yourself Mr.Walwyn…I fear no foreigner including yourself who are coming to the Virgin Islands. There has been abuse of immigration processes and excessive over the years from long ago. We sit back and watch it happened and did nothing because some were satisfied with the graft and exploits that came with it.
Our own government is guilty of unfair treatment to locals. They hire expats on contracts with the same qualifications as locals then pay them more to do the same job. If that isn’t insulting to locals then I don’t know what is. This type of practice creates the frustration that is felt by locals.
FEAR make a Jack Spaniar more dangerous than it really is.