Gov’t ‘tone deaf’ in defending Belongership consideration for rapist
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has accused the Andrew Fahie-led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration of being tone-deaf after it defended the consideration of Belongership applications for at least two convicted persons.
Speaking on the NDP radio programme last evening, Penn suggested that the incident was illustrative of how the VIP governed.
“This government is totally tone-deaf. I mean, the issue isn’t the fact that you didn’t give the status, the issue is that you even considered it,” Penn said. “You were even considering to give someone status who’s in jail for 10 years for rape,” he emphasised.
According to Penn, the law is entirely clear on how Belongership is to be dealt.
Horrified
Penn further stated that he was horrified after witnessing Labour Minister, Vincent Wheatley, address the issue during a recent Commission of Inquiry (COI) hearing.
At the time, Wheatley said the Belongership applications for the convicts were considered under humane circumstances, noting that the one for the convicted rapist was deferred for three weeks.
But after receiving public backlash following Wheatley’s evidence before the commission, the government issued a strongly worded statement through the Attorney General, admonishing the COI for its approach in the matter.
Among other things, it said Wheatley was never warned that the question would be posed and was therefore never given any time to be prepared.
The government, through the AG,seemingly backpedalled by saying the matter of Belongership was never ‘considered at the Cabinet meeting’, adding that none was granted to either of the two individuals in question.
Closer examination needed of fast-track initiative
In light of the developments, Penn has now suggested that closer attention be paid to the government’s fast-track regularisation process.
“Just the overall fast-track process; I think we need to put some scrutiny into that process now,” the Eighth District Representative said.
Penn said while he congratulated those who legitimately received the status they deserved during the government’s rollout of the fast-track initiative, there seems to be an issue with the process.
He said the government’s rush with the process created anomalies, some of which are being seen at this moment.
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The government needs to follow the law on Belongership and not make it up as they go along. The law says 7-10 years not the 20 they made up. Where laws are ignored, tyranny begins.
Marlon trying to jump on the bandwagon and getting himself all confused again.
The law says 5 years!
Then since the law says five then work permits should not be renewed after three years.
The racist caste system of belongership needs to go away. Immigration plays favorites with peoples’ lives based on government opinions as to who will best for their family members. Buying votes? Nah BVI love.
Make it go away and have the BVI join the rest of the world when it comes to human and civil rights.
Go back to where you from and fight for your own land and make sure that tyranny does not take place there. stop wanting blood out of stone. Nonesense. No more belonger status needs to be issued. Get back to the quota. that is the law also
Somebody tell that hungry district eight representative don’t forget it is the NDP government which make it difficult for anyone to get belonger status. Everyone has a right to apply, considered and approved or denied. Them criminals didn’t get no belonger. You are so hungry for power that every crap you jump on. Keep walking around and playing off everybody emotions. You well out of place. If you country man wicked you wicked tooo. Just remember it in your BLOOD..
He was not aware the question would be asked, so he did not have time to prepare…..lol he didnt have time to be prepared to LIE …..lol this comedy series is hilarious, I wonder if Netflix will pick this one up n have a season 2….yal FUNNNNNYYYYYYY
Hope he not bad talking his radio host
U all dont follow the process, its who you kno who u like, who got someone or friend in society speaking on their behalf. They are application in under Both NDP and VIP with people here for more than 30 yrs that have not been looked at…These are people with no criminal record..
Some good people had to finally leave after 20 years, as they were told it would be at least 30 years. That is why we are no longer there in the country that we loved. Because there was no hope in h**l or the British Virgin Islands.
All the years of contribution for nothing.
You may not be in the country you “loveable you are in the country where you belong, your country.
Twenty years in the VI. What was your contribution. Evidently, nothing!
the law that said 7-10 yrs need to be immediately be removed. where on earth can this possible happen.what would become of the bvi landers when you give everyone that is here belonger status in 7 to 10 yrs?? why do people want to come here and take over.I am an expatriate and I hate to see what is becoming of this small Island.the granting of such status bring some good but it seriously breed poverty. many of these people are getting old and lives in apt that they cannot afford the rent.the social security pension cannot pay rent and buy food. these people are now looking to the government to take care of them when governments cannot even take care of itself. the bvi presently do not have work for everyone. many are roaming the streets looking for a daily bread.this is mainly due to migration. there is enough work for all bvi landers that want to work but not enough for every expatriate. look at all the small wooden shacks that poping up throughout this small Island.many without running water electricity and proper sewage disposal. this in itself is poverty. the government need to seriously take a look and help its local people survive the overrun of its people.
When people run for political office, and placed on Boards their should be vetted for character . This area needs a clean up campaign . No thieves , rapist should run for office or put on Govt Boards This must stop especially for govt money
At the very least limit the gift of status to those with assets and means and the willingness and ability to give something in return.
The onslaught of human import that are poor sick tired illiterate to the extent of being the majority population is economic and social suicide. The VI is sinking and stinking as a result.
Marlon Penn is a man of integrity he loves his country but he also believes in what is just . You go my friend . Don’t let anyone change you . Stay away from corruption and you will do what is just by both locals and expatriates
What planet you from buddy? Lol
Didn’t this happen in 2011/2012 under his administration.. but now comin to light under the current administration … people do your research..hmmm
That is what talks
Vw was ambushed by Bilal; he spitted his gut. Hope he had some pull ups on.
Marlon the opportunist rises again.
The word BELONGERSHIP is found no where in the Immigration Act.
this people give documents to people who doesnt have complete times and those who actually pass over times they dont i wonder how that person in charge is in that position ? … oh and he descriminate expats ! having 20 to maybe more years in bvi been married to bvislanders and still treating women bad and disrespectful too
Does it make more sense knowing that the rapist is white? Lmao…