Group dominance a key consideration in Belongership policy
The prospect of groups with other national origins becoming the dominant group in the BVI has been highlighted by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley as one of the key considerations to be examined in shaping the government’s policy on granting residence and Belongership status in the territory.
“Should we take into consideration the type of balance that should be required between persons of different national origins? Do you want any one particular group to be able to become too dominant in the islands?” Premier Wheatley asked as he addressed the issue on the government’s Public Eye programme yesterday.
Premier Wheatley did not expand on how a determination would be made on the issue or how it may be approached by policymakers but indicated that it is one of the main considerations that should be raised as the government looks to reimagine its immigration policy in the wake of the Commission of Inquiry (COI).
Former Permanent Secretary, Kedrick Malone, was praised for his comprehensive report on a review of the granting of residency and belonger status in the territory and for highlighting the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the BVI’s immigration policy.
Among other things, Malone suggested the implementation of a ‘quota system’ to help the government streamline its immigration policy.
Meanwhile, the Premier also raised the issue of character as being another key determinant in how persons are considered for belongership in the territory, pointing out that it is important for officials to be able to evaluate the commitment of applicants to the territory’s development.
“It’s important for us to invite persons to become a part of our society when we have been able to evaluate a commitment, an investment in the society itself,” Premier Wheatley said.
He continued: “For instance, what type of ways have these persons done community service? What contribution have they made to the social fabric of the society? Are they participating in service organisations? Are they going out there and doing cleanups? Are they going out there and are they providing food for seniors or helping to clean up seniors’ yards? What type of national service have they rendered?”
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Yes the ones who can elude the authorities to hide drugs and bring in guns successfully will be given priority for status . The BVI has tarnished its own good name and reputation.
Order of council will be enforced.
The racist doctrine of the BVI laid out for all to see. Plain and simple
The largest investors ,of a different kind,are the Caribbean imports .
The now overcrowded prison,built to accommodate their arrival is the example. Offenders who should be detained are out on bail..no room at the inn.This specific demographic, they and their children, all ages are a menace to the quality of life socially and to the economy of the VI and its future, Our education System is is a battle fieldI and graduates rarely qualify or admitted to a 4 year College. A police force imported from their countries and another set from the UK.a foreign occupying police force!!! ,when just ” yesterday” we had 1or2,literally, and they would double as immigration officers..a moratorium is warranted on status and arrivals of this group.,
Giving back is no where in their sight rather, FSN and all giveaways is their shop stop.
The VI is in the belly of this shark.
Hypocrite: BVI is far better than racist UK with its Windrush, colonialism, and systemic racism
The expats gonna start huffing and puffing and calling us racist and xenophobic and spiteful and ungrateful and bad minded all kind of names just now but… Name a island in Caribbean where it have more people from the bvi living there than even the people who from there? I’ll wait…
What the Premier is saying or asking makes good sense BUT his Government needs to get their priorities straight. There should be NO consultation before we get the statistics from the National Census. Common sense should tell them that. When we know where we are in terms of dominance then we can review or Immigration and Labour Laws and Policies. To have consultation meetings with the public which is made up of mostly Non Virgin island nationals as we are already out numbered without the relevant data being available is Assishness to say the least.
I have NO negative feelings against any other nationalities in the BVI BUT, let us ask ourselves this question: Can Virgin Islanders go to ANY Country or Continent and tell them how to craft their Laws or Policies? Think about it. No Pun Intended. WE NEED THE CENSUS DATA FORTHWITH!!!!
A true democracy
All this is just away to opposed and stall the COI recommendation. The law is already there and it is very clear. Its the existing law breeches the COI is dealing with. Stop playing games and trying to be smart “as usual”.
.
I think of expats kind of like lion fish. If their numbers continue to go unchecked then eventually they will become invasive and disruptive to the natural ecosystem.
There we have it, the mask is slowly slipping away. This was the conversation before it moved onto eugenics; we are on the verge of a very slimy slope.
Yes, we have copied the British, they taught us well.
We need one like Israhell.
What’s your point?
There’s way more Belongers living in the USA than the BVI. I’ll let you hedge a guess why…
My point is that no other demographic should outnumber bvislanders in BVI. Bvislanders don’t outnumber Americans in the USA its not even close. I swear people does turn stupid once they don’t want to acknowledge facts. I guess everybody is guilty of that locals and expats alike but we have to look out for ourselves now don’t take it personal.
Please explain it to them cause majority, as matter of fact, all seem to forget that they themselves do the same exact thing expats do.
The largest investors ,of a different kind,are the Caribbean imports .
The now overcrowded prison,built to accommodate their arrival is the example. Offenders who should be detained are out on bail..no room at the inn.This specific demographic, they and their children, all ages are a proven anf documented menace to the quality of life and to the economy of the VI and its future, Our education System is is a battle field and graduates rarely qualify or admitted to a 4 year College. A police force imported from the same offending countries and another set from the UK.hence,a foreign occupying police force!! Just yesterday” we had 1or2,literally, and they would double as immigration officers..A moratorium is warranted on status and arrivals of this group.,
Giving back is no where in their sight rather, FSN and all giveaways is their shop stop.
The VI is in the belly of this shark.
the problem is the work permit system, that is what needs to be addressed to stop all the problems that are arising in the BVI.
Issuing permits for a max of 3 years before having to leave island for at least 3 months will stop the problem.
Not allowing people to bring their families into the BVI while on a 3 year work permit unless going into private education and private health care.
This will stop the burden on the public schooling and NHI. It will also stop most crime in the territory wether you like it or not, its the truth.
There are far too many people on yearly work permits having children or bringing families into the territory when they have NO RIGHT for the work permit to be renewed.
The labour departement needs to advertise every job that is apllied for with a work permit being renewed.
These things might all sound harsh , but this will solve the problems with too many people becoming belongers and the BVI no longer feeling like the BVI.
If people have been here 10+ years and are sending money home then the BVI is not their home and should not be considered to become a resident or belonger.
Harsh but true…
Racism. Pure and simple.
Perhaps but one will never know it, The USA,it’s quality of life its institutions, has not been adversely disrupted by our presence. They have voiced no complaints regarding our presence and neither have we been lambasting them, whining and complaining. If we not happs we leave quietly etly exit with dignity,return home or go elsewhere..It is a big big World in which we live.No country including the US has ever had to reconsider our regrettable entrance nor presence or have to reinforce their law enforcement as they would for wild and dangerous animals.
The currently richest principality namely Monaco the “locals” are vastly outnumbered by an immigrant population and by design,
Getting a toe in the door of Monaco is determined by the quality and qyantity you are bringing to the table.
BVI can be the example in the Caribbean.
The World,VI included does not need another poverty crimeridden hotnsweaty, hungry and thirsty Black misery group dying to enter their country empty and void of tangible exchange.
In that case, the UK Government should cancel all of the UK passports that have been issued to BVI people!
the word you are looking for is xenophobia
BVIslanders think only about their entitlements, not the stewardship necessary TO those entitlements.
5-6 decades ago, we were left with laws to protect enfranchisement of BVIslanders. We have squandered and wasted those entitlements for the sake of power and greed.
The worst example in my lifetime is removing ‘shop classes’ from High School as though BVIslander children should be taught only how to sit at a desk. In the meantime, we hired craftspeople from other islands, allowing them to build not just our homes, but their lives and the lives of their children here…..and NOW we want to whine about having too many Vincies and the aimlessness of some of our kids who are too creative and energetic to sit at a desk or play office politics all day.
We have already accepted the ex-pats who have lived and worked side by side with us for decades. We OWE it to them to grant some kind of permanent, political status: particularly their children, who have never known any other home
-BUT-
It is not too late to return to the practice of stewardship (and the necessary sacrifices) to the concepts and laws meant to protect the future of Virgin Islanders. We CAN place limits on work permit renewals; other countries do it, why not us? We can easily transition to 4 or 6 year limits on renewals.
But then comes that old entitlement; gentleman X, can no longer go to labor to ‘ask a favor’ when his chief mechanic’s sixth work permit is up. Gentleman X knew this was coming and owes it to his country not to add to a long term population problem. Gentleman X should have been working on a replacement for the past 2 years.
Let’s face it, this world becomes more crowded with each passing day. We’re feeling the squeeze. It’s time to take a hard look at the entitlements we have chosen to abuse rather than serve for the past 40 years.
But we don’t really care, do we? We just want to moan about THEM and have someone from outside to blame all our problems on.
As an expat I agree with sending home all of it and bank account empty
It means u have no intention to make here your permanent home
Is jus to abound paying permit etc
They can jus give them exemptions
But this law should change as of this year I do agree it’s too much and it’s growing yearly
My suggestion
Do fast track
Give last year’s applicants
If it hadn’t been done
However proper screening and do not take away the cultural test
I did mine with flying colors
And I saw the importance of it
Do not take away the interview it’s mandatory and of paramount importance
This helps really determine the motives of the applicant
I know plenty island ppl that talks down the BVI yet they want status and it work permit
Some of them don’t even read news or interested to know or be a part of the community
And as such should not be granted
A belonger from another country
Residing continuously over 20 years
Rarely travels back to my country
And I make a diff to make the country a better place
With our Indian Prime Minister and Home Secretary and a black Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary. So racist!!
Kick rocks!
@Really?!? That’s a very stupid remark, we are part of the UK and that’s one of the reasons that a lot of you want Belonger status so you can apply for a UK passport. I have no problem with people from a different Country or Island but some of you think that the BVI owes you the world while you are calling us down, we don’t owe you anything you work you get paid and that’s where it should end.
Sure, we will go.
Remember:
You have no one left to manage the law firms (no, you don’t have enough skilled people to do it)
You have no one left to manage the trust firms (no, you can’t do it all yourself)
You have no one left to manage the marine industry (again, nope you can’t do it properly)
You have no one left to rent your expensive properties to
So;
You can go back to catching fish.
But….. you don’t remember how to do that.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
we hear the women are slow and slack in the bvi so we come to f&^k and collect their personal and the goverments while making our own money and go back home to our wives. Ask the women who have expat mixed children about US
You the only one here talking the hard truth, immigration and labour need to get their act together.
But who will do the work? Who will rent your apartments? Where will the actual work force come from?
Let’s get our facts correct before we allow these governmental types to establish laws that affect the territory. The BVI is actually under populated compared to Bermuda, Grand Cayman and Barbados, all of whom have very large expat populations.
Bermuda has a population of 67,000 in 20 square miles of land. Grand Cayman has a population of 75,000 in a landmass of 76 square miles, and, Barbados has a population of 268,000 residing in 169 square miles. The BVI has a population of circa 30,000 in 59 square miles, so we have a long way to go before we have anything like a problem. The reality, is, we don’t actually have enough man power to run the territory without importing thousands of people predominantly from other Caribbean islands, who, may decide to go elsewhere if we try to get too clever.
this people cant manage nothin belongers were already given to all kind of people who were not tittle to not even residence and now the ones are elegible dont have belongers or residence yet!! insane!!actions
The big belonger families are afraid of having their control watered down. We’ll never see a change until the UK steps in.
That’s why your wild and dangerous animals sitting in US prisons and under house arrest. Nuff people blood on their hands for the gun crimes that have been committed because they used their big offices to peddle drugs and import guns….talk de real things dem nuh man…. which other down island leader has sold his citizens for 30 pieces of silver? But wild and dangerous, you say!
you forgot…no one to work in their hospital…no one to teach in their schools, no one to work in their police stations or prisons….(oh dem wyte boys from england have that covered….
then there will be no one to pay into NHI, social security and inland revenue. Because when the ex-pats leave, the indigenous ones who remain will just pack up their US passports and move to Uncle Sam. Same thing had happened after Irma, remember?
The question is do they outnumber the Indigenous Americans? And can they do and say as they please and not be penalized?
BVI people use the UK passports to travel. As soon as some get naturalised, the first think they get is a form for a UK passport. You need it more than we do.
Where a lot of those managers came from have no trust companies. There are people right here to manage those trust companies and manage them well, but they are not given the chance. We have the industry and can manage it because some of them are filled with people taught by BV Islanders.
But as a BVIslander if you choose to move to the States because you happened to be born there and have a passport but truly grew up the rest of your life in the BVI with BVI fore parents,wouldn’t you expect to be able to take your wife/husband and children with you? This reverse negativism by the BVIslanders that were alot not even born here is very chauvinistic and sad to say racist in itself.
Not only that plenty bvi islanders have American passports
@Styles. You all think that the BVI can’t do without you but you are so wrong, besides you are not going anywhere because the US dollar has a hold on you and the US dollar is in the BVI, that’s only reason why you are in the BVI.
Bottom line ,whether unpopulated or overpopulated, the upper Caribbean influx has been and continues to be detrimental to the quality of life for of BVIlanders, the futuree their country comparible to their character,human characteristics ,that which has given them what your countries brimming with natural resources can never achieve.
Itemizing the shortcomings your absence will create is pure fantasy as u well know. Your concern should be about what country and their pantry, will be welcoming to your presence and for how long. None that I can think of certainly not for years,decades?`? Nooo way.
But you have a home country. Stay and be nice to your country and Blessings otherwise your people will cntinue to be wandering destructive nuisances.
Because they can? Because they are welcomed? Because they have choices?
Because their primary residence in another country is not the prison and the courts and the streets and shelters ? Because they contribute to positivity as workers and residents and
Most are home owners?
Only fools dare think that they are not replaceable.
Folks! You are NOT all that!!
Please, we cant breathe.
Your stupidity and false sense of self is stifling but at the end of day,laughable.
If the BVI enacts laws based upon the input of largely worldly uneducated and biased people then that is certainly a step backwards for the development of the territory, sorry to say…
Question…., curious, about how many BVI Islanders actually do community service…? As an expat applicant For Permanent Residency with Trade Licenses who has lived in the BVI for 27 years I employ locals in my businesses and give donations of money, food and home appliances to people in need….
The following type of statements come from community meetings about Residency and Belongership from some people who are obviously not in the know…
“For instance, what type of ways have these persons done community service? What contribution have they made to the social fabric of the society? Are they participating in service organisations? Are they going out there and doing cleanups? Are they going out there and are they providing food for seniors or helping to clean up seniors’ yards? What type of national service have they rendered?”
Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba), Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands
Your previous head of government is about to go to jail for a lengthy period of time along with your previous head of Ports. A large number of your governmental people are also headed in that same direction. Your education and healthcare are third world, and, the territory has become a drug infested territory with numerous murders occurring on a regular basis. Please enlighten us as to how much more detrimental these outside influence can add to this sad reality.
Wha wrong wid some ah these doggone aliens?
All y’all do is complain and talk bad about the place but still wouldn’t get from here. Trying to over hype y’all importance. Even if we get rid of a third of y’all life still going to be better here than where y’all come from. That’s why y’all wont go home.
Not one. Why would be go to any Caribbean island to settle? Schupps
You must be insane. Where in the BVI look like it can hold 30,000 more people? We don’t want it! NHI system already strained to the limit. Sewage infrastructure strained. Electrical grid strained. Water infrastructure strained. Not enough schools and classrooms full. Hell, try to find a parking space in town during the week. And when here is plucked dry, you will pack up and flee somewhere else.
any person who wantz to become a subject of King Charles III has to deal with the UK Immigration requirements NOT BVI Immigration.
Very soon all the Kings subjects will be able to work, reside and live in all BOTs for as long as each subject desires AND move among them freely without any restrictions.
So join the 21st century or get left in the 3rdw
world forever.
any person who wants to become a subject of King Charles III has to deal with the UK Immigration requirements NOT BVI Immigration.
Very soon all the Kings subjects will be able to work, reside and live in all BOTs for as long as each subject desires AND move among them freely without any restrictions.
So join the 21st century or get left in the 3rd
world forever.
So saith the colonialist spy and Black human and VIslander hater.
Agreed no visitors to a country should determine its constitutionality.
WHEN YOU GET RIGHT DOWN TO IT ,
ITS CALLED A ( RAT RACE ) RUSSIA & UKRAINE, FLEXING OFF – ISRAEL & HAMAS DOING THE SAME THING AND THE
ONLY WE WE CAN THINK OF DOING , IS TO FLEX OFF , OR ( EMPHASIZE ) OURSELVES ON WE OWN CARIBBEAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS ( CHECK OUR ANCESTRY ) FOR YOURSELF . MEANWHILE I’LL SAY COUPLE MORE THINGS PP , WE ALL CAME INTO THIS WORLD WITH TWO EMPTY HANDS AND WHEN WE WILL LEAVING WE WILL BE LEAVING WITH TWO EMPTY HANDS )*( I THINK SOME CRAFTY BLOGGERS TRYING TO CREATE DRAMA AS A DISTRACTION FOR THE PEOPLE WHO IS RUNNING THE COUNTRY AND THEIR LACK OF INTEGRITY IN DOING THE RIGHT THING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR PEOPLE AND THEIR COUNTRY ■ SIMPLE
COMMON SENSE WOULD IDNICATE THAT ( NO OFFENCE )
Do ensure that you cooperate with the Census takers and encourage your friends and family to do so as well.
Your unfortunate racist comments don’t dispute any or all of the facts I have pointed out, your clearly part of the problem.
Where did you interpret 30,000 people from what I have stated. Bermuda, Grand Cayman and Barbados don’t seem to be suffering from the inadequacies you point out, so, are you suggesting they he BVI is inferior ???
1. There are plenty of more densely populated islands. Tortla has an area of about 20 sq miles, with a population of about 20,000 (i.e 1,000 per square mile). St. Thomas has an area of about 32 square iles and about 50,000 people, so about twice as densely populated.
2. The limitations in BVI infrastructure have to do with poor planning and maintenance. Regardless of whether anyone else is ever allowed into the territory, they need improvement and expansion as populations grows.
3. There does not appear to be much desire or inclination to learn trades in the Territory. Where should these essential folks come from.
4. Education is not cherished, so where shoud the BVIs get its professionals?
By your Lyrics it is clear to see that some people have no respect, care nor concern for the BVI. It’s all about them. Look at your words, Their this, Their that. There will NEVER be We or Us. There lies the problems. Believe it or not some people are only in the BVI for their own interest. They can care less about the BVI and its people. Why would someone has status in 2 or 3 other Countries and still want status in BVI? Clearly self-interest. If this place gets too bad, WE gone back HOME. My Friends, Home is where the Heart is and clearly some are here but their Hearts are back home. No Pun Intended. As AC always say: Just speaking truth to power.
Yes, we want here to turn into St. Thomas. Brilliant!!!!! Please keep your ideas to yourself.
The UK does not shy away from deporting the proven undesirables to the extent of emptying their prisons of the upper Caribbean scum no matter how long they have been in the UK,even a lifetime.
Their passports given generously are opportunities for a new and better life.
Know of/ heard of any BVIslander UK deportees?
Neither have I.
So what would be the reason for denying the B V I,one of their territories a right to the U K Passport?
It all boils down to QUAlITY vs QUANTITY .
Truth be told the BVI is mucked, chose to scrape the bottom of the barrel of cursed humanity with which to build their Blessings.
Why does it have to be like St Thomas, the BVI is British, St Thomas is American. Why should we not mirror other British Overseas territories, or, Crown Colonies.
Check from Bible days. There has always been migration. Every country, to the best of my knowledge has migrants. BVI is no exception. USVI has many from neighboring islands but they do not seem to malign folks like the BV Islanders do.
Trace it and see how many BVI folks are related to the children born there. Too numerous to mention. Let’s learn to live together. No man is an island, no man stands alone. Get it together BVI and Expats. Learn to live in harmony.
Well organized, orchestrated and carried out by the colonial servant on behalf of the colonial oligarch.
That’s what they do. That’s what they are knowfor all throughout history.
None are fooled.
we do the same lol you think that matters
for the BVI call it what you want
Fortunately, every BVIslander holding American Citizenship is an American Citizen. How can American Citizens outnumber themselves?
This is a clear example of having two and three tier citizenships. Expats holding BVI citizenship are BVIslanders themselves, not a foreign national.
It’s hard to grasp at first but this is the crux of the problem; the creation of several tiers of citizenship.