Immigration Minister to get power to permit anyone into territory at his discretion
An amendment has been made to the territory’s immigration laws that now gives the minister responsible for the subject the discretionary power to personally permit any person into the territory.
This was revealed in Cabinet’s report of its April 24 meeting chaired by Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr.
The post-meeting statement said Cabinet “approved the amendment of the Immigration and Passport Act (CAP. 130) Section 24 by adding a new section 24(a), which would enable the Minister, in his discretion, to grant any person permission to land and remain in the territory for such period, as he may determine.”
The report further said Cabinet made the decision to ‘ensure and maintain the National Security of the territory of the Virgin Islands’.
The amendment also gives the Immigration minister the ability to allow influential persons who would have previously been forbidden to enter the territory.
According to Cabinet, this will now apply “where a person does not qualify to land and remain in the territory under Section 23(1)(g) in cases such as, but not limited to, religious leaders, entertainers, activists, national heroes, sports personalities, motivational speakers and persons who would boost the territory’s tourism product and can add to the substance of the Virgin Islands in the areas of religion, education, sports, culture and tourism.”
The amendment will be drafted by the Attorney General following instructions from the Premier’s Office.
Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley is the minister currently responsible for Immigration.
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Granting one individual by himself to have this authority according to the laws which if I interpret correctly can lead to a much favoritism . I’d rather this be done by a small group .
I second the motion
Andrew just remember when you fight hard for something, you also need to fight hard to keep it. I have yet to see or hear of one sensible strategy to move this country forward. We didn’t vote for the power trip you are on. Just sad, as i saw hope in you.
They want to do what they want and for who they want. And it’s sad to see how they treat people who live here for over 20 years
Now you are opening your doors to Bribery
The religious con men who are banned in forward thinking countries are to be welcomed with open arms?
Meanwhile there isn’t a decent plumber in the country
Crazy country.
Really!!!! Is this really necessary? We do not learn from past mistakes and are doomed to keep repeating it, like a dog chasing his own tail. Why amend any law to grant an individual such rights and when the Government change you will be on the opposition complaining when it is enforce.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome back DA alphonso…..Glad to see you!
“where a person does not qualify to land and remain in the territory under Section 23(1)(g) in cases such as, but not limited to, religious leaders, entertainers, activists, national heroes, sports personalities, motivational speakers and persons who would boost the territory’s tourism product and can add to the substance of the Virgin Islands in the areas of religion, education, sports, culture and tourism”
That is wayy to much power and say for one individual. Democracy.
What democracy this is totalitarianism. Just like China, Russia, Venezuela.
they have succceeded. They now have access to the top brass and are influencing legislation. Knew it was coming. Not surprised at all.
In a few, there will more of them that all the so called people of the Eastern Caribbean and BVIslanders (us) combined.
What a cunning mind, and our people and leaders are yet to figure that out, and not fall prey to and become corruptible because of it.
With each new administration that goes in, from 1960 to present, it has been observed, we lose a piece of our heritage, way of life and control of our future.
Indeed, the monster from across the horizon has arrived.
We need awoken leaders who are cognozant and will work to avert the extinction of our very existence. Instead, we seem to electing people who are continually selling us away for a few dollars.
With new legisation our fate as BVIslanders are now sealed for the worst. We now slowly to lose what little we have left.
In forty to fifty years, BVIslanders will not be the ruling class of these islands.
right now we are not
Maybe they will do better.
Could they do worse.
Empires rise and Fall…and there’s a reason why. Sooner or later, humility flies out the window and One-man Rule kicks in.
While hurricane Irma knocked us down, our Down Time it also allowed us the opportunity to clean up the mess. Instead, Fahie is all over the place preaching Caribbean Unity and open borders.
So many things to be prioritized and straightens out here Pi…ing around on things that have no immediate Impact
Da coming back ❄️
If I am understanding this decision correctly, the law will be changed to allow persons who the current Immigration Ordinance deems inadmissible to enter the country at the minister’s discretion under the guise of ensuring and maintaining National Security. My confusion is this, aren’t those the same persons that the current national security apparatus is intended to keep out (undesirables)? How can it be in the interest of National Security to allow undesirables (persons with possible criminal record) to land and remain at one persons discretion. Forward, Forward.
This is what they voted for. Sit tight, more to come.
Venezuela you will be
I might be wrong but I suspect that this might have something to do with ensuring that the BUJU BANTON concert comes off. Do not underestimate the importance of this event to our region. I hope the BVI understands the the tourism flood that is about to take place and prepare adequately for it.
We in BVI have been blessed with so much potential it is so hurtful to see it going down the drain because of our intellectual shortcomings.
The minister has no right to such authority. Let the Immigration Officers do their job. Nowhere else such happens. That will lead to a very bad presidency in this territory. Pay the officers good salaries and do not interfere. Remember they are the first line of defense for the territory.
so ayo doing this for buju or DA ? The criminals getting the red carpet or what ?
Begging the Govt to rethink this preposterous move! This guy’s head is going to swell beyond belief… he is fooling half of you but by the time you catch on it will be wayyy late in the game and too much damage done. This baldhead will make the last one from old gov look tame
Do not unleash this upon the people
Well Premier i listened to your campaign speech which spoke about letting the departments do their jobs without any political interference and now this. I see a change coming soon its not even 3 months good and a whole heap a crap already.
The building that houses the Immigration Department in Road Town.
An amendment has been made to the territory’s immigration laws that now gives the minister responsible for the subject the discretionary power to personally permit any person into the territory.
This was revealed in Cabinet’s report of its April 24 meeting chaired by Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr.
The post-meeting statement said Cabinet “approved the amendment of the Immigration and Passport Act (CAP. 130) Section 24 by adding a new section 24(a), which would enable the Minister, in his discretion, to grant any person permission to land and remain in the territory for such period, as he may determine.”
The report further said Cabinet made the decision to ‘ensure and maintain the National Security of the territory of the Virgin Islands’
How do you ensure national security of the Virgin Islands to allow known criminails to enter on the decision of a Minister? The Minister should not be allowed to admit persons into the Territory of the Virgin Islands. This is wrong on all fronts. Recall this I’ll thought out amendment. Sad day in this Territory. Who is advising the leader ofor the Virgin Islands. For a couple hours and some money it’s ok to allow rapist, drug convictscreen and other degenerate in this country? Wow.
I cannot support people with criminal records being allowed to enter the territory.
God dont sleep plenty need to leave before allowing others with justification to return some where seem unfit because of low key crimes…while others here commit big crimes and stay because of name and money..watch and see
This is dumb
Who did they really change that law for?
How can anyone in the BVI be ok with this crock of nonsense? Then there will be no need for immigration. Open the flood gates. The novice Minister of the subject will be like a bull in a China store. God send help.
This is unwise leadership. How can this be in the interest of ensuring National Security of the Virgin Islands? Puzzling at the least.
Has he ever worked as an immigration officer, or had experience in national security?
Just asking.
Fah!e really fooled us , incredible .