BVI News

Locals plan ‘social media blast’ to convince legislators to vote against expat regularisation

A group of concerned citizens are hoping to use social media to steer as many legislators to vote against the Government’s expatriate regularisation initiative at Friday’s sitting of the House of Assembly.

This is according to Claudia Hodge, one of the members of a committee formed to oppose the initiative. The said committee also spearheaded an online petition on the matter.

Following a meeting with Premier Andrew Fahie at the House of Assembly offices on Wednesday, Hodge told BVI News they are hoping to urge the elected officials to remove their proverbial ‘political hats’ and replace them with their more patriotic BVI hats.

“We have canvased some of the representatives individually. But, we weren’t able to get a read from them because they are all tight-lipped as to how they feel. [But], we will not stop. Starting tonight, we are going to start on our social media blast and we are going to encourage persons to WhatsApp, text, and call their representatives and ask them to vote no against this initiative,” she said.

Hodge further said they will not stop their campaign to oppose the regularisation initiative, even if it is approved in the House.

We are fighting to remain relevant

Hodge said their fight is to stay relevant in their own country.

“Let’s look at the social impact, let us look at what would happen to us as Virgin Islanders in terms of us maintaining our relevance in the territory. Yes, these folks are here, but they are not competing with us in that regard as yet. When you make them normal as us they are competing with us for trade licenses, they can now purchase properties,” she said.

“If you open the flood gates and allow persons who have access to more money to purchase the land, how are our kids going to afford it? So you are putting us at a disadvantage in our country. Where are the laws or policies that would give us some type of protection?” Hodge asked.

The anti-regularisation campaigner said she along with the other concerned locals are hoping to get some of those questions answered in official correspondence from the Premier today.

She is also hoping the Premier’s promised amendments to the initiative will reflect the best interests of Virgin Islanders and Belongers.

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121 Comments

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  1. threat to national security says:

    We are an endangered species…].We are being sold out by our own premier…..We need a political leader/party who will look out for the indigenous before we end up like australia and st.maarten where it’s very hard to find an indigenous

    Like 27
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    • Are you a Carib indian says:

      … if not, then you are not indigenous to the BVI and it is an ignorant claim that you make.

      Like 65
      Dislike 17
    • Hmmm says:

      I am in total agreement with you. The only logic i could see behind this is to secure votes for next election. What is the rush…

      Like 22
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    • Its a Lie says:

      Once you are Black its is possible for you to be indigenous within the Caribbean. you just BAN-EAR! as you most times say.

      Like 11
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    • Anonymous says:

      What a Racist group of lazy good for nothing people you are. Your ancestors were not indigenous to the Territory. Find a school and learn to read so you all can learn some history. You are indigenous to Africa. Take your racist asses back to where you are indigenous. You took a beautiful island and turned it into a garbage dump. You charge the white visitors an environmental fee. You are the disgusting pigs that are the threat to the environment. Garbage on the roads, cars and boats rusting in your yards, sewage going directly into the waters. You can’t even keep an incinerator operating but your worried you are going to be taken over by the hard working people. You Belongers are truly disgusting just like the properties you own and your houses. Go back to where you belong with your people…AFRICA!!!

      Like 44
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      • @Anonymous says:

        After your serial-killing ancestors killed off all the people that lived on these beautiful islands and sat their lazy, psycho butts down for over 100 years as we made your evil ancestors rich, you have the nerve to open your evil mouth. What we do to these Islands is far better than what you’ll did to the polluted concrete jungles of Europe and this is why you brought your evil butt here in the first place. You have received what your ancestors worked for throughout the years, nothing good on the face of this Earth. Enjoy your rewards for your evil works and remember ’God Never Sleeps’! lol…

        Like 20
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        • @@Anonymous says:

          Don’t you dare bring God into this!! He said love thy neighbor!!!!! And if you are FOR this then you should not PROMOTE “OUR” FATHER!

          Christian community with SO MUCH HATE AND DIVISION!!!! WHATTTT A THING!!!!

          Like 3
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          • @@ @Anonymous says:

            Truth is Truth no matter how stated…I say it once again God Never Sleeps!!!

        • Rubber Duck says:

          Best avoid all the things those evil people made then

          Cars, TVs, computers, supermarkets, beer, the prosperity of the BVI.

          You purists should go live with the Massi.

      • Me says:

        So why you here feeding on our nipples?

        Like 9
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        • Bruce says:

          Well said!

        • Anonymous says:

          You make comment about the evil ways of Europeans yet you make no comment of what your people have done to the Territory. The garbage dump of an island that you created. We have not come to live among you because we want to be a part of you. Far from that. We reside here because of the geography and the beauty of the islands. It dismays is to see what pigs you are and have destroyed it’s natural beauty just as your people have around the world. As for the nipples comment. You are surely a moron. What is it that you provide. Rancid milk. You have nothing to feed on. It appears that you all dislike the racism when it’s pointed at you but you have no problem dishing it out. Your right God is watching. That is why you are having storms and hurricanes. You are doomed

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          • @Anonymous says:

            There are other “beautiful” islands where you can live. Take your pick and LEAVE.

            I hope the Premier sees these posts. This is what we are bringing into this territory.

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        • @Me says:

          So they too feed on our ancestors breast for centuries.

      • Bruce says:

        Shame on you! Name calling and hate spewing is not the answer. The BVI just needs to find and support honest leaders.

      • Fool says:

        Anonymous,

        As a white expat I am shocked by your racist garbage which only worsens matters. Most of us do not share your views and have moved from countries where we are a majority to a country where we are a minority…..Why, because we choose to.

        Sounds like you need to take your racist a** back to South Africa or the swamps of Alabama or whatever unfortunate place you are from !

        Sorry everybody for this moron and his childish comments.

        Like 17
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    • BuzzBvi says:

      At times it is hard to understand why anyone would want to belong to this place.

      Like 42
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    • Love Blogger’s comment says:

      This comment from this blogger below is so true:

      Simple Maths (16/05/2019, 13:07)
      I have drawn from both sides of the argument and can sympathise with all involved. What I don’t understand is why talking and reasoning about this matter isn’t the argument for both sides. 

The Expats are saying BVI people are unfair, etc. I don’t think that they are. I think they are uninformed and would like to know exactly how this will play out, after having time to make suggestions for how the process should be implemented. That’s democracy. Its their country. Why cant they have a say? Can they have a say in how other countries are run? The short answer is no. 

The further argument that BVI people have dual status – US/British. Why is that even an argument though? It’s mere geography, and a maintained relationship with the UK that cultivates that. Most countries in the Caribbean had a similar opportunity to be British, and all the advantages that that affords but chose independence. How could that be an argument here now? By voting for self-determination, these countries made it harder to position themselves to be able to travel to the USA and the UK and by default, their children are not born there. How is this the BVI fault?

As it relates to regularization. Should persons in the territory be regularized? Yes, I think so, but it should be done in a manner which compliments many factors including the economy, size of country, impact on social welfare and culture, etc. Time lived in BVI is also an important consideration, but not a right. Valuable contribution to society is a better yardstick to measure by and any status conferred is a privilege. For clarification, a right cannot be revoked. Immigration status conferred can be revoked if certain factors are present and is therefore a privilege. 

I have seen so many derogatory comments towards BVI people because they have spoken out about this matter. I am not from BVI and I think its interesting that expats say BVI people are prejudiced, wicked, etc but still live among and have children with them. If you are feeling disadvantaged, why stay? Why argue for what is not yours? I came here to experience something different and happen to love the place and the people I have met here. The day I feel anything like what is expressed in the blogs, is the day I decide to leave. I don’t understand why persons would complain, berate, curse a place and its people but be fighting to remain there. Something is very wrong with that.

I will end with I hope the government AND the people of the territory can find a happy medium. I also hope that expats and BVI people alike come together and TALK about this matter. Spewing negativity and beating each other up virtually makes no sense. At the end of the day, its their country and we, having decided to come here, have to understand and respect that. If we cannot, then its time to leave. Simple.

      Like 36
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      • Expat says:

        I agree. Locals are scared so yes reassure them that they will be ok. Secondly process those that are already in and qualify. then move from there. in the process in the regularization ensure there are postulation, for example no dependent living outside will qualify under the fast tract. Mr Fahie gesture is honorable but i do believe the locals need to be reassured. i also encourage person to stop the hateful comments, We all have to live together so don’t make it harder by being mean. Respect the views of each other and be civil. With or without the status TORTOLA is MY HOME! i have chosen here to raise my family and will continue to be a community person. That’s just me.

        Like 10
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      • Half expat, halF local says:

        Exactly

    • Bruce says:

      You are correct in your concern.

    • E scott says:

      Well done VIP , create a destruction and every looks at the noise whilst you put your hand deeper in our pocket book. BVI stop and look, you are being played by devious people .

    • Concerned says:

      Is heartbroken to see black people fighting against black people like this, u all need to look at the other races how the helped each other, and don’t be fighting against each other because they born in a particular place and someone else born somewhere else, this is God’s land, we just happened to be born in different parts, if people happens to come where u were born and is abiding by the laws of that land, after a number amount of yrs, they should be entitled to status, now because a man of integrity,a man who knows what is right ,came on board and doing what is right , u want to crucify him, it is wickedness. U guys reminded me of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Be careful folks, these r God’s people, u don’t want to fight against God’s , because God fights for his people, When the Israelites were in Egypt in bondage, they cry to God, and God says I heard is saw, and I am come down to deliver. God will fight for his people, and he said I will laugh at their calamity, continue to fight against God’s people, and watch God at work.

      • fact says:

        I do believe it has expats of other races in the VI beside those of African descent. Why our Caribbean brothers and sister always think it all about them.

  2. state of emergency says:

    AYO GOIN SIT RIGHT DEH AND LEH ANDRUE GAVE AWAY DIS COUNTRY TO THESE UNGRATEFUL SET AH ISLUN PEOPLE

    Like 15
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  3. Just Curious says:

    Miss Hodge you were someone i admired and respected bu I am now convinced that you are a hater of expatriates. First of all if you believe that expats will buy your lands, then tell the Bvislanders who owns property not to see their lands to any expats. Thats one way to solve your silly reasoning. Why would those who get status compete to get trade licence? Isn’t it a free market? Yesterday you said you live in the U.S. for 20 years. I hope you rescinded whatever rights you have for the USA. When you were away it was expats who helped to build these beautiful Virgin Islands. We will all die and leave this place whether we like it or not. You need to show love and stop dividing the country. You will live to regret your actions because God don’t like ugly.

    Like 118
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    • Sad says:

      She got e**l heart plain and simple. Watch your back and her associates. Refuse her d***y smile.

      Like 12
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    • @Just Curious says:

      I couldn’t have said it better. I was thinking the same God things you wrote about. I really hope She give back the United States Government their status. When you were living in the United States for 20 years, the expatriates was the one sweat and build this country along side the faithful BVIlanders. When you was paying taxes to Uncle Sam the expatriate was paying their fair share to the BVI Government.

      I really wonder which God you are praying to and which Bible you are reading. You are full of h**e and w****dness,I am not judging you you have tell the BVI and the world who you are. You don’t speak for the decent and well respected BVIlanders and Belongers you speak for yourself. God bless this Premier and God bless this beautiful BVI.

      Like 54
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    • Concerned says:

      people reminds me of pharaohs and the Egyptians, you guys don’t have any fear of God, u all only thinking about yourselves, God make land, but man make boundaries, one of these u all will end up in the red see like the Egyptians, because God fights for his people, and that’s not a battle u want to be in, y do u think people must be here for 15,20 yrs and shouldn’t be regularised, we r all humans alike, we all contributed in building this economy, God is watching, just as he did for the israelites….he heard there cry, he looked down and saw their afflictions, and he came down and deliver. Just a warning

  4. son of the soil says:

    We need to start doing like cayman islands, from now on send out the new expats every 7 years and let them reapply to re-enter the country. In this way we will avoid all this belonger and citizen status problems

    Like 19
    Dislike 42
    • Albion says:

      I don’t think you understand how it works in Cayman.

      In Cayman, after 7 years you have a choice: you either have to get naturalised, or you have to leave. You cannot stay as a visitor.

      If you want to naturalise ever person who has lived in BVI for 7 years, that would certainly make life interesting. But I don’t think that is what you are suggesting.

      Like 50
      Dislike 2
      • Old news. says:

        You don’t get status in cayman until 13 years but PR is applied for in the eighth. PR is what has made cayman leap so far ahead compared to here. So many opportunities for locals were created by making some of their long term residents into permanent residents without votings rights but with a much better deal. Cayman is not overrun (other than possibly by hotel developers but that’s nothing to do with expats and PR). Cayman recently reported government coffers overflowing while our backward hatred and division approach is the classic
        Example of “I’d rather have ? % of nothing”. They are taking business that ought to be here.

    • Startled says:

      And have a smaller financial services, legal and tourism sector; I hope you like farming the soil you are the son of!

      Like 15
      Dislike 3
  5. BVI says:

    Start sending back these outsiders as soon as they become pregnant to avoid all this mess in the future

    Like 13
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    • @BVI says:

      That was some cold S**t that you blog.

      Like 17
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    • um says:

      Dr. Pickering out of office he lost his seat we all know that NOW you BVI ppl want to put the man out of a job too. Shame on you. Oh and Dr. Smith too.

      Like 6
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      • Obgyn says:

        hmm yes sah they both will have no client to attends to because bvi women aint using the bvi health services to make their babies.

        Like 8
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    • ... says:

      Hopefully when y’all go to the US they would send y’all out to. HAVE YOUR KIDS AT PEEBLES. y’all are something else.

      Like 21
  6. So glad for this truth says:

    Look, I so glad for this conversation. At least we honestly know where we stand with all of you that smile up in our faces and ask us to support your businesses and the list goes on. And then you say we need to be more integrated? Yuh need to be able to see when the knife is coming at you and protect yourself!

    Like 65
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    • sorry says:

      I’m sorry this is what some have become…. but not all are like this I love all ppl as long as they love

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  7. Citizen says:

    Only one explanation needed, when we protest against expats, are we talking about people from the other islands or are we protesting about all the white people who are purchasing our property, working in trust company, managing Nanny Cay etc? just asking a question;

    Like 37
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    • ... says:

      Good question. The Filipinos, the DR people, the Haitians, they all are ex-pats too. Oh, you meant the WHITE people! Yes, send them home. The Virgin Islands will be like the Caymans or the Bahamas. No tourist industry to speak of, the people crying for income.

  8. Liberty says:

    Develoment can stop

  9. Arawak says:

    Descendants of the arawaks and caribs wherever they are will soon begin to come forward to claim their land taken over by the English and eventually given to tribes from Africa after the abolition of slavery. What a ting! It seems that the people who worked the land are the ones who deserve the land. Now it seems that 40 years of working the land shouldn’t count! What a ting!

    Like 20
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    • @Arawak says:

      If you are looking for the ones that were in the BVI…they were murdered by the Europeans, it seems for the copper on Virgin Gorda, but the others can try to claim some of the other Caribbean islands.

  10. Oh boy says:

    After Irma and Maria why you all didn’t know how indigenous you all are. Dont care what you all want to say or how but you all are TOO DAM UNGREATFUL AND SELFISH.

    Like 55
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  11. wow says:

    The ignorance of/in some of you is amazing.
    Think for a second. Were it not for people coming from other places, (scientifically.Not personal opinion) most of you would not have been born, furthermore it would be and island of retards with genetic deficiencies, due to inbreeding. As kids growing up we always heard the funny saying “cousin and cousin make a dozen). But it was soo true that we used to joke over it like it was ok. Also the nerve of the ones taking this stance well knowing that not all their family roots originate from the BVI. Your ancestors would roll over in the grave. It may also be a guilty conscience coming into place knowing how you treated some of those same people, claiming that if you dont like the monopoly you have on certain caribbean people that they should go back to were they come from. Thats a slave master mentality. Common sense is the answer

    Like 49
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  12. Hmmm says:

    … So it is okay for … a Virgin Islander to live in and acquire status in someone else’s country but it is not okay when the shoe is on the other foot! The people who will be able to benefit from this ‘amnesty’ are not Johnny Come Latelys who arrived yesterday on these shores. Invariably they have lived and toiled here for 20, 30, 40 or more years. Provided jobs for locals, bought property, taught your children, volunteered in organisations and I daresay, have loved up on these islands more than some of you BVislanders. What happened when Hurricane Irma blew in 2017. Many of the same BVIslanders who claim to love this place so much ran off to the States and elsewhere! Some not even showing their faces back here to this day. Its these same expats being talked about who stayed and pulled these islands back together. This Claudia Hodge talking f**t about she cant find any peas and rice around here. Well light your stove and cook your own peas and rice! Show your children how to cook it. That is how you keep the BVI traditions going. Blame yourselves not others for the dying BVI culture because it is within your own power to keep it going regardless of who other than BVIslanders chose to call this place home. I do not agree with the rushed process to regularizing the status of these people but I do think that if a person has lived and worked here years on end without causing any trouble in good faith and has love for these islands they have a LEGITIMATE EXPECTATION to receive status. They have to go through the process. Nothing is guaranteed. But their status cannot remain in limbo. It is unconscionable! So the Premier is most definetly on the right track. I applaud him 100 percent on this initiative.

    Like 13
  13. Bigots says:

    Have access to more money to buy land – what garbage. If anyone is going to buy land they are going to do it whether they are a Belonger or not. Next more money because they are an expat – how? Most of us live closer to the edge than the rest due higher rents, paying school fees etc.
    Personally it upsets me to see those that I thought were friends be part of this crowd. All these expats that live here have contributed lots to the growth of the BVI and many of the haters have benefitted from it. Many of the expats this affects have looked after you, helped you, served you or your kids and you have the audacity to say we are now going to be a threat due to a status change. The Government has not said anyone gets this automatically. Everyone applying still has to meet a criteria. This whole thing is showing who the racist bigots are in this country- they are all about self whilst pretending it’s about country. I applaud this Government to have the balls to deal with this issue and I hope the politicians are strong enough to right the wrongs of countless previous administrations who have left this mess. This is 30 years of not following the laws on the books being corrected.

    Like 47
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    • Comment says:

      Please, look after us? Everyone that came to the BVI came for self gain, to make a buck. This is our country and we are not given it away. You love your counties well so do we and we are not apologizing for that. Go sit down!

      Like 8
      Dislike 13
  14. Irmageddon says:

    …All who were on them panel … you own nothing not even yourself. Hope all you reflect on this hatred. There are no words in the dictionary to describe any of what you all did… Society will forever scorn all you. I born here can trace my family way back but we own nothing. I no better than nobody. It all belongs to the Almighty. Get on all you fking knees and pray God forgive all you. Ashes to ashes dust to dust we all have to face the end some day nobody better we all going leave the earth all you fighting.

  15. Hmmm says:

    After Irma, it was the white man who paid local businesses to clean VG road and rebuild the citizens home. God don’t sleep! Set ah small minded and uneducated ppl… I hope if we get any more hurricanes, ayo born here can help fix back the BVI…

    Like 25
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  16. Lol says:

    Just checked the petition and doesn’t look like they will get anywhere near the 1000 signatures they want, be lucky to get 200. Most BVIislanders I have spoken to fully support this

    Like 26
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    • Please says:

      You have not spoken to many, have you?

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    • Small but loud says:

      I actually think that this group of activists are small in number but loud. I am getting a sense that they don’t represent most bvislanders. It is a hysterical reaction that is driven by fear of the unknown. The same thing happened in cayman when they went through the same exercise and all of this doomsday drama did not come to fruition. But it is ugly. I refused to tar all bvislanders with the same brush because I truly believe that most have beautiful souls. Just misrepresented by the loud few.

      Like 20
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  17. Observation says:

    I am surprised by the hate and sweeping generalistions that are coming from both sides of the aisle. How do we live together in unity after this?

    Like 17
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    • Looking On says:

      Same thing I thinking. Locals hating expats and expats hating locals. None different. And over what? Land that don’t belong to neither party.

      COMEDY in the place. ?????????

      Like 8
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      • @Looking On says:

        You wish the land did not belong to the locals. Jealous, evil onlooker!

        Like 3
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        • @@Looking On says:

          What you don’t know is that Looking On is a local that own BVI land.

          Yes, own the land but it does not belong to I, but Jah.

          We come naked and we will go naked. Boom ?

  18. Jack Cade says:

    @ Albion, I don’t think you understand how it works in Cayman.

    After 7 years in Cayman, you have to leave unless you are essential / sufficiently senior worker. Others must leave.

    I have business interests in both BVI and Cayman. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. One benefit Cayman has over BVI is a growing cadre of senior professional (former) expats who are committed to the long term and fully invested in the future success of Cayman because they have obtained status over a period of around 10 years. That creates jobs, opportunities and wealth for the whole of Cayman. That exists in BVI to some extent too but it is harder for individuals to commit to the BVI when they are reminded annually at work permit renewal time that their stay could be temporary.

    Some kind of change in the BVI is required to address this issue.

    Like 19
  19. AMIGO says:

    @ Are You a Carib Indian…That statement once you are black its very hard to claim you’re indigenous is sad…please read Dr, Ivan van Sertima..they came before Columbus. We need to free ourselves from the GOD delusion and get in touch with reality….until then we will forever sail in a sea of confusion. Poor Slaves.

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  20. AMIGO says:

    @ It’s a lie…That statement once you are black its very hard to claim you’re indigenous is sad…please read Dr, Ivan van Sertima..they came before Columbus. We need to free ourselves from the GOD delusion and get in touch with reality….until then we will forever sail in a sea of confusion. Poor Slaves.

  21. I Born Here says:

    I really tired of hearing people talk like we should be so greatful for the expats like most of them come here to do us favors and make the place better… they only here to take advantage of the fact that we use the US currency… that’s it!!! If that got to change they gone…better believe it.

    Like 7
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  22. THE TRUTH says:

    All this BS is to muddy the waters now that the truth is showing.It’s going to backfire big time.

  23. Weir D. Playne says:

    While this “freedom fighter” left the BVI for over 20 years some of these same expats … were building up “her” territory while she was living the American Dream… Everybody that lives in the BVI has a say in the BVI. He may not have the right to vote but his voice should be heard if he has something worthwhile to contribute.

    To Mrs Noreen Callwood, I saw first hand expats helping after Irma for free unlike some of my fellow VIslanders who refused to do the daily garbage collection because payment was uncertain after Irma. I know who came with the chainsaw and chopped up the fallen lamp post and ginep trees that were blocking the road. I know who helped with the boarding up. I know who was on the truck distributing the cases of water. These people were not Virginislanders and I didn’t care. Irma didn’t discriminate against locals or expats white or black anybody that was in the BVI could feel her wrath. That press conference was an embarrassment. Some of the speakers sound like they can work in the Trump administration.

    Like 57
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    • Please says:

      To build up or to make money. Did you all do this building for free? What ever!

      Like 5
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      • Concerned says:

        You really must not have been around to not have seen all these organizations who were/are here to help building the BVI back up without any compensation.

        • @Concerned says:

          During the hurricanes but what about over all? Everyone gets paid in the BVI. Plus, that was world outreach assistance ‘mostly’ not residential expats.

  24. Mandy says:

    Why don’t you all UNGRATEFUL BVIslanders send all the expats to their country of origin? Let us wait and see who will suffer! When most BVIslanders fled after Hurricane Irma/Maria, the majority of expats stayed and cleaned the islands and helped rebuild, and are still doing so. God doesn’t like UGLY, so you all better be very careful.

    Like 30
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  25. LOOK MUMU !! says:

    Deceived people… this coming of Jesus that you have been brainwashed into believing is the manifestation of Cosmic events that have been known to our African ancestors from ancient times. These pastors who continue to deceive you are only interested in your money.All this crap about regularization is just a side show and revenue earner for those who think their brains big.All this will accomplish is a lot more hatred and confusion as is evident already. African children do not allow yourselves to be weakened further by these clueless jokers.The puppet masters are playing us like a fiddle with this problem…reaction…solution game…please remember that it was certain perceived threats from the UK that started the whole fiasco. Whose music are you dancing to?

    Like 2
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    • Truth says:

      You need to repent baptized in water calling upon the name of Jesus Christ because you are s**k you need deliverance

  26. @ I born here says:

    That is so true and them running down papers to avoid paying permit but a lot of them have no love for the bvi. Come on people no one send for you so if you all want to leave then leave and stop this crap about being ungrateful we all benefit from the bvi. I not from here and don’t have papers and live here a long time but I agree totally with the locals. Ask some of them some simple questions about the bvi and them don’t know because them not interested in knowing nothing only for them ulterior motive

    Like 13
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    • Really? says:

      Dont lie. We all know you are one of them. Smart trick you trying to do, but everybody can see through it.Wolf in sheep clothing. Buh “i not from here” lololol. Good try lolol

      Like 3
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  27. Ausar says:

    Look Jokes!

    Premier Fahie, you are on the right track!

    DO NOT BE DETERRED BY THOSE NOISEMAKERS, AND THOSE RELATED TO THEM, WHO SOLD OUT THEIR OWN FAMILIY’S LANDS, FROM UP UNDER THEIR OWN FAMILY,THROUGH CROOKED DEEDS AND WILLS, TO STRANGERS, FOR A BOWL OF PORRIDGE, albeit for fame, marriage and supposed ill-gotten short-lived wealth!!!

    Now trying to pretend that they’re all about BVIslanders whilst in agreement to screw over their owns family wealth!

    There are those of us Belongers, who are with you and will support you on this issue until ALL immigrants deserving regularisation, are truly regularised!

    Great going there, Premier Andrew Fahie!!!

    Signed: Ausar

    Like 29
    Dislike 7
  28. Expat says:

    DEAR EXPATS
    DON’T BE FOOLED WE WELCOME Y’ALL, BUT THESE BRITISH PEOPLE THAT3 CALL THEMSELVES IMMIGRANTS IS WHO WE ALL NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR, PLEASE RESEARCH THE BAHAMAS AND SEE WHAT ENGLAND HAS DONE TO THEM. THEY WANT TO GET THEIR FEET WAY INSIDE TORTOLA BEFORE BREXIT GOES THROUGH AND WILL USE YOU ALL AS A PLOY TO DO SO……… IF THIS GOES THROUGH BEFORE BREXIT RULING THEY WILL BE ALLOW TO RUN IN OUR GOVERNMENT(REMEMBER HOW THEY THREW JAMAICAN NATIONALS OUT OF ENGLAND NOT CARING WHO HAD BELONGERS STATUS BEST BELIEVE THEY’LL DO IT HERE TO MAKE SPACE).

    DEAR EXPATS AND BVISLANDERS REMEMBER IT’S ALREADY SIDE WE HAVE MOST OF THE US DOLLAR SWIMMING IN OUR TINY ISLAND AND WHEN BREXIT GOES THROUGH THE US DOLLAR WILL BE SUPERIOR TO POUND. ENGLAND THEMSELVES SAID WE TOO RICH TO GET HELP AFTER IRMARIA. WAKE UP PEOPLE Y’ALL BEING USED FOR THEIR PLANS.

    Like 5
    Dislike 4
  29. Hummn says:

    God forbid, but another hurricane season is around the corner, I hope they won’t need us, to help rebuild their country, if anything should happen, wicked ppl, we live amongst here.

    Like 4
    Dislike 4
  30. Lawyer says:

    If the UK imposed their will to do away with belongers and give every UK citizen residing here for a short period of time the same rights as any other virgin islander, would you then ask for independence? If this has to happen, how are you going to control the flow? What if Branson, with the rights to buy land without needing land holders licence, started buying up all the islands? Politically, you will soon be out numbered. would you prefer to have the “island men” or the white British out numbering you? Let us fix the social fabric of the country before we destroy ourselves. the Island men integrates the whites don’t..

    Like 5
    Dislike 8
  31. Weir D. Playne says:

    While I am totally in support of the Premier’s decision in regard to this matter I do think that some of the expats need to stop fanning the flames of this delicate situation especially if they actually live in the territory. You are only proving the idiots right and helping their agenda. Throughout various forums I’m seeing a lot of comments from people wishing that we experience another hurricane and hoping expats leave so BVI can suffer, stop using US currency so we can suffer etc. You dont need to stoop to their level to make a good point. You can discredit the ones that have the stupid and hateful ideology without making broad statements about Virgin Islanders.

    Those people that are against the citizenship does not represent the vast majority of the BVI. The fact that our Premier is leading the way shows that not all of us think that way.
    Almost all of the people that were allowed to speak at the FB live meeting were married to expats which shows that they too deep down inside do not believe the BS that they are spewing unless they wished that their spouse would never belong to the territory where they reside permanently.

    Like 30
    Dislike 3
  32. Warrior Wooow says:

    The spirit of oppression just rising up it’s ugly head in a few people, mr cline excuse me , unnestly speaking I listen the news and hearing this lady saying when she heard that she almost get an heart attack unnestly you should have drop dead but be thankful to God for his Grace and mercies towards you , this is the work of God pulling people together in love which the devil hates premier Andrew fahie make sound it clear and I am with him as well as others holding up his hand as the people hold up Moses hand to win the battle so do we premier for it better to obey God rather than man don’t be afraid God is with you , its he who set up government and bring down government and person will disagree yes , cant fight against God enemies are good to have God used them to train his people let your ways please God first, when the righteous reign the country people rejoice, bring back the right way brotherly love kindness love one for another of life doesn’t matter where who they came from this God land , the minute we starts to do the opposite we will loose our blessings ,Because God is about togetherness order and love .
    People understand that when the Lord Jesus Christ jump upon someone no queen Elizabeth judges president can take him off , we claim that we are a Christian nation let show the world that we truly are and I think that our beloved premier has gotten the ball rolling like I said before let’s help hold up is hand in righteousness, I know that the devil is mad and he get into persons mind to try and fight it nice good educated person he will used so come on my Bvi don’t mind the haters they can do nothing for you trust in God….
    God bless the premier and these beautiful virgin islands forwarding ever backward never.

  33. Grace says:

    She needs deliverance. Unnestly she should have , that heart should really attacks you for being so ignorant and let fear grip the others to fear God but saved by Grace and not by your works lest any should boost he is not a respecter of person . Kicking against the prick

  34. i dont care wha a man seh says:

    Andrew had planned to betray us bvislanders all along. He knew it would backfire so he hired bodyguards in advance and told them “shoot to kill”. He tricked us into voting VIP all the way because we thought myron would’ve done this but our own homeboy andrew did it to us

    Like 7
    Dislike 27
    • CW says:

      Strupe comments for strupe thinking. Elected leaders in every other country in the world have security. Want to have BVI taken seriously then keep up with international standards. Or don’t and keep being a joke like you are currently ? what a clown thing to say smh

      Like 2
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    • voter says:

      Well said!!!

      Like 1
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  35. CW says:

    And this is why the BVI will always be in the third world. (If there was a fourth or fifth world, you’d slide there immeadiately while arguing who to blame). Look at these comments. HOW UNEDUCATED AND HYPOCRITICAL CAN YOU BE? You think the problems in BVI are from everything but what they’re actually caused by- YOU, the bigoted haters of the BVI. You would be nowhere without (gasp) financial services and tourism. Guess what STRUPES? all those people you show undue hatred towards are in (gasp) financial services and tourism. You morons forget that the only reason you have ANY recovery is from those you have hatred towards. Go on, keep biting the hand that feeds you instead of rallying to save an amazing and beautiful place. Keep being selfish and making it about your narrow minded interests. Soon enough tourism will fail you like financial services is about too- and when it does, BLAME YOUR HATEFUL SELFISH WAYS STRUPES. YOU REAP WHAT YOU SEW. You lot claim to he God fearing Christians BUT ACT LIKE ANYTHING BUT. HYPOCRITES WILL ALWAYS GET THERE DUE PUNISHMENT, YES INCLUDING YOU. THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE STRUPES. YOUR FUTURE IS NOT GUARANTEED OR SECURE

    Like 9
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    • what says:

      Racism alive and well in the BVI . How incredibly sad . Thought we BVI Islanders should know better . Dont forget who cleaned up the country who the volunteers were . Lots more to be done too but we dont help our own country unless there is pay … not true of all to be accurate. We have to be better than this.

  36. My bvi says:

    B V Islanders must fight to remain relevant when they all born their children in the USA that’s been that way for more tan 40 years while the expat children are born in the country that now has BVI status now you kicking out the parents and keeping the children. folks please think about the mess we creating we will soon start a civil war and then there will be a new BVI indigenous B V Islander please let us live in peace and find a common ground.

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  37. Concerned says:

    The level of hate in this little Territory is surprising and disturbing. Hon. Fahie see this and want to change it. Its just thats his steps in this process is off. He should have done it in phases and monitor each phase. He could have started with applications thats in aready and waiting.

    Like 10
    Dislike 4
  38. Anonymous says:

    Wow….many comments here suggest that belongers feel threatened by outsiders. You voted…but it seems what you really want is for everyone not born here to get out (after of course them leaving all their money behind). Here’s the deal though, most belongers don’t want to learn let alone do the work outsiders do here. When do you put up the sign at entries to the Territory that say “ Welcome to the BVIs. Please leave ALL the money you brought with in the box provided and kindly leave on the next scheduled ferry or flight. Your presence is neither needed nor desired. Have a nice trip home”?

    Like 11
    Dislike 2
  39. Grace says:

    @I don’t care .listen please stop talking hogwash/bulldun, it doesn’t matter who did,stupid people like you and others would still have something to say especially if it was Myron ## ???( This isn’t fake news) This is racism happening and been going on against your own wooow what a shame , this is headline news all over, the world is watching , this doesn’t paint a good picture of the Bvi, if it was hiding, its opening ,just saying, I really truly thought that Irma killed off all the silly stupid ones but apparently not , when you are so accustomed to be in ignorant and in darkness of mind that when the light come to see and live in love harmony they curse it don’t want to accept it thus a shame tho,,, wise up

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
  40. Hmm says:

    Expats we need to start seriously boycotting businesses owned by bvislanders. They are too wicked and ungrateful. It’s a pity we have to rent their apts.

    Enough talk. Action time.

    Like 6
    Dislike 10
  41. I object says:

    … This protest calls for someone who has a sound understanding of all the issues on both sides and who can fairly articulate the views and concerns of both sides and make recommendations accordingly…

  42. Competition says:

    The reason the BVIslanders dont want to have competition from outsiders is because they will simply lose all the time. Don’t be afraid of competition, just step up your game.

    Like 7
    Dislike 6
  43. fact says:

    I honestly feel, no one is against expats in the territory for a long period of time receiving status, I think the objection is, the manner in which it is being done.

    Like 17
    Dislike 1
  44. Think says:

    I’ll just repatriate to round rock with a bow and arrow. Now a man come close, especially them pillard ones!

  45. Peace says:

    I see some people are saying that the expat is getting pay to do the job , that is true but don’t forget that some of us is being under paid but we are afraid to speak out because of fear of losing our job , I am a waitress working for one restaurant 11yrs and still getting $1600 per month with know service are tips that guess leave on the credit card , this restaurant is own and apperate by a Born bvilander , now please answer this question how the hell could a expat like me could afford to by land and take over your country ? Some of u bvilanders are evil and wicked human .how about all expat join together for a day without showing up to work and see what happen , it doesn’t matter where u work are your profession just don’t show up hahaha expecialy in the tourist industry ha ha ha ha , doctors hahaha nurses hahaha just to name a few .now if someone is living here for a period of time and didn’t contribute to are is a problem to the country then I strongly believe that he or she should be put out of the country .but if someone has been living here 15 year’s or more paying there social security , NHI and never broke any immigration laws or any laws of the country , be fair and give that person that little belonger status , we are one people working to bill a better bvi for a better tomorrow .

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
    • Please says:

      Afraid to speak out? Your country must pay you pennies? You are grown, if you cannot receive proper wages in this country then move to another, why stay in the BVI? Your country’s salary was so low that you moved to the BVI but your pay is still not enough? I think it is time to relocate again to greener pastures.

      Like 2
      Dislike 2
      • Truth says:

        You are an illiterate individual from the way you speak obviously from the day you were born you have never left the bvi.

  46. Ha ha says:

    Almost as many comments on this story as there are signatures on the petition. The majority know the premier is right

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  47. um says:

    yes we did for far less than what you would have wanted and we paid our taxes too to help build the beautiful bvi. now you go and pay Donold his dues because you have donold pp and os working here and not paying your taxes in Donold country where you were born.

    • one world says:

      i can see u are one of the demons who treat people unfair and feeling happy about it , may the wrath of god come down on you for such a evil and wicked act

  48. S says:

    Reading all of this has filled me with sadness. After everything we have been through in the last couple of years, have we still not learned the benefits of kindness, compassion and unity? Why are we tearing apart our island with malicious and vicious talk? The hurricanes were a reminder that no matter where anyone was from, whatever their background, we are all equal at the end of the day. I understand the need to protect Belongers to a certain extent, but what benefit does the hatred and racism bring to this situation? Please be kind.

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