Sympathy, criticism follow Cathy Richards’ deportation
Cathy Richards
The deportation of veteran journalist Cathy Richards has sparked mixed reactions across the territory, with fellow media professionals expressing sadness while some residents insist that the law must take its course.
Richards, a Guyanese national who worked in the BVI media industry for more than a decade, was ordered deported by Governor Daniel Pruce following her conviction for uttering a forged document.
The conviction stemmed from a 2021 work permit renewal application involving a forged Social Security document. Richards was found guilty in July 2025 and received a two-year suspended prison sentence in January 2026.
The deportation order, dated October 20, gave Richards 30 days from its service to leave the territory. Our news centre understands that Richards had already departed.
Speaking emotionally about her colleague’s circumstances, veteran journalist Angela Burns said she was deeply saddened despite not knowing all the facts surrounding the case.
“I’m not supporting any wrong that she may have done. I don’t know the facts. I don’t know the details,” Burns explained. “But my heart goes out to her, because everybody makes mistakes,” she added.
Prominent commentator Dickson Igwe also weighed in, describing Richards as enthusiastic, warm and energetic, while stressing that journalists must uphold exceptionally high ethical standards.
He said journalism requires honesty, integrity and transparency, adding that he hoped Richards would overcome her personal crisis.
In the meantime, social media reactions have been divided.
One commenter described the situation as sad, saying Richards is talented but reminded others that “the law is the law.”
Another resident questioned why Richards was given two years to leave rather than being deported immediately, considering her 13 years of contributions to the BVI.
Others expressed sympathy, with one commenter saying Richards would recover from the setback.
Meanwhile, a petition has been launched by members of the public urging Governor Pruce to reconsider the deportation order, arguing that Richards deserves compassion and a second chance.
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Wait. One minute VIslanders d9nt want people to be given work permits and take our jobs. Next minute we begging for permit holders and crooks to be welcomed.
This a new extention of a crime led culture?
she is a convicted felon, we don’t need that here
She is a convicted criminal and she has to go .
“….resident questioned why Richards was given two years to leave rather than being deported immediately.”
Where did this resident get information that she was given two years to leave? Good grief man, people must learn to read and understand before posting misleading statements.
She has 30 days to leave on her own or they’ll lock her up and put her on a plane.
BVI prentending everyTHING is above board.
We don’t have BUSINESSMEN trading COCAINE, Seacows Bay PROSTITUTES, BVI Islander not PAYING SOCIAL SECURITY, Corruption with CONTRACTS, Corruption with POLITICIANS, Buying of DRIVER LICENSES and EVERYTHING ELSE under the CORRUPT SUN of the BWI’sss.
Sorry to see you leave. All the best.
She did the crime so therefore she has to go. I love and respect her, but i can not go to Guyana and commit a crime and expect to be pardon.
whats the big hype so much get deported because of crime let her go she did the damn crime but sympathy, only in the bvi the expats try to run the show we law obey it or leave it has alot more need deporting clean up the place , let say she didnt get caught easy money making off the government forge documents . strupes cathy good bye u all swear she live her over 20 yrs oh please the law is the law
Sure lets start applying the law to the bvi islanders who abuse it daily..and deport them to wherever they came from..
Cathy has left the Territory already.