BVI News

Turnbull calls for another protest against govt’s ‘regularisation’ amendments

Second District Representative and Oppostion legislator Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.

Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull is calling on residents to stage another protest against what is increasingly becoming government’s controversial amendments to the Immigration and Passport Act.

Turnbull made the call during a community meeting held by members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in East End/Long Look on Thursday.

He called for the protest to happen on Monday, June 3 when the second and third readings for the amendments are expected to be in the House of Assembly. Notably, legislations require three readings before they can pass in the House.

“I am going to invite each and every one of you in the public [and] those of you online to come to the House of Assembly … because your voices must be heard,” Turnbull said while referring to the amendments which are being made so government can ‘legally’ proceed to regularise select expatriate residents.

Hidden agenda?

The second term legislator said he believes the Premier Andrew Fahie administration has a ‘hidden agenda’ for what he (Turnbull) believes to be rushed attempts to make the amendments.

“There is something behind these amendments that I need the answers to,” Turnbull said.

“The truth is, the Cabinet and the legislation that exist in accordance with consultation with the Board, have the powers to give residency status or Belongership to who they deem and I am hearing the comments that it’s been a problem so long and we are doing something about it. It’s ok to do something about something but if you are not doing it right then you are still a part of the problem and you create even more problems,” added the Second District representative while referring to Premier Fahie

Amendments will affect BVI for generations

Turnbull further said he believes the amendments will have a negative impact on the territory for generations.

“They are five amendments [to the Immigration and Passport Act] which will change the very way we operate in this territory that affects our social, our educational, our economic development; everything,” he said.

Turnbull also said he believes the recent public meetings held by the Premier on the regularisation process was a mere exercise to appease residents and not necessarily to address their concerns. He said government was ‘hearing’ those concerns but not ‘listening’.

“There have been various comments from you the public stating your displeasure in how this thing is done and I think that they (the government) are ‘hearing’. There’s been a meeting at the college, there has been one in Jost Van Dyke, there’s been one in Virgin Gorda … I am only saying ‘hearing’ because it’s back on the [House’s] order paper for Monday for the second and third reading,” Turnbull said.

Unwise

The Second District Representative said it would not be wise of any government to follow through on what he described as a flawed and unclear process; especially after hearing the uproar and dissent from members of the public.

He further challenged the Premier and his government stating: “If you are willing to risk 5,400 [persons] for 15,000, go ahead.”

Shares

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

92 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. God's creation says:

    Mitch I thought you were a man of God but trying to hate and destroy people wolf in sheep’s clothing fire burn.

    Like 78
    Dislike 42
    • @God's Creation says:

      We crucified Mitch for standing up when he was part of NDP and look how that ended. When the dust cleared, it became apparent that he was right about the internal issues all along and we all saw how it ended for them. I think what Hon. Turnbull is saying is that under the current legislation, Hon. Fahie, his Government and the Immigration Board can fast-track the residency/belonger applications accordingly. The question is why is the legislation being changed in such a rush, when the current legislation enables them to proceed with the backlog and other applications? If Hon. Fahie and Hon. Wheatley can adequately explain the need for the change in legislation then people may be at ease, but that hasn’t happened. Funny enough Fahie and VIP were elected because he sold the story that NDP didn’t listen to the people, had hidden agendas and didn’t give the whole story. Now we are seeing the same thing here but I hope come next HOA we have clarity on this.

      Like 34
      Dislike 17
    • Self Defense says:

      Because he is defending his british virgin islanders he is hating. The process needs not to be fast tracked. Whats the rush. You expat don’t have a right, its a privilege. Its not hating, its securing for future generations.

      Like 40
      Dislike 39
      • Bruce says:

        Wish Mitch were Premier. He has strength and honesty.

        Like 9
        Dislike 56
        • @Mrs.J Turnbull says:

          You will never,I repeat, Never be First nothing. Simply check yourself.you are not all that. So please don’t get it twisted. As AERO SMITH SONG GOES,Dream on,Dream on. Just keeping S**t real GAL.

          Like 20
          Dislike 1
        • I second that says:

          Yeah girl Keep dreaming. I agree, you will never be first in anything. It Ain’t happening in these here parts. Don’t care who you are related or married too. It is not going down. Not very liked.

      • God bless says:

        Stop saying future generations because all of the is us citizens.

        Like 14
        Dislike 4
        • @God Bless says:

          Not all of us. You would be surprised. My house has three members, myself, my husband and my son. All three of us were born right here and our grandparents and great parents as well. There are many members of my family that are the same and I have a huge family indeed. So speak what you know. We also don’t have green cards, so the Premier wasn’t counting me and mines when he mentioned 90 percent of us the U.S. would take when they make a sweep.

          Like 10
          Dislike 5
          • hmmm says:

            i still find that hard to believe. if thats true what you said then you should stand up not half bvi Cindy.

      • ms says:

        for the SAKE of the BVI listen to the people who are speaking to you making SUCH a drastic change in their lives. I believe Hon. Turnbull show us your CLEAN HAND. WHAT IS THE RUSH – WHAT IS THE RUSH. IS SOMEONE WORKING TO SELL OUT THE PEOPLE OF THE BVI TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. THE NEW GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW THAT THIER HANDS ARE CLEAN AND NOT SMELLING LIKE A FISH. ONLY FOUR MONTHS IN CHARGE AND SUCH A DRASTIC CHANGE PLACED ON THE BVI. DON’T SELL YOUR PEOPLE SHORT AND THINK YOU CAN PULL WOOL OVER THEIR EYES. YES THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DISASTER OF 2017 BAD VERY BAD FOR THE BVI AND IT’S PEOPLE WORK TO BE ON TOP AGAIN.
        THE WORK IS OUT THAT THERE IS NOTHING BUT CRIME – VIOLENCE IN THE BVI. HOLD OFF ON MAKING ANY DRASTIC CHANGES THE PEOPLE ARE STILL TRYING TO GET THEIR HEADS ABOVE THE TRAGIC EXPERIENCE OF THEIR LIFE TIME IN THE BVI.
        STEP SAFE – STEP SAFE FOR YOUR PEOPLE WHOS BETTER INTEREST YOU HAVE AS STATED WHICH MADE THEM CHOOSE YOU FOR THEIR NEW PREMIER – TAKE TIME DON’T MAKE UNFORGETTABLE MISTAKES FOR THE LIFE AND FUTURE OF THE BVI. IT APPEARS SOMEONE IS TRYING TO PULL YOUR COAT TAIL TO GO IN THE WRONGH DIRECTION. “ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY”. YOU ARE NEW AS THE HEAD OF YOUR OWN HOME LAND MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE WRIGHT DECISIONS. SPEND TIME LOOKING AT THE STATISTICS – DON’T OVER POPULATE – DON’T OVER POPULATE THE BVI – WHICH WILL TAKE AWAY THE TRUE BEAUTY OF “THE BVI – PADARISE ISLAND” – LISTEN TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE THE BEST INTEREST OF THE BVI CENTURIES TO COME AND THE STABILITY OF BVI. CONTINUE MAKING YOUR ANCESTORS PROUD OF THE ADVANCEMENT ALL THE PRESENT LEADERS HAVE DONE. CONTINUE WORKING HARD TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF THE BVI. YOUR ANCESTORS BLOOD, SWEAT AND HARD WORK IN MAKING THE BVI TO HOW IT HAS COME UP IN THE REGION OF THE CARIBBEAN. PROGRESS DOES NOT MEAN TO SELL OUT AND GIVE IN TO ALL THE MANIPULATION – DON’T OVER POPULATION BVI AND CAUSE TO LOOSE IT TRUE BEAUTY. REMEMBER CRIME IS HEAVY IN THE BVI SOMETHING NEVER – EVER DISPLAID IN THE REGION. WORK ON THOSE INPORTANT CHALLENGES YOUR ARE BEING CONFRONTED WITH IN A HUGH. PEOPLE ABROAD ARE HEARING THE WORD BEING SPREAD ABOUT THE INFESTATION OF CRIME BEING DISPLACED IN THE BVI. THE BVI WANTS TO GROW IN A VERY SAFE – SAFE WAY WHICH WILL BE BETTER AND CAN BE A GREAT ASSET AND EXAMPLE THAT THIS NEW GOVERNMENT CAN BE THE EXAMPLE IN SHOWING THAT THEY CAN RID THE BVI OF THE NEGATIVE INFORMATION GOING AROUND ABOUT CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN THE BVI. LET US WORK HARD TO ERASE SUCH A NEGATIVE STEGMA ON OUR HOME LAND THE BVI. SO YES THE CHANGE THAT SHOULD BE FIRST IN YOUR NEW ADMINISTRATION IS TO REMOVE THAT STEGMA ABOUT CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN THE BVI. ADDING MORE NUMBERS OF INDIVIDUAL TO THE BVI CAN BE A POTENTIAL RESK IN HIGHER SPIKE IN CRIME.
        THE BVI HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER, YOUR PAST HISTORY OF HARD WORKING NATIVE ANCENTORIAL FAMILIES IN THE BVI IT WAS THEIR HARD WORK AND SWEAT DAY IN AND DAY OUT IS WHAT BROUGHT BVI TO IT’S SUCCESS. REMEMBER IT WAS JUST AROUND THE 1970’S WHERE BVI WAS NOT EVEN ON THE MAP OF CARIBBEAN ISLANDS TO VISIT. IT HAS BEEN THOSE WHO MOVED AWAY TO NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN BUT ALWAYS TALKING TO OTHERS ABOUT THEIR HOME LAND THAT GAVE BVI THE TRUE RECOGNITION AT LEAST SOME WAY IN HELPING TO PUT IT ON THE MAP AS ONE OF THE BEAUTY OF THE CARIBBEAN – PLEASE DON’T SPOIL – DON’T SPOIL IT BY NOT WORKING HARD – HARDER MAKING STRONG STEPS IN REMOVING SUCH AN UGLY STIGMA OF MAKING IT TOO MUCH CRIME – TOO MUCH VIOLENCE TO WANT TO VISIT. THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST WORK OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION IRRADICATE SUCH A LABEL PLACED ON THE NAME OF THE BVI – NO MORE CRIME OR VIOLENCE. BVI THE SAFEST OF ALL THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. SAFETY FIRST – SELL OUT LAST – BUILD BACK UP YOUR HOME. THOSE INDIVIDUAL YOU ARE GIVING OPEN DOOR POLICY – THOSE WHO ARE LIVING IN THE BVI ARE WORKING AND SENDING THIER MONEY BACK TO THEIR HOME LAND AND BUILDING UP THEIR ORIGINAL HOME LAND AND TERRITORY. LET US THINK AND KEEP MORE FOR US IN THE BVI. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE BVI BROUGHT IN AND HIRED 12 NEW LAW INFORCEMENT POLICE OFFICIERS IN TERRITORY FROM OTHER NEIGHBORING CARIBBEAN ISLANDS HOW ARE THEY MAKING CHANGES NECESSARY TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM WHICH SINCE THEY WERE HIRED THINGS HAD NOT GOTTEN BETTER – CRIME AND VIOLENCE IS STILL CLIMBING UP AND THE BVI IS ON A LIST ALONG WITH USVI AS PLACES RIDDLED WITH CRIME AND VIOLENCE. SPEND YOUR SLEEPNES NIGHTS WORRING ABOUT THAT THEN THING HOW YOU CAN INCREASE THE NUMNER OF PEOPLE IN THE REGION.
        I LIVE IN THE STATES AND WAS SPEAKING TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO SAID TO ME THAT THEY HAD 21 FAMILY MEMBERS FROM ANOTHER ISLAND JUST IMAGINE THOSE ARE 21 JOBS THAT WOULD HAVE GONE TO A NATIVE INDIVIDUAL LOOKING FOR WORK 21 OTHERS FROM ANOTHER CARIBBEAN ISLAND HAVE THOSE JOBS. NOW YOU WANT TO WHILE YOUR HOME LAND FAMILY ARE SLEEPING AND STILL TRYING TO BRING RESTORE THE BVI BACK TO THE GREAT PROGRESS IT HAS MADE. PLEASE DON’T DO BACK ROOM – DOOR SELLING OUT OF THE BVI. WE NEED TO SEE TRANSPARENCY. LET US SEE THE CARDS YOUR ARE HOLDING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BVI TO PROSPER – DON’T SELL OUT SONS OF THE SOIL – DON’T SELL OUT SONS OF THE SOIL. BVI FORWARD FOR EVER – BACKWARD NEVER – SAVE THE BVI MY ANCESTORS WORK HARD WHEN IT WAS ONLT DIRT ROADS AND AS A CHILD RETURNING YEAR AFTER YEAR – I LOVED THOSE ROADS – AND I LOVE ALL THE ADVANCEMENT THE BVI HAVE MADE MAKING THE ANCESTORS LOOKING DOWN AND SMILING – SAYING WORK WELL DONE, SAW THE CHALLENGE STAYED STEAD FAST AND WON THE RACE – SO LET US CONTINUE ALL WITH POSITIVENESS. NO SELL OUT LEADERS – NO SELL OUT LEADERS. WORK FOR THE BETTER, NOR IS THE BVI A GIVEAWAY – NO BVI GIVEAWAY. OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND FOR THE TRUTH – NO BACK DOOR DIRTY WORK AGAINST – LET WORK TO BE TRANSPARENT. DON’T SELL OFF YOUR HOME LAND – THE BVI IS NOT FOR SALE – NO NOT FOR SALE – HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FUTURE AND CONTINUE GROWTH IN THE WRIGHT DIRECTION FOR THE BVI – HAVE CLEAN PROGRESS – HAVE CLEAN PROGRESS.

        Like 1
        Dislike 2
    • @God’s creation says:

      I read the story on the matter twice and I can’t pin point the matter of hate in it. It is part of his job description to point out the concerns of the people which would be the same in any other country. The only thing I see is people want things done their way because it is only benefiting them so they get angry and throw shade and another thing I hate when people put God in their personal issues to make their statement sounds good. I hope the government can find a middle ground on the matter so EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM IT.

      Like 13
      Dislike 5
    • Rubber Duck says:

      The people about to get votes are not going to forget this.

      Like 3
      Dislike 1
    • @ God's creation says:

      Because Mitch is a man of God does not mean he must not have an opinion. Look you is God’s Creation and you here in a next man’s country coveting rights so you can be in a better position to fullfil your agenda. You all make a dog sick.

      Like 2
      Dislike 6
  2. Just Curious says:

    You see the reason why I wouldnt be caught dead in the Cane Garden Baptist Church. The same church were there are more expatriates serving than local. I thought you Mitch would be preaching peace but instead you are harping on the side of divide and conquer. Let me let you know that no expatriate begged for any status in the BVI. There is a process and persons eligible applied base on the law. The Premier wants to fast track immigration wasnt a matter to appease expatriates but aince he made that decision persons eligible is taking the opportunity that was given. So why the hate on expatriates as if we went down to the Govenor’s house or Premier office and held them at gun point and forced anyone of them to fast track or appeased us. Remember God dont like ugly and the analogy of 15000 against 5000 is just being political because all of this is politics but who God bless no man curse and the Premier will just be fine.

    Like 56
    Dislike 14
    • Luke says:

      Sad for those who attend Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. Come Sunday don’t have this little hater preaching to all youZ. All you ain’t good enough for belongership. Think about it. On a night of worship the little boy holding meeting to divide the people. Can any Christian tell me that’s the way?
      Take a note take a note then got the audacity to say he the most qualified Minister of the gospel. Look ma boy. If you only know. You no good.

      Like 34
      Dislike 9
      • @Luke says:

        I second that ‘truth’ can be painful! Jesus died because He told people like yourselves the way it is in TRUTH and LOVE!

        Like 4
        Dislike 1
      • Actors says:

        It’s all role playing at CGBB Church. Anybody could write and rehearse a speech or sermon but they aint really practicing what they preach.

        Sorry for those who can’t see right through the portrayals.

        Who ain’t reciting sermons, playing in band and singing in choir, at a a jam, shacking up, devious and underhanded and still expect people to take them serious.

        Like 10
        • @Actors says:

          All over the same thing … not truthfully practicing what the scriptures say they are to preach and teach.

          Teaching too too too many DOCTRINES and trying to fit the scriptures to the fleshy desires.

          WICKED sets of EVIL DOERS all over the place!

      • Oh la la la says:

        H– nor his dad nor his grandad nor any of his indigenes

    • Bruce says:

      Truth can be painful. So suck it up butter cup and listen to the truth from Mitch.

      Like 11
      Dislike 21
  3. God's will says:

    Some of us believe that we can hide in God’s church and do wickedness and get away with it but remember God is not slack with his promises towards the wicked men and women fire burn u mitch and the others

    Like 37
    Dislike 12
    • @God’s will says:

      …and fire burns the blind man who sees only his selfish point of view in another man’s country. So do take your witchcraft speeches back to your own county’s leaders if you wish to continue with your wicked attitude. We are covered by the blood of Christ Jesus!

      Like 3
      Dislike 4
    • @God’s will says:

      … and some of us believe they can hide behind God’s church to justify talking down ‘another man’s’ leaders on their nation’s online News site to try to voice their agenda!

      Like 2
      Dislike 3
  4. Easy says:

    Oh please!! What does being a man of God mean?? God doesn’t expect us to be stupid. If something is not right, it’s not! This initiative has left us with way too many questions. If this dictatorship looking government don’t want to listen to us then they’ll be booted out. What’s the rush with this? The Government has some explaining to do.

    Like 18
    Dislike 13
  5. Yuck says:

    I am so dam ashame of them four representatives. Sad day for the BVI. I would rather worship than going to that hatred meeting. All respect lost here especially for that woman and the the ring leader. Mitch a man of clothe now a man of sin. Crucifying for power. Didn’t the Bible teach you the earth belongs to no man. Very disgraceful.

    Like 26
    Dislike 16
    • @Yuck says:

      “Didn’t the Bible teach you the earth belongs to no man.”

      Let’s agree to agree. So why the need or want for BVI status? Go back to your country then because the earth belongs to no man. And I sure bet that the earth of one country no different from the earth of another in the same way the people of one land no different from the people of the other. So what the supposed fighting all about then?

      Like 13
      Dislike 14
      • @@Yuck says:

        We all going underneath the surface you fussing on one day. When that day comes let’s carry on with this shenanigan. Get a life people. Use your life wisely on earth. Stop fighting down others. Karma is a b***h. A great flood is coming. Get ready.

        Like 12
        Dislike 2
        • @ @@Yuck says:

          Please, all these Christian speeches of judgement of another man’s country. Many of your leaders made some bad decisions for their people and because of this you have left your country, but with no bitterness towards them. Yet here you are in our BVI talking evil against our leaders…so I ask you ’ who is committing the sin’???

          Like 2
          Dislike 2
      • Bruce says:

        Yes!

        Like 2
        Dislike 5
    • RT says:

      News flash the earth and the BVI are not the same. Mitch is standing for the country and it’s people.

      Like 11
      Dislike 14
  6. No surprise says:

    Mitch was one who formed PVIM because the new NDP leader was not considered one of us because his parents were expats so what do you expect. Ms. P, Mitch and the whole gang have the same thoughts about expats and their children. No surprises here. If you listened to their campaign you would know.

    Like 38
    Dislike 5
    • Caines says:

      Alvera is a child of an expat island woman from St. Kitts. Would she be against island people too, her own kind?

      Like 16
      Dislike 4
      • @Caines says:

        Anything for greed and power. Learn from Jesus and the disciples who betrayed him.

        Like 16
        Dislike 2
        • Caines says:

          Your point?

          Expats v expats? Down island people v down island people? Non-BVI people living in BVI v non-BVI people living in BVI?

          Wow, because Judas was a Jew just like Jesus. Jew betray Jew. So you saying what’s above. How then can the crowd hate BVI people when they are alleged to be against non-BVI people when you down island people v down island people?

          Jew v Jew / Judas v Jesus!

          Think ? before you type because you state down island people v down island people by making ref. to the Jew v Jew

          Like 1
          Dislike 5
    • @No surprise says:

      He was the master mind behind that PVIM Party. I knew it all along. And when he was the only person on PVIM that won, that confirmed what I had suspected.

      Like 11
      Dislike 1
      • So true says:

        And everyone on the PVIM Party looked like a bunch of fools, they didnot have a winning chance. See what happens when you form a army to destroy someone,you always fall. Had Mr.Skelton thinking he will be Premier and he Mitch will be second in command. I am saying it, Mitch is a dangerious man in a suit… LOL, not under my watch.

  7. AMH says:

    He still seems to be just lost!

    Like 25
    Dislike 2
  8. Please says:

    Another one that claims to be a man of god that should have been at the premier service of unity last night. These people sickening and is actually only a few of them running their mouth. Could only get just over a hundred signatures to shop it while over 700 sign to have mark sworn in.

    Like 23
    Dislike 3
    • VI gyal says:

      That cult event! lol! Many VIP supporters are not for it but do not want to sign because they fear Andrew and his dictatorship ways. We had knock NDP for being dictators but Andrew beat all. He is too excited to be Premier.

      Like 5
      Dislike 20
  9. vim says:

    mitch boy, you really disappoint me, imagine you guys were silent all along, it took the resident in you guys district to blast out on you all about all you silence on the matter, all of a sudden now you guys have volume, i can see right through you guys, fake @$$ politicians, waste of time, go find another job bigman.

    Like 37
    Dislike 6
  10. God's creation says:

    Sorry to say that but the devil and his angels are already marching with you and some of the others

    Like 18
  11. ivers says:

    If only the GOD you all claim was real all of you would of already been dead, disabled, mad and I can go on and on bunch of sick people

    Like 4
    Dislike 6
  12. Backward< says:

    Listen, this is not the days where people will sit and take what ministers say and swallow it without researching. Andrew asked over a million questions when he was in the opposition. We decided to change the government based on his determination to change things, we are now four months into his administration and we are facing more deceptions, hidden lies and secrets, more corruptions, less answers in the house and you are talking about minister Turnbull spreading hate and destroying his people like wolf in sheep’s clothing? We’ll let the fire burn your bias self because you are so into the VIP that you will put them over your country.

    Like 21
    Dislike 9
  13. free advice says:

    I think that the 4 opposition members should boycott the house on that day instead

    Like 9
    Dislike 7
  14. Democracy says:

    We will be there!!

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  15. VICKIE says:

    ALL I CAN SAY I AM READING WRONG. VERY SAD.

    Like 4
    Dislike 3
  16. Nope says:

    Leave Mitch alone, he have every right to speak out. That is why this place is the way it is. Every time someone speak up in this place for what is right,they become public enemy number 1. This is not not North Korea. I got your back on this Mitch. Don’t back down Mitch, continue to speak up for what you believe in.

    Like 15
    Dislike 20
  17. Pierce Brosnan says:

    It was just a meeting in h**l. Them they just like confusion and hate down island people. Now you can clearly see the two face of them r*****s sorry I mean elected monsters. Anything with two face is the ugly monster. Repent!!!!!!!!!

    Like 6
    Dislike 3
  18. Hmm says:

    It is disturbing the anti BVI comments that comes on these news site.

    The BVI is a ticking time bomb thanks allegedly to a controversial speaker and a premier with a hidden agenda.

    Ii is alleged that what he is doing and the reason he is doing i,t is bigger than the expats who are fooled to believe that they will benefit.

    Like 5
    Dislike 10
  19. F all of the Idiots says:

    The VIP followers is so busy fearing and kissing Andrew A** they Can’t see stright. I will be there to support you Mitch.

    Like 13
    Dislike 20
  20. Diaspora says:

    I’m not averse to expats attaining residency. However, the BVI is a relatively small dot in the Caribbean Sea of 59 square miles spread over 36 islands, 15 of which are inhabited, and with an estimated population of 32,000. The ratio of the 32,000 between local and expat is approximately 40:60. The BVI is facing an existential quandry in regards to immigration; immigration must be part of an integrated, strategic national development plan. IMO, the government is not operating from such a plan; it is making a series of seat of pants, discrete decisions, though its action may be well-intentioned.

    Moreover, experience and demonstrated performance matters. Government is off to a rocky start, incurring some self-inflicted wounds. Immigration is being kick around like a political football. There are a number of conspiracy theories floating around about the reason for sudden rushed on immigration. One theory is it is being rushed to gain some temporary political mileage. Residency is being weaponized, turned into an emergency and fast tracked with little to no evaluation of the implicit cost, unintended consequences, long-term impact……etc.

    The Premier has not effectively explained the reason for the rush, for the emergency. He got caught trying to force feed this fast track residency issue, forgetting that the VI has representative democracy. People power is the true power and matters. The Premier has not gotten the message and will try to force this square peg into a round hole. What is the way forward? Well, the Premier should defer this initiative and appoint an ad hoc committee to review immigration.

    Further, if people are not happy with the current proposal and the process, they need to agitate peacefully to make their voices heard. Agitation can bring about change. For example, the BVI legislature was suspended in 1902. However, it was the Great March of 1949 led by Dolph Faulkner and others that resulted in it being reactivated in 1950. Further, it was Noel Lloyd and PAM agitation that reversed the one-sided, apartheid-like Kenneth Bates-Hill agreement for control of Wickham Cay and 1/2 of Anegada for 199 years. There is strength in numbers and unity can make things happened.

    Furthermore, immigration is a divisive issue across the globe, ie, US, Canada, UK……etc. Immigration is the genesis of Brexit; the UK is tying itself into knots trying to get out of the EU. Immigration is heated and highly divisive issue in the US. Other Caribbean islands are having their own immigration issues. The BVI cannot in a wholesale manner adopt policies as big countries do; it must adapt such policies to meet its specific situation.

    The BVI has a 13-member (elected) HOA. Currently, the VIP control 8 of the 13 seats, a slight margin/cushion. It takes 7 members to over turn the apple cart. Just saying.

    Like 16
    Dislike 4
    • RealPol says:

      “The BVI has a 13-member (elected) HOA. Currently, the VIP control 8 of the 13 seats, a slight margin/cushion. It takes 7 members to over turn the apple cart.” What is the point? How likely is it that members will cross the floor and if they were to, who would most probably be the Premier? Power is not a toy but it can tun people fool.

      Like 11
  21. Kneegrow please says:

    What the residents of this territory need to be protesting is the bad roads, the very bad internet service that we are paying big dollars for, electric blackouts, sewerage, lack of water to consumers Half day school for Secondary schoolers and the mediocre government and mediocre times two opposition. I could see us protesting that.

    Like 20
    Dislike 2
    • Voter says:

      That is exactly what the Premier and his team should have focus on!! Not this divide and conquer strategy. That is creating so much noise.. I can’t believe this is what we went to the pile for. Elections really have consequences..

      Like 3
      Dislike 2
    • @Kneegrow please says:

      What we need is for many of you expats to stop living among us like wolfs and blood sucking parasites, coveting everything we have. You are here to do a job! Many of you on here have shown us your wicked heart and minds. Why don’t you go home and protest for better roads, employment etc. in your own country??? We will take care of our country.

      • Kneegrow please says:

        Well I was born in Peebles Hospital . So come again with your talk about parasites. Where else would I protest for better roads. I home so I have to protest here about sewerage and employment. As far as taking care of the county you aren’t doing a good job with the infrastructure you C*nt.

  22. Only care says:

    Fahie don’t care about being Premier, he only care about the power and perks. Power runs out.

    Like 8
    Dislike 15
  23. OZYMANDIAS says:

    Ayo in the islands so slow easy marks you all can’t recognize misdirection if it spit in your face. YOU ALL WORRIED ABOUT OTHER ISLANDS? PEOPLE THAT LOOK LIKE YOU ALL? THIS PUSH FOR THE CHANGE IS FOR THEIR POWERFUL EUROPEAN LOOKING FRIENDS TO COME IN AND TAKE WHAT IS YOURS IN RECORD TIME. INCLUDING YOUR GOVERNMENT. YOU WORRYING ABOUT PEOPLE THAT LOOK LIKE YOU ALL FOR REAL? MISDIRECTION 48 LAWS BEING APPLIED TO YOU ALL.

    Like 11
    Dislike 8
  24. Go siddung says:

    Can somebody take this child off the stage please? Nothing but a confusion maker and opportunist. Came to the VIP looking deputy position while with the NDP. Formed PVIM because they didn’t want the new leader who family isn’t from here. They started the island man story during the elections and then blamed the VIP for it. Now here he is again! Can’t be trusted. Always have a motive that surrounds the hunger for power.

    Like 22
    Dislike 8
    • Opportunist says:

      Don’t forget that Andrew wouldn’t be Premier if it wasn’t for PVIM being formed. Mitch and his gang of evil minded people are the ones who put Andrew and VIP in power and now here he is complaining. Don’t want to hear a thing from this power hungry opportunist.

      Like 20
      Dislike 2
  25. repent says:

    The overall hatred from all sides is a crying shame and disgrace in the sight and hearing of Almighty God. I have not really heard any of the speakers against granting status, but basically against how it is being done. I am neither for or against because this here world is going to go on without me one day and I only want to her well done… I really do not wish to get caught up or lose my focus on the bigger picture.

    I wish there was a protest for the BVI
    Airways bill.

    There are Caribbean and other nationalities living all around me. Some just come, some have been here for many years and some just getting into the customs and culture of our people. Some are good and some are yet to be desired. I spew no hate to no one.

    All I ask of all of us, is to be thoughtful of your comments. If it is full of hate, please think again. If it will not edify or bring reason to the table, then leave it alone.

    We each have our rights to be for or against any debate, but let us do so with full respect and consideration. No man is an island unto himself.

    Sooo, hurricane season begins tomorrow. I wonder if nature will decide to punish us double what we went through for Irma? If it does, where will we run to? Is your neighbor an island man, Belonger or Caucasion? Let love overpower everything that we say, think and do. Its time for us all to halt and see where we are going with all this.

    Like 22
    Dislike 2
  26. Your NDP roots says:

    Mitch, your NDP roots are showing.
    Xenophobia! Xenophobia! Xenophobia!

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  27. Well folks says:

    This is the week-end gossip.Happy week-end folks.

  28. Well look S**t says:

    Match, I want to really know what type of games you are running.What’s realy going on with you. D**n Mitch, you really had people fooled thinking that you had matured. Far from the truth. You F***ed over NDP now you trying to F**k VIP over. With VIP, BOYYYY, that AIN’T happening.

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  29. The Nation says:

    Sorry Mitch, I like you but I am not with you on this one because when your former party was fleecing the people you didn’t call for the protests then. What Hon Fahie is doing is something that should have been done a long time ago and we would not have the great multitude of people getting status at once…one you fail to do it gradually, it builds up and this is the mess that is created. It’s clean up time in the BVI…either we do it…or another Irma will do it for us…sign of the times…

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  30. Observant says:

    Mr Turnbull, do you know that inciting civil unrest is punishable by law? If someone is not invited to a premises, private or public but take it upon themselves to enter without permission, it is defined by law as Trespassing.

    As for talking about being the most qualified in the HOA to speak about God as reported by another local paper, what makes you solely so? Did God open the sky like a scroll and ordained you or did you get a Saul on the Road to Damascus conversion?If it is the latter, it will be laughable as you were recently representing a party that was allegedly accused of wanton corruption.

    Therefore, it may be opined that you should not even dare proclaim His Wonderful Name from your tongue. Your apparent attempts to remain relevant are making you the laughingstock of The Territory. Remember these articles are read worldwide. Be wise and humble and God will exalt you.

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
    • @Observant says:

      Then you go lock him up then… a bunch of desperate talk from attention seekers and onlookers! I don’t care much for this man’s ways but the bottom line is… just like Mr. Lloyd, Mr. King, Mandela and Gandhi ‘who were arrested for speaking their minds’ This is His Country’ and he is not going to be bullied in his own country to shut his mouth! On this I can agree!

      • Observant says:

        Good day. A bit of an emotional response. I sincerely hope that I didn’t make you cry a river. Oh well, it seems like a lot of people live for these blogs.

        Hope that you felt accomplished by what you posted. All the best to you.

  31. My views says:

    I am disappointed what will you say to people in your church who are married to bvi islanders they have children here yet their children have to wait to 18 yrs to qualify for citizenship. What will you say to some Christian who have been here for more than 20 yrs they summited their document to immigration and it goes missing more than twice. Can you look at some of this hand working people who lived here for more 15 yrs contributed to the economy growth and tell them they do not deserve to qualify for citizenship. Why is your heart one side. Any church who support your idea is a big disappointment to God. God can’t be part of anything that is unrighteous you will give account to God for your ways. please Can you kindly return the passport you and your family have from other countries because you did not leave their for 20yrs

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
  32. Green Cup says:

    The BVI’s biggest downfall will be xenophobia, myopia and insularity..

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  33. Hypocrisy says:

    Yet he is happy his kid in the expat school. Paying full price????

    This rise of local Trumpism is deeply disappointing after what we all went through in the last 18 months

    Like 15
    Dislike 1
  34. The harsh truth says:

    After hurricane irma is child was on the next plane to the states and so many of the bvi children went as well. While majority of children had to go school in tent. The reason was because they didnt have no choice, with no passport they had to stay here frighten and depress. Some children where frighten and couldnt funtion.
    I am not here to fight for your belonger and resdiency status. But to appeal to you all to consider giving children who are born here passport. I heard yall complaining andrew fahie fast tracking will turn here into south africa. How dare you guys compare south africa to the bvi yall dont know and dont want to know what it felt like to be in south africa during that time. It will happen here if you continue to fight persons who look like you. Persons who are the reason the BVI flag could fly high on the global market. Ps remember they are sandy beaches all over the carribbean,tourist are also reading and can choose to go anywhere they feel.
    My caribbean people lets not support their festival, lets not patronizethem let us work save our money and leave in peace. They owe us nothing neither do we. The bvi people dont want you get no right so you can be their door mat. And call immigration to ship you home once you demand equal rights and justice at the work place. Bvi people even made noise on the minium wage, i dont blame them. If i didnt know better i would say bvi is a slave country because persons have lived here so long and you thing because we work and you pay us we are not entitle to a little freedom. You the bvi people have three passport even though you pay no taxes, you enjoy benifits free medicare free this free that, while we the expats work and sweat for 6 dollars and hour and pay alot of money for work permit, tax and hospital bill. Go on live in the sunshine irma cousin is brewing in the atlantic her name is mirma.

    Like 16
    Dislike 4
  35. Content says:

    Mitch, all i see you doing is derailing your time in Politics. I am content with the way the Premier is going about this. I don’t want any parts of what you are doing Mitch. Maybe you need to step away from Politics Mitch.

    Like 18
    Dislike 1
  36. God's creation says:

    No weapon forms against us shall prosper

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  37. BVIslander, Florida says:

    @The harsh truth, I thank you for your truth and to the point heartfelt comment. I am a person who strongly believe that you should always show compassion to another human.I have always said and strongly believe that all children who were born in the BVI should be issued passports. They deserve a chance. A lot of people would have love to send their children away for school but they could not do that. Everyone in the BVI should start prepping for the next hurricane. The tornadoes and floods is doing some serious damage to a lot of States and it will make it’s entrence into the BVI.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
    • Judah says:

      If you are willing to risk 5,400 [persons] for 15,000, go ahead.”
      Sick dude. A 10th of that 5400 should be church goers who attend your church and stop putting tithes and offerings in your plates

      • @Judah says:

        Pay attention who have the vote have the power and power is what the expats are fighting for. When they get it only then we all will not open be able to open our mouth. They will not be as nice to us as we are to them. We already cannot have an opinion in our own country. Our elected official should be representing us like the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago is doing. This fake unity until their mission is accomplished.

  38. Expat says:

    Go to h**l what you feel the BVI is heaven and other islands is h**l. Protest my backside. Your all wanna milk us like Cow your fellow black caribbean people but welcome white expat who claim to be investor but only exploit you all for the little your have why you dont protest that stupid a** politicians. We the same caribbean expats is why the BVI is the great place it is today. You all want to call your country the best for tourism and the locals cant even talk to the visitors in a professional way. Go and listen the taxi men try to sell tours in torotola lying the the people and state factless info. If here was left to you all is would be a dessert or a ghost town. Protest all the year the caribbean expat paying your high a** work permit fees and high house rent. You all looking all ways to keep us caribbean people down by God dont like ugly and that what the BVI is you all wostt than gold diggers. A bunch of educated fools hiding behind a piece of paper and can do the work you hold the papers for. If it wasnt for the US dollar there wouldnt be s**t. So Mitch take your a** and go help the ppl in your community still without a home to rest in at night. We aint commit a crime in our country so we dont care if you all wanna protest. Bunch of fools protesting for land or right to call this place home after 20 years of getting rob by Government with tax work permit and now NHI that aint worth s**t because the medical facility here can manage serious medical condition and aint accepted in major or better medical facilities oversea other than country you cant even speak their language . Listen no need for a protest keep your d*m status i hope trump make it hard for you all who love to go the the usvi and puerto rico to have baby just so you all can get americian status. Bunch of users.

  39. Island Girl says:

    That Mitch is something else. Pretending to be man of cloth… Who know, knows people.

  40. So true says:

    And everyone on the PVIM Party looked like a bunch of fools, they didnot have a winning chance. See what happens when you form a army to destroy someone,you always fall. Had Mr.Skelton thinking he will be Premier and he Mitch will be second in command. I am saying it, Mitch is a dangerious man in a suit… LOL, not under my watch.

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  41. @Judah says:

    Pay attention who have the vote have the power and power is what the expats are fighting for. When they get it only then we all will not be able to open our mouth. They will not be as nice to us as we are to them. We already cannot have an opinion in our own country. Our elected official should be representing us like the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago is doing. This fake unity until their mission is accomplished.

  42. Bye Mitch! says:

    I feel so sorry for the “Belongers” that this kid is trying to represent them…..really sad,really bad.

    • Expat says:

      Yeah Mitch, we know you don’t like or care for us and our children. But that is quite fine.We will continue to survive my man.

      • Chosen says:

        The antichrist is already walking here in the bvi I don’t understand why good people will go sit and listen to those fake churches and people who claim to be doing God’s work and have so much hate in their hearts fire burn.

  43. Another Expat says:

    For some reason when I am feeling sad about the things they the I born here people say about us and our children,I often go to the beach and listen to Gladys Knight song I hope you dance.For some reason it makes me feel better.

    • The says:

      I don’t know and understand why some of us expatriates will go to some of those churches and pay and contribute to those antichrist and fake men

      • Then says:

        We the expatriates need to open our own church. I am not sitting in any church listening to anyone who does not like us or don’t want us in their Country preaching the word of God…

  44. Really disappointed says:

    I read the list of names of the folks who are against the regularization and I have to ponder what is our biggest fear?

  45. Expat says:

    We can’t wait for the Queen to takeover and have the Brits the right to vote and sit in BVI office.

    We will be really glad if that happens here in BVI.

    This hatred is long overdue.

Leave a Reply

Shares