Work permit holders, exemption holders barred from entering indefinitely
On the heels of the British Virgin Islands’ ninth recorded COVID-19 case, work permit holders and work permit exemption holders have been barred from entry into the territory at this time.
A statement issued by the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Labour & Immigration late Sunday afternoon said this government decision has taken immediate effect.
Notably, no timeframe has been given for the ban.
“At this time, the government will continue to follow the protocol for the controlled re-entry of nationals and permanent residents to the Virgin Islands during this COVID-19 pandemic,” the Premier said.
Residents were also urged to continue adhering to the social-distancing guidelines, as well as wearing protective masks, washing their hands, and remembering to call the medical hotline at 284-852-7650 if they exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19.
Barred for a first time
This is at least the second time since the pandemic that this category of persons have been barred from entering the territory.
Months ago, government issued a an updated Immigration & Passport (Prohibition of Entry) Order that barred persons who were not Belongers from entering the territory from April 7 to 11:59 pm on May 7.
READ: Government’s full statement
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Wdf..
Government employees on work permits are coming in
Government employees with work permits are coming in
??? BVI…. you were totally locked down and boasted that you were 100% clear of Covid for months…. how is it possible that you currently have cases? It definitely was not the work permit holders that brought it in that is for sure!
I cannot foresee ever getting a work permit again, lots of other islands to go charter and they are welcoming us with open arms…
They have 1 case from someone who returned recently.
Please do that then ana stop here to comment.
The whole world is going through a phase right now and every country has a right to protect their citizens, their economies and. Jobs for locals. Nothing wrong with you returning to your homeland for a bit. It can’t be about what you want all the time. Be fair and realistic.
There are NO JOBS for Locals with the borders closed!!!!!
My fellow Caribbean nationals, have no hard feelings about these decisions. Currently life outside the BVI is not as bad as you may think. You have opportunities (those of you that sent home $$) to go open a little business and work for yourself without all the backlash BVI had given you. Open a little runshop sell some corn curls and cigarettes and live life to the fullest. Save something for the rainy days and don’t forget to apply for your Social Security money when you reach 65.
SMH. It was only a matter of time
Planka planka…..free up the place. People life have to go on this virus not going anywhere.
I understandl what you’re saying but you have to realize the BVI is very small and don’t have much people on the island compare to other places, if we the BVI get one that is on the loose and not quarantine we are in trouble, that can cause alot of harm to different families. In other words we don’t have enough people to spare like other countries and the states.
What the bvi got for them down islanders it has no jobs
Stop discriminating and our brothers and sisters.
You call people down Islanders. You are just as bad as racists.
They ARE racists!
You hating on black Caribbean expats but love the Spanish, the same Spanish that hate black people snh
@ BLM…I agree with your comment. I am one BVIslander who has never practised to call people from other islands “Down Islanders”. I think it is wrong, however some of us try to explain our reason for doing so. I don’t think I hold this view because my mother came here from St. Kitts as a child with her family. She actually migrated to the USVI and became a citizen before her passing a few yrs ago. I believe I hold this view because as a child of God, God views all of us as his children. I too am tired of these racist comments that a lot of my fellow BVIslanders tend to make. Be warned, God’s Word is light and life to all who love them; it is said in the Word that we will be judged for every idle word that we speak. Search the scriptures. In them is light and life more abundantly for who will willingly receive this FREE Gift.
Somebody calling others racist on one hand and supporting a racist marxist movement on the other.
Hilarious!
MJ
You know what I find strange? You all are offended when referred to as Island People or Down Islanders but would do just about anything to get a green card and be called an ALIEN.
Good thing !!!!!
BLM. Your right that statement is on point. You would think the way the jokers acting they would have locals that can do all the country need to sustain the economy. Their mind as small as the as the islands. When you want to act bigger than other make sure your are bigger. This country was built by countless Caribbean native. Before we come here the nasty minded people them use to breed one other. We came and put a stop to the insist and retarded breed. Fresh c****
And so inest going in your country right now….. Stop your Racist comment! You sound so foolish!!!!
They want locals to embrace them but look at the hatred they have in them. So if the locals had embraced them they would not have said how they were inbreeding. Which Caribbean Island is free from inbreeding. Name one. They do not like the locals, they pretend to when they want something from them. Beware of the hypocrites.
As always, there’s no problem in the BVI that can’t be solved by punishing foreigners.
I thought it would be a blessing not to be in a “backward place that hate foreigners” People have the worst to say about the BVI but still act like they need the BVI.
by speaking to multiple non nationals, I can confidently relay that they seriously DONT care about the BVI, they only here because of the U.S. dollar … and i would too, I’m from here, and the BVi is very Poor in comparison to the other carbibbean countries, yall have no export, no produce on a mass scale, NOTHING. … just tourism, and where yall getting with tourism at the moment ?? Exactly … so shut up and stop talk down on the expats, because they won’t take a second look at the BVI if another country was offering U.S dollar …
You do know that tourism is not the BVIs main economic pillar. Financial Services is… And though it may have had its struggles. It is still flourishing enough to keep us afloat thank god. So whilst I agree we dont have export etc. I am hopeful in due time the economy will be diversified. Unlike you I have nothing but well wishes for my country of birth.
Why is this deemed a “punishment” yah’ll always talk down BVI and it’s nationals. I don’t see the issue with staying I. Your country, why is staying in your home country punishment for you ?
How about being barred from a country where you live, work, pay rent, have friends and family members, contribute to the economy, not to mention paid thousands of dollars for a work permit that is now apparently useless? That’s not a punishment to you?
Not to mention the feeling of being trapped when you are on island. Not being able to leave as you don’t know when you will be able to come back.
Okay. Find a job where you are,pay rent, bills and make new friends there. Secondly, if its a new permit then i am sure they could reimburse you. Case closed!!!!
Don’t you have friends, family, a home and a place to contribute to where you are from? How is your country punishment? I don’t get your logic. What you said doesn’t add up
From you start realizing we was racist and talk bad about other persons who are not from here you should of stop paying and leave.
the worst thing is living in a country of blacks they are the most racist
If you paid thousands for a work permit you are making over $100,000 a year. You fat enough off BVI then. Stay where you are and let bvislanders make decent salaries too.
If you can’t see the wrong in this as a human I feel so sorry for you.
If you can’t see what’s wrong will calling down a place then never wanting to leave. Weakening the fabric of a country but still wanting to stay, then something is wrong with you. The BVI can’t continue to carry it all on its backs.
Exactly!!! We always the bad ones and you call us racist, well get out of the racist place. If you guys never use to complain about the little Bvi then fine but you guys always find flaws so go back to your flawless country.
the worst thing is living in a country of blacks they are the most racist
This action by the Premier is against two basic human rights:-
Right to Equality
Freedom from Discrimination
This ban is not just for new WP holders, but existing ones as well, who happened to be out of the territory when lockdown began. Is the Government going to pay the BVI rent and expenses of these persons while it is stopping them from re-entering??
Exactly!!!They complain about what the Bvi dont have and dont do so how is it punishment to go back to your home that does everything we the Bvi dont do.
If you were in the Cayman Islands. You would see work permit holders being asked to mandatory leave after the 1st week of April. So be thankful that the BVI is not so stringent. Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla and other Caribbean countries had similar rules put in place. A country has to look out for it’s citizens first when an economic and health crisis develops. The Cayman government said it would be insustainable for them to help their citizens and non-citizens which is what the BVI government is realizing now.
Cayman sent home UNEMPLOYED work permit holders. The BVI is banning people who HAVE JOBS and are ready and willing to contribute. Totally different situation.
Its citizens need jobs so they come first. I am sure you can find a job in your country. You hate BVI and its people so why do you want to be here?
Tourism is dead. They don’t have any jobs. Stop fooling yourself
They don’t all work in tourism, and anyway, if they didn’t have jobs they wouldn’t be work permit holders and they wouldn’t be eligible to enter!
Butdo they have jobs? Tourisim jobs usually end mid August , peopleusually go home for amonth or 2 before coming back in October. Is there jobs for them???
There are a lot of people who work in financial services who are stuck off island. Not just tourism employees. They are still paying rent and bills for homes that they are banned from returning to. They still have their belongings here which they cannot collect.
It is not true, the Cayman Islands did not ask work permit holders to mandatory leave. They have encouraged work permit holders that lost their job to leave when there is flights available and while waiting for a flight the Cayman community get together and help all those in needs irrespective whether you are a Caymanian or not. The Government did a good job to organize repatriation flights to most countries where work permit holders come from. You all people from any of the Caribbean Islands who have problems with work permit holders is not fair. In the years 60 and 70’s when there was no tourist or any industry in you all country, just check the history about where you mother, father or grandparents had to go and work abroad to feed all you. So be considerate and stop commenting stupidity if You don’t know better.
BVI people are much better than what I am reading in many of the comments about Down Island people. My father, deceased was a Nevisian and was a builder, Tailor and Upholster. My mother was a born Virgin Gordian. Two of us were born on another Caribbean island because of my father being a Tradesman but not enough work was available in BVI. My mother often took the slow boat ride to St. Thomas to find work since she was a Teacher but the jobs were limited. The Immigration on St Thomas used to advise the people traveling to Usvi that they were not allowed to work and stamped their passports with 29 Days after which they used to return to BVI with their 2 or 3 boxes of groceries. Since that time I lived in the USA 11 years and qualified to obtain US status in 5 years but I did not file for it. My daughter was born in Puerto Rico and has full American status.
Life is short; very short. We came into this world without anything though we will leave in a suit or dress. We will all need someone sooner or later. Rodney King while he was being beaten by the Los Angeles police askek: “Can we all get along”?. I wish to suggest that we at least try it. Be humble, respectful, helpful and work towards leaving the world better than we met it. One Caribbean people; one painful and disadvantaged history.
If our forefathers had to go somewhere to feed us then Thise countries are way ahead and filled with work for its people since we no longer have to migrate there. What then is the big fuss.
Stop telling lies on Barbados. Barbados is open to everyone and is even welcoming tourists.
Barbados is offering a 12-month visa to any American interested in moving a work-from-home office to the island. That is a NEW way to think about tourism. But it is not ‘OPEN’ like you idiots are talking about….please check your facts
Before you come to barbados you must have a negative test , when though arrive you are tested again and sent to an isolation centre, if you test positive you are isolated for a minimum of 14 days or until you show 2 more negative tests, anyone near you or who contacted you will be searched for through contact tracing and they will be isolated as well
The landlords there are struggling because of persons just like you who are not paying rent or utilities and would not return to their homelands.
The US has issued statements telling student visitors to go home or be homeless and that is ok. But the BVI has stated no workpermit holders can return at this time and we are listed as hating foreigners? Really? How about we don’t have the medical facility to take care of our own if they get sick and we need what we have for our own citizens? The BVI is not perfect but we do not hate foreigners and that talk needs to stop.
We have to manage the situation as best we can. In other jurisdictions foreigners are being sent home and we have ro care for our citizens.
its not the same.
Wait until you get Covid, carried in by your fellow BVIslander, and DIE because there’s no one to care for you in the hospital because all of the EXPAT medical workers were barred from coming.
Then the BVI nurses have I’ll care for us. Next!
We will invite more cubans
actually they are permitting students to stay even if students are taking classes virtually which they could do as easily sitting in BVI as the US. US gets criticized widely but BVI is exempt. Why? When does BVI come up with a plan? Just edicts from the man behind the curtain.
A government without head. You are in so much trouble. Becareful how you treat people when you think you are up, these same people u may meet on you way down. He that think He stands take …less He falls.
Yeah but there is no jobs here right now all who are presently here so be giving the opportunity to have first preference for a job. Good call
Are you sure that those who are presently here are capable of taking top jobs in law firms and financial services?
Of course they are capable.
After decades of mental slavery of expats telling BVIslanders they not good enough to do anything but train work permit holders to do jobs they refused to give to bvislanders it’s about time.
they are so blinded by hate for the other Caribbean islands that they don’t see that the whites are taking all their best. best lands best jobs ect.
Outrageous, Our leaders have no plan obviously
Except the Governor. Thank the Lord he here
A locked out resident applied for entry to the BVI, received permission, flew into Beef Island and tested positive. There is a problem with the BVI’s entry protocols that needs fixing.
This makes no sense and is fear mongering, designed to give the impression that a work permit holder (read expat or down island person) has something to do with the most recent case. Work permit holders have been banned from returning since March, that has been official government policy. So unless people were being allowed in against the policy this latest announcement is a load of BS!
An ignorant person may think it’s work permit holders bringing in the covid….its the nationals who’s not paid a tax here in for ever that’s being allowed to come in and not following protocol that’s bringing in the virus…..every day I see a lady who’s being quarantined at her residence spending the entire day with her husband and the security can’t do shit.those are the things the authority need look into….
So call the Deputy Governor & report her!
So call the Deputy Governor & report her!!!
What a wicked government
What about the health care workers? Can you provide trained healthcare workers? I understood that there are Cuban Doctors and Nurses but the question still remain are they trained in all areas of speciality? NO!!! There must be a category of individuals that should be permitted back in to the territory. Eg. If you don’t need individuals in the hospitality sector right now then don’t let them in but health care workers is needed at this time and also other essential workers. Are these people really thinking?
Another way of telling them stay out their damn country. So u going take care of my wife and children for me I suppose. What about my job. Guess this your way of saying give it to a belonger right. I may be a born there but after 25 years of living in the territory this how we get treated. What’s the difference in a native and foreigner who lives there coming in especially after coming from the same outside borders. Where was I suppose to get my medical checkup from being its bot offered in the BVI. You people. Pity my wife and kids from there and she doesnt want to leave her family. I have no qualms moving them from there.
What are you trying to say? This sounds all confused.
Your story does not make sense. You are living in the territory for 25 years and still on a work permit, even after the mass regularisation couple months ago? Also, your wife is a local and you remain on a work permit? One can only conclude you like paying work permit fees, your story is completely fabricated or there is something you are not mentioning that disqualifies you completely from obtaining status.
Lil bit of typo. I didnt say I am on work permit. I am exempted. I chose not to accept the naturalization given the kick back and fight of the native. I will pay your fees as so asked. I will be made to feel like a beggar. I pay your fees as so asked and required. All I’m saying both of us are coming from let’s say the US what makes it ok for the native to come and not me. Also what makes people think that all the work permit holders are in their countries. Couldn’t they have been on vacation in another territory with this hit. You would swear BVI is the only place we ‘downislanders’ can travel to. Smh…ok send my family to me then. Please and thank you.
” I chose not to accept the naturalization given the kick back and fight of the native. ”
So you mean to tell us that you let some chit chat from trolls fix your mind to giving yourself less rights than what you could have?
you let a little talk steal your joy and your dollars? o come on now your a silly one
When you go on a job there will be talk not everyone will like you but that doesnt mean you get all worked up and cut yourself out of a pay check
Reality check
Who feels it knows it. I too declined to move forward with the naturalization process. When I heard the amount of backlash and sniping I said I’m no beggar. I have pride. I will continue to pay whatever fees so I never be made to feel less than a human being. Believe me that’s what all this xenophobic behaviour makes one feel like. Like you a less and beneath a native the way the come biting at you. I came here young had my kids here with a native but believe me even he and the words that came out of his mouth portrayed the same feelings that most display. Sometimes I feel trap just because of the kids.
So what about people’s belongings that are left in apartments????
What about those that have their families in BVI. I know of people who left their kids behind and now they get l8cked out and separated from their children, what is the minister doing in a situation like this???
The kids need to be with their guardians. Simple. arrangment has to be made to get them out also. VIRGIN ISLANDS is for Virgin Islanders…thank you.
Go and do all the work yourself. News flash, you can’t.
Further news flash: there is no such thing as indigenous bvislanders. You are a products of migration.
Or are you an Arawak or Taino. Use your brain before you state a claim.
The said kids you said sensd out are BH born here unlike you and yours.
I am sure it have less than a hundred expats to re enter but the government just want to be so unreasonable. Jah na sleep.
I really can’t believe this is the Gov I help put in power… Not another vote again.
Lol it real
To think these are the same people who marched with the BLM movement, when we have bigger issues in this territory to fix. This is also an act of discrimination. Not allowing somebody into the territory because they tested positive I can understand but “an indefinite ban”, then contridict yourself by saying no timeframe has been given… smh
Why do they feel the need to discriminate in this manner? You’re just feeding in to the belief that foreigners are the ones bringing in the virus. Work permit holders pay a lot of money for their permits – will the government be refunding them? You are splitting up families. A father who was away on business could not get back before the cut off (because of the ridiculously small time frame of the announcement) and now can’t get back to his wife and kids. Permit holders pay far more in to NHI and SS than those born here. Rethink your stance.
Last i checked the percentage of nhi and ss /maximum insurable earnings is the same across the board regardless of citizenship so I fail to see the point of your argument save for the fact that it highlights that locals are paid a salary that is disproportionate to their expat counterparts doing the same job in the same field.
They’re not doing the same jobs though. They get paid good money to do jobs that they have worked hard to be qualified to do.
Please if you believe this you must be one or are just naive. All over in the financial services sector locals as well as caribbean persons of colour who are very much well educated and work twice as hard are paid a disproportionate salary to that if their white expat counterparts and thats a fact.
Look at recent studies proving that their are ways to treat this virtue without fatal results
PEOPLE PAYED ALOY OF MONEY FOR THEIR PERMITS THATS NOT FAIR THAT THEY ARENT ALLOWED THE GOVERNMENT IS S**T,THATS NONSENSE LET PEOPLE IN.COVID ISNT GOIN ANYWHERE.YALL JUST F***ED UP EVERYTHING IS F***ED UP IN TOLA
This is probably the most hate-filled country on the planet. They make Donald Trump look compassionate.
I need to shake it big toe. U couldn’t have said it any better
bonkers decision. as the doctor said on fb, the system has done what it was designed to do to protect against the risk of infection being introduced. the risk was the same before this 9nth case as after it. why was it okay before but not now. bvi killing itself off, no need for eu to do anything here.
If BVI not figure out this simple part. How we get tourist back in. At least the workers are people we ‘know’ in the system. You open to tourists that show up here for a week!? They be the biggest panic you ever see!!
E 5
We as BVILANDERS, should be shamed and disgusted by this. If I was a police officer, health worker or ANYONE from foreign, I would advocate for my down Island brothers and sisters to LEAVE BVI AND DONT FORGET THE EXPATS. leave them here to be A SET AH CRABS IN A BAG. Where is the governor on this, or do we really must join CINDY in a march. We setting up our self for WAR bait!! Wonderful EMANCIPATION NEWS
What’s the real problem if you are in your home country. Set of ungrateful people. We let you in, let you stay as long as you wanted, you get to feed your families back home, build big houses, and build business off Tortola money but all of a sudden we are haters. Really!!!
And you vex. That really hurt you eh.
They never mention that they send money back home to develop their country, only that they are building up the BVI. Their families benefit, their countries benefit but they are so ungrateful.I am glad that you mentioned that they build houses back home.
Dear permit holders please don’t be blind to see that these people want u all to leave the country , u all need to come together pack youre stuff and leave let us see how it’s going to be without you all, wmr minister work permit holders help to keep our country afloat stop putting soo much much on them for God sake, u are only doing this to please some of these selfish bvilanders just to win the next election
@BVIslander: Oh please. There is a reason why work permit holders are here. It’s the almighty US dollar and jobs. As much as work permit holders criticizes the BVI people and the BVI Government they like being in the BVI. It’s better here than back in their own countries. Why do you think White South Africans come here? Why do you think white British expats come here? I lived in the UK for a number of years and especially now with Brexit and the transition period which ends 31st December many Brits are fleeing to EU countries such as Germany. You think British expats want to leave places like the BVI, Cayman, Bermuda etc? Of course not. Same goes for nationals from other Caribbean islands. As much as they complain about the BVI, they are much better off here. They will make pitons if they go home and besides, the pandemic is hitting them just as hard or even worst than the BVI so don’t mind the noise, theme ain going one place. As far as those work permit holders that want to come back to the BVI bit are affected by this recent decision preventing them from coming in, why do you think they want to come back to the BVI. It’s obvious. It’s better here than it is in their own country so when they make noise, I just ignore them. The BVI have what all of them want.
I completely agree with you 100%, but the government could have been allowed them in to sort things out.
All you have is sea water n sand that’s what the white people want n taking over. South islanders came to earn a living build their countries and then return to their lush green fresh refreshing springs rivers and waterfalls. Hot springs….. and so much more.
I am an expatriate i can’t agree with you more.you hit the nail on the head. Sorry my expatriates friends this is my home for the last 30 yrs and i came from one of the other Caribbean islands and am surely not going back there to live. Visit yes but not to live.thank God i get the opportunity to make this beautiful island my home. This is paradise on earth. Crime rate is very low . My children can live in a decent community that we slept with our doors open only a screen to stop the mosquitoes. The bvi lander’s are such nice people. I don’t think anywhere else in the world that the people are so nice. If am hungry so many people i can turn to and say i need lunch. May God continue to bless this beautiful island amd its wonderful people. Yes we all have different issues at times but this little island make me what i have become. I was born in another country but i was bread right here. As an expatriate i am not going to sit back and allowed any tom dick and harry to run down this island. It has done more for me than what i was expecting. Look at the negative things my fellow expatriates saying about this island. If you have so much problem please leave more would come. And for those chatting crap about oh we would take our business and go. Go where?? Any other island really want you?? I had friends here flying small planes for little money and they prefer to be hare working for chicken feed rather than going to the African countries to work for much more because they fear for their lives. No one lives in fear of their life in this little paradise of mine. The Americans the Europeans the British all are envy of this island. They wish they can just take it away. So please stop the chattering of how ungrateful these people are. Ok
You will have no country if all there WPH leave, you have no one qualified or willing to do the work we do. It’s that clear and simple
I don’t see a problem with Government decision. There are no jobs to come to so why all the fuss? I think work permit holders expect too much at times. They will just have to wait a little longer.
What about the term “work permit holder” don’t you understand? These people HAVE JOBS. Their employers want and need their skills here to keep the economy running.
Well think about it, now those employers can hire locals instead of work permit holders. Majority of those jobs can be done by locals anyways, we have a lot of locals coming in the territory that will need and be looking jobs. Most already have the skills and training while being abroad. We have to look out for our own, if they have to stay where they are I don’t see what’s the problem let their government take care of them.
Educate yourself and then comment. You won’t sound soo foolish after.
But wondering why WPH are banned from enter the territory when just the belongers are allowed to enter. If this is the logic, the 9th case of COVID was indeed, an islander.
WPH are still banned but the belongers are bringing The COVID with them while entering BVI.
Amazing!
I do not think the decision has anything to do with the perceived risk of covid transmission likely to be caused by WPH. The decision is simply one to protect the interest of citizens and have re entry occur in stages. Obviously more belongers returned or are asking to return than expected so they are trying to work through them and ensure there are adequate resources for them as is their birth right. Once that is completed, i am certain work permit holders will be allowed entry.
You should be ashamed to be called leaders of the BvI. Stop play with the name of God. You used to pray for BVI suddenly you change a d band become antichrist hating your own race.
The real truth is, and it is and will be an uncomfortable truth for some, but no less the truth.
The people who are going to knowingly and deliberately bring or come in with the virus to infect the territory will be citizens from UK, EU, America and India, to name a few. They will continue to get priviledges to enter from officials because that is the way their world operates.
Those are the countries who possess the deepest hatred for Black people, who possess the greatest infections, and who disliike the progress that this little Black nation has and is making, both economically and with covid.
It is thought the border was closed. How did they get in here? On a recent ferry trip, there were three white Americans sitting and chatting with masks off. They were asked to put them as we all were in a confined space in a vessel. Well, who tell you, all of a sudden one of the them came down with a coughing fit. That is an example of how devious and evil some of them are.
Therefore, work permit holders sould not be the only ones singled out as precautionary measures to keep us all safe, but especially those citizens coming as visitors from highly infected countries.
To many of them have bad minds and ill intent for Black people. They and many do not like when truths are stareing in the face. They like to do evil and remain unresponsible, but the truths must be told..
May our government continue to safegaurd us all.
You Chinese?
If WP holders can’t return, then no one at this point should be able to return. Covid doesn’t care if you are WP holder or a BVI National. This seems like a knee jerk, discriminatory reaction that should be rethought.
This is yet another excuse for the BVI to get rid of foreigners and it is DISGUSTING. Are you refunding work permit holders for the thousands of dollars they spent on their work permit? What about their belongings, jobs, apartments and loan payments they left behind. They are literally stuck overseas during a PANDEMIC and the country that they consider home refuses to let them back in. It’s either your borders are open or closed, these people are not Visitors. This is the true definition of Xenophobia.
This is just a pathetic discriminatory decision by a bunch of people who get their information from a newspaper … or worse yet CDC .
Let’s hope someone starts a class Action against the government for the theft of the work permit fees and the return of all social security contributions. What a pig headed action by government.
It is wrong. Absolutely no justification for this. This government is trying to score points with its citizens by being absolutely wicked to foreigners. But the world is a cycle.
Bvi ppl ain’t got no sense
Vincentians like you surely need to get your ass back in your country.Too many of you come here with your ungrateful,bad-minded and dirty ways. Hate bvislanders and can’t do without the B.V.I and still here in the B.V.I.
on who you had bad to horrible experiences with.
Some Granadians, Dominicans, Lucians and Jamacians appear to be worst of the lot.
@Vinvy Man: Then leave and go back St Vincent. Good riddance.
Why would I leave, yal people cant work, it is clear to see everyone want to be a bank manager and cant even count too good, so you stay home and beg so your island men got to send over seas for skilled workers because you ain’t have any here
The gov’t seems focused on keeping the number of new cases at zero. This is the wrong focus because for the time being we are going to have to learn to live WITH this virus around us. How long can the BVI keep the borders closed? I guess it depends on which sector you work in. For those directly and indirectly in tourism, dis cyaa wuk. The borders will have to open up sometime and the local population will have to be vigilant in protecting themselves, yourselves.
This third class treatment of WPH is a shame on the BVI government. Those who have ongoing jobs and own properties or have a valid lease should have been let in at the same time as Belongers and permanent residents. Not to do so reeks of discrimination. And worse a lack of comprehension.
Those Belongers calling down “Down Islanders” should also be ashamed of themselves. This term has become the equivalent of the N….. word and they very well know if when using it.
I guess all the ministers are living happily with their families when I have to be separated from mine. I hope my kids will recognise me when the government finally allowed me back in. When people are praying to god for a miracle for covid i have to pray for a miracle from the ministers to reunite with my family.
Your family can fly out and be with you tho ijs.
Fly out the whole family that should also i include everything that we owned.. to be with me..instead of allowing me back in…how logical you are qualified go and give advices to the government.
Everyone have a right to talk even if to talk foolishness cha
So people who have had their lives here and were unfortunate enough to be stuck outside when everything was locked down can’t come home to get their belongings.
Some still have jobs here but can’t come back to work.
The world is watching you BVI
Has anyone seen a copy of the official statement?
OK. Found the statement.
I feel the title of this article is mis-representing the government statement and is inflammatory to stir up the readership. Shame on you.
I don’t see anything that says work permit holders are banned INDEFINATELY.
Statement says “with immediate effect, persons on work permit and work exemption holders will not be permitted to enter the British Virgin Islands at this time”.
STATEMENT:
The Government of the Virgin Islands is Informing the public that with immediate effect, persons on work permit and work exemption holders will not be permitted to enter the British Virgin Islands at this time as the cautious and restricted opening of the Territory’s borders continues. At this time, the Government will continue to follow the protocol for the Controlled Re-entry of Nationals and Permanent Residents to the Virgin Islands during this COVID-19 Pandemic. The public is urged to continue adhering to the social distancing guidelines, wearing of masks and washing of hands. Additionally, persons are encouraged to call the medical hotline at 852-7650 if they exhibit any condition related to COVID-19.
PC is on target. Imagine the pandemic with a knee action attitude…basically opening the borders with no control of this deadly virus.
“I feel the title of this article is mis-representing the government statement and is inflammatory to stir up the readership.”
That sums up everything that comes out of the house of assembly.
The reporters pick and choose what they want to run with. Sometimes its a little joke made and it makes big headlines
In every thing you need to check the source for yourself otherwise in this world of money you will be misled for the sake of money
This is just a pathetic discriminatory decision by a bunch of people who get their information from a newspaper … or worse yet CDC .
Black Lives Matter, “they say” smh!
It comes down to rights. Everyone has a right in their country. A Canadian has rights in Canada, a BVIslander has no rights/ privileges in Canada. Zero. A US citizen has rights in the US, a BVIslander has no rights/privileges in the US. None. An Antiguan has rights in Antigua, a BVIslander has no rights/ privileges in Antigua, Barbados,
St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Grenada, Dominica, Jamaica, or any other Caribbean country. Not a one. A South African has rights in South Africa, a BVIslander has no rights/ privileges in South Africa. Nil. I think you get the drift.
For years non nationals acted as if they had rights to BVI, fully well knowing if the tables were turned BVIslanders have no rights in the non national’s country. Some got cocky with it, always forgetting that they were visitors, and these are the ones kicking up about it. Others remained cool and grateful.
Anyway it isn’t a discriminatory action. It is very practical and pragmatic. The ones kicking up are only seeing short term. Have they not taken a look around the world, may be why some are so called ‘caught’ outside the BVI in the first place? They fully have not grasp the times the world is in, has been in and will be in. It is not a matter of saying- oh we have to live with the virus. That type of thinking is genocide and naive. Those countries who took the virus for a joke or as a simple matter are finding out it is neither. I don’t like saying this but may be you will understand, do you know what the virus is saying? This is not dress rehearsal, this is showtime. Do you know what BVI is respectful saying? We know. And that is why the above measures are put in place along with curfews, etc.
but I guess you’re OK with BVIslanders having rights in th UK?
Flawed argument. Saying bvi islander as no rights in Canada, USA, etc. BS.
EVERY PERSON HAS BASIC RIGHTS IN THESE COUNTRIES. It’s written into the constitutions of democracies across the world. Even illegals in the USA have rights. So quit spreading false information and lies.
BVI has chosen to open discriminate against those who reside and work there. Is it legal? Possibly. Is it callous and disrespectful, and cold hearted? Absolutely.
When the bvi chooses to reopen, there will be no specialized, trained, qualified, and competent workers to restart the very businesses that bvi islanders cannot and will not do. So your economy will sputter along, lagging behind your USVI neighbors as they reap the financial benefits of your demise.
We wish you well in future endeavors
Happy emancipation?
Covid will pass one day. Youall will end up in another Irma disaster and we will see who your so-call Christian society will call upon or welcome to fix your infrastructure in time of emergency. When hotels open, I will wait foe the pictures of your lazy people cleaning the toilets and taking out the trash. It have people who live there and were out of the jurisdiction for different reasons when the borders closed. Some are in medical, educators and caregivers of elderly just to name a few. They left with 1 week clothing while everything they worked for over the years are in BVI. Youall like to say go back where you come from. Some of us are in different lands worldwide as well and not in our own countries. Time will tell BVI time will tell and I hope youall do not forget your oppression.
@ To BvI. They would call England ??????? .Bvi is under the Queen. Sad for what is happening,but,I think we all need to march on this one. .not jus on here voicing and wasting our opinions….The funny thing,Government give out a lot of Membership to residents ,after election..out of 100 I sure 80 are out of work” jus an example”…We need to be heard not jus on hear bashing one another. So saaaaad
Another “Irma” shall reach this wicked place! Change your wicked ways you racist lost ingrates!!!
not so hateful as to wish bad upon others. As, the next “Irma” could bring catastrophe to you and yours as well. If you survive, wouldn’t the people of this wicked place come to your rescue?
Last, racism is the personal hatred of, and societal oppression of another human being based solely on their skin color.
So call the Deputy Governor & report her!!!
This finger pointing and blaming is really ridiculous. A country must protect its citizens and set policies to protect . However , Covid is no respect or of either locals or expatriates . This deep hatred is unbecoming . Too much prejudice exists . For a Christian society this is shameful . I don’t know which God some of us serve or which heaven we are going too
Expats money welcome but not the expat. Beware this is a slippery path the goverment is going down.
Black work permit holders only please
Racist scum.
Chinese blogger!
This pandemic has allowed the goverment too much power! They are grabbing all the power and calling any laws they make necessary for the people’s good. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts completely. Our governor is failing to govern the goverment. Coved free work permit holders in good standing should not be discriminated against.
??? BVI…. you were totally locked down and boasted that you were 100% clear of Covid for months…. how is it possible that you currently have cases? It definitely was not the work permit holders that brought it in that is for sure!
I cannot foresee ever getting a work permit again, lots of other islands to go charter and they are welcoming us with open arms…
It have work permit holders presently in the bvi and a lot of them and they don’t have jobs and don’t know when they would ever have a job again. Some are scared to leave because a few told me that they do not any place to live in their country of birth. But the thing about this is they also owe months of rent here and it is becoming a heavy burden for landlords. You owe me for five or six months and you gone how am i going to get paid . You guys need to leave so the apts can be rented to those that can pay. I am sorry but these home owners depend on their rent to live. We just cannot put you guys up anymore and when the home owners talk we are wicked we are all the evil in the world. The home owners are no different from the supermarket’s owners.they depend on their rent to live. I also found out since this virus that the work permit holders believe that they belongs to the bvi.lol.yes you have rights but you on a work permit it expires every yr.this is one reason why work permits need to have maximum limit of five yrs after that you must leave and reapply. Simply.this was supposed to be implemented yrs ago but never did. Every yr hundreds of expatriates are becoming eligible to apply for residency and belonger status. How in heaven sake can the bvi accommodate all. A stop need to be implemented immediately. You are destroying your own people a stop is needed. Hundreds are coming eligible for some status soon what is going to happen?? We are creating a hand out island just like many of the independent Caribbean islands that when election comes around we see truck loads of stuff from building materials to food going from house to house . No we do not that mr minister of labour. We were never like that and i don’t want to see my adopted country in this situation.
PEOPLE HAVE BELONGINGS IN THE BVI AND WE ARE LOCKED OUT..WE HAVE JOBS KIDS HOMES AND YOU GUYS JUST DECIDE NOBODY CAN ENTER???..JUST LIKE THAT BECAUSE YALL SCARED OF COVID? NO PLAN? NO FOWARD MOVEMENT?WHO THE HELL CHOSE YOU GUYS TO BE LEADERS YALL MORE LIKE SCANDALS AND THIEVES..YALL TOOK OUR MONEY EACH YEAR AND WE NOT CONSIDERED TO ENTER TO GET BACK TO OUR FAMILIES..FOOLISH GOVERNMENT AND ANYBODY THAT HAVE A PROBLEM.
Why would anyone feel offended by the word down islanders???? Does it mean that if if you belong to one of the island below the bvi you are a lesser person that that one that live up the island chain?
Can someone explain it to me??
Because the term “down islanders” is generally used in a derogatory manner!
Did you know that the BVI is also a down island? It is also south of the Bahamas, the US and the Dominican Republic, LESSER ANTILLES. So when saying “down islanders” please refer to “WE” the down islanders.
Why would anyone feel offended by the word down islanders???? Does it mean that if if you belong to one of the island below the bvi you are a lesser person that that one that live up the island chain?
Can someone explain it to me?? I need understand how this works.
Time for expats to start marching. Once everyone sees the true numbers, our leaders will get the point.
Put your family in the march, make them all be seen. Show these racist, callous, unjust, and ignorant leaders of ours that you are humans. Not just a name on a permit.
If WPH leave we are doomed to failure, poverty, and ruining a economy built on their very backs. I am ashamed of this and outraged to call myself from the BVI.
Apart from family which the government have no consideration of, people also have their stuff in the BVI their comfortable bed their belongings, their bank account etc. How are they to manage overseas if they cannot access their stuff. Will they be given social security benefits???
If a person left their own home country about 15 years ago and took up residents in yours. They will consider yours their home they might be a stranger to their own home country if the were to returned home.
They also contribute to SSB and NHI they made no contribution in their own country they will have to start afresh. Some maybe not even lock in their own home country supposed they went to another caribbean islands and got stuck there.
I worry about what all my friends in the BVI and the rest of the islands will do this winter. The economy depends on visitors. If no visitors are allowed, what will you do for money? No money=no food.
Its not just the BVI: tourism is dead everywhere
So if a wife go overseas for medical purpose she can’t came back home to her husband if she dont have belonger. I guess her husband will just have to learn to be by himself.
This disrupting homes. Different individual cases needs to be considered.
Use local, imported stuff is bad for you. :??
Its just a joke guys stop the dislike. 😀 if the husband cannot get his expat wife in then he’ll have to choose a local. Becaise we all know l9cal are given first preference.
allot of expects will leave, some in joy others in tears but life will be better for them after the dust settles.the government makes millions in work permits yearly as well as SS and NHI. 90% of apartments that are rented are rented by these same expacts, they shop for food, buy clothes, gas etc. most of the medical system is made these same expacts , from doctors to nurses to nurses aid. most construction and skilled persons come from that same group as well as those who carry the structure of small businesses. be careful BVI what you are asking for, when they leave who will rent these apartments and put the millions into your personal piggy bank that you dip into at will. let’s see how this ends for you. May the lord have mercy on you.
Work permit holders or exempted holders are like legal adopted sons and daughters in the land they have been accepted to work. Has an adopted child in a family ever been treated differently from the biological sons and daughters? It is written in scriptures that we in Christ are adopted sons and daughters in Christ apart from the Household of Israel. My Heavenly Father plead the cause of the oppress work permit holders. I call heaven and earth this day as witness of any injustice and discrimination against work permit holders and alike. So be it.
I think I will keep off the online news for a while. The comments are just toxic.
Work permit holders or exempted holders are like legal adopted sons and daughters in the land they have been accepted to work. Has an adopted child in a family ever been treated differently from the biological sons and daughters? It is written in scriptures that we in Christ are adopted sons and daughters in Christ apart from the Household of Israel. My Heavenly Father plead the cause of the oppress work permit holders. I call heaven and earth this day as witness of any injustice and discrimination against work permit holders and alike. So be it.
Adopted sons and daughters…..Justice and Mercy you are such a Nincompoop…
All of them need to go back to their respective country, understand that when u leave ur birth country and go to work in another country is to better urself and go back home, but u all refused to do so rather be in the ppl them country living from paycheck to paycheck, if the government ask u all to leave just leave and stop complaining, they are the one who is Feeling the pressure, there is no jobs at this present time, the pandemic has taking over,the whole world is under the same problem we all are in it together, the main purpose was for work now there is none where do u feel that could be better off now than ur own country, covid is not going no where right now it’s a whole world crisis. Some of u all are married and left u all husband /wife back in u all country and acting like the bvi belongs to all you, no it’s not get off u all butt and go back there is no work, stop putting so much pressure on the government.
The most retarded statement ..get a life slot
I was not aware of the overt racism and xenophobia in the BVI. Oh wait, whom I kidding!
“Tortola for We!”
Yeah, good luck with that. The island was given to Tolans and they sat around copulating with their inlaws, siblings, cousins and parents until foreigners came and turned the donkey trails into roads.
They government will change their mind in the name of Jesus….this can’t be real sigh
I was looking forward to coming back in September smh this can’t be happening
Andrew the next time you call God name in ur mouth God go deal with you. There is no rest for the wicked
BLM. Your right that statement is on point. You would think the way the jokers acting they would have locals that can do all the country need to sustain the economy. Their mind as small as the as the islands. When you want to act bigger than other make sure your are bigger. This country was built by countless Caribbean native. Before we come here the nasty minded people them use to breed one other. We came and put a stop to the insist and retarded breed. Fresh c****
Surely the very fact that the ninth case was caught in quarantine shows that the protocol is working? It seems like an unnecessary and knee jerk reaction to stop all WP holders from re-entering, particularly when it was not explained to anyone and no protocol has been extended to WP holders since the border was closed (so quickly) that WP holders have been allowed in. Quarantine should also mean that the person cant pass it into anyone else or there is limited contact to those that could catch it and they can be traced?
This has never been a question about non working WP holders coming back in, this is about hard working individuals who have jobs, homes, families and belongings in the BVI and have been shut out. A lot of money comes in from these individuals to the economy and if the government continues to treat WP holders like second class citizens, particularly with tourism gone, it is a big concern that the BVI will have no economy to draw upon.
The only thing we owe these people is a refund. Cancel their s**ts and tell them don’t bother come back.
Fun bvi f** bvi …all of you island ppl will learn …bvi Is no good …thd premier is a *****
God will deal with Mr Fahie. When he bring in the drs frim cuba, he said we are ine caribbean people..mercy cuban should of never come tolan peoole to ungrateful. Shut alyo country forever
There are mothers locked out I hope the Honourable Minister reconsider his decision.
Hope my kids remember me by the time I get to see them might be after 1 year. God help them. ?
What about the work permit holder an the rest of person’s who been barred from the bvi.who ve all there life saving in bank here. who take loans and cars loans to by cars from the bank.how those person’s going to manage those person’s owe there land lawd rents most landlawd ve to pay the banks.are else the bank going to take away the people’s home and u cant blame who get barred from the bvi.blame the primeier the people’s them ve clothes them personal cars that them no owe bank’s for how them going to get them.those want come in and sort out there belonging an leave this country. All who talking crope u can not look at one side of the dollars.what covid 19 ve to do with who u all barred all the next 2 years u a go lock the country same way.this covib thing not leaving so it no make no sense all u lock here.this country will lose a lots of moneiesfrom coming in the bvi country look Jamaica 1 month 4000 tourist since them opened 871 cases active 700 an more recovery total now i see for august1 active cases is 95 person’s.use Jamaica as a example bvi since tourists going Jamaica 1 month and Jamaica make $80 million us dallors since the country opened back for good.jamaica ve every things at there airport to test there people’s coming in the country. Bvi need to check other countries and learn and chsnge from taking out there problems and person’s that innocent god no love ugly.
Then go to Jamaica. Simple.
So I’m past due for my doctors visit. I’m working and on permit and becuz of this I cant leave to go do my follow up; and before the backlash no theres no specialist here for my condition. I was told there are not enough patients here to have a specialist stationed on the island. I know of someone guess she has rights who left went to get her procedure done and was allowed back in. All she did was follow the quarantine protocol. Think they just need say all foreigners without belongers status please leave. Because its loud and clear what the objectives of this move is about.
SO…work permit holders have not been allowed back in since APRIL!? Now someone shows up with Covid-19 and you make an announcement that BVI ‘CLOSE the border to work-permit holders! YOU GOT SOME SPLAN’IN TO DO RICKY!! This is like deciding to make condoms mandatory after your kid turns 2 and starts throwing temper tantrums and yelling about everything. SOMEBODY let this knucklehead into the BVI. I think the government needs to ENPLANE this to people.
This affects my spouse who is a non-national and I am a national. My son and I are here and my husband cannot return just because of 1 person failed the COVID-19 test. Suppose this wasa false positive as well. This is absurd. That means our Government was never truly prepared to open the borders for tourist either. There are different classifications for work permit exemptions, namely based on marriage status. Those with this status should be allowed to enter now. Families should not be separated at this time for an unknown period.
It seems there’s a lot of agony there in the BVI at the moment. I hope you all get happier soon.