Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced today, May 7, 2019 that the ‘fast track initiative’ for persons seeking to attain residency status and belonger status will begin on Monday May 13, 2019. Photo: VINO

Some of the persons at the press conference today, May 7, 2019 at the Arbitration Centre on Wickham’s Cay II, on the main island of Tortola. Photo: VINO

The programme, which is for eligible persons living and working in the VI for 15 years and more, will run for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 31, 2019, at 6:00pm.

This was announced by Premier Fahie today Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at a press conference held at the Arbitration Centre on Wickham’s Cay II, on the main island of Tortola.

‘They are here & ain't going nowhere!’

According to Premier Fahie, the hundreds of people who are likely to apply under this programme are very familiar persons.

“They are our neighbours and our church members. They already work alongside us. These are people who we play ball with, who we hang out with. These [are] people whom we love and accepted in our families and share the same dreams and aspirations for their children as we do ours," he said.

“These persons are here, have been here and ain't going anywhere. And so by seeking to afford them their right and dignity, does not undermine us. In fact, it consolidates it,” the Premier implored. 

The leader of government business reiterated that the Government is not adding numbers to the society, but is instead adding value to it.

Remember Slavery - Hon Fahie 

“When anyone seeks to cast doubt on this journey and this policy, we must never forget the history of slavery or the imported manifesto of bigotry that has sought for more than 500 years to find artificial reasons why people of our like should be kept apart.”

Premier Fahie added that the “fake theory” that the process "gives the territory away" are just emotive taglines to perpetuate disunity.

“Instead we are earning a lot by giving qualified people their dignity back. And so, if we continue to wallow in the filth of disunity it will not only diminish the potential of the marginalised, it will also diminish the potential of all of us… We sabotage our future by not giving our family and friends theirs.” 

Premier Fahie explained four reasons why the territory is obligated to move ahead with the fast track initiative, which he said was moral and just; economically smart and wise; strengthens national security and it is legal and in keeping with the VI constitution.

Information sessions will formally begin territory-wide, with dates and times announced shortly.

Requirements

It was noted that official information regarding this initiative will be posted on Facebook under the title: Premier’s Special Projects, which will go live at 5 pm Tuesday, May 7, online at www.bvigov.vg and by calling the special help desk number which will be given through the public information campaign.

To apply each person must have the following:

• 1 Application Form;
• 2 Reference Letters;
• 2 Passport Photos;
• 1 Birth Certificate;
• 1 Original Local Police Record and other police records if deemed necessary;
• 1 Bank Statement;
• 1 Copy of Trade Licence (if applicable);
• 1 Copy of Non-Belongers Land Holding Licence and Land Transfer (if applicable);
• Certified Copies of Academic/Professional Qualifications (if applicable); and
• 1 Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

The cost of the application is $810 for persons who already have residency and now seeking belonger status and $1500 for persons seeking residency and belonger status in this fast track initiative.

Collection point and schedule for applications will be published in advance of May 13, 2019.

It was noted that unsuccessful applicants will be refunded.

Premier Fahie also noted that persons will be brought in to handle the extra applications coming into the Immigration Department, hence the current fee increase.