‘Consider reaching out’ to locals shut out of VI- Hon Fraser
Even though Government has announced the lifting of the 24/7 curfew from Monday, April 20, 2020, the borders will remain closed until June 1, 2020, when only locals and persons with resident status would be allowed in.
Hon Fraser was at the time speaking during the Seventh Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on April 16, 2020, at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom, Tortola, shortly after Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) laid on the table several statutory instruments relating to the Immigration and Passport (Prohibition of Entry) Order, 2020.
Other countries have repatriated their people
Noting that the prohibition from entry into the Territory includes citizens of the VI, Hon Fraser said he is fully aware of the reasons for the Order and the purpose, “but I want to suggest, Mr Speaker, that all around the world countries have gone to great length, and they continue to do it, of repatriating their citizens.”
He said Israel has repatriated citizens from Peru, Germany has sent aircraft to South Africa and South Africa has sent a jet to repatriate persons from Washington DC.
“That is an expense, so what I want to suggest Mr Speaker, is that those folks that are trying to get into the BVI, where the Government has prohibited the Citizens from coming to the BVI, they have enormous debt and responsibility here, if the Government would assist in their expenditure that they have to outlay to stay where they are, around the world.”
‘Help them in whatever situation they are’
Hon Fraser explained that there are cases where persons are in South Africa trying to get back to the VI, while some who left to go to Puerto Rico to get medical treatment have reached as far as St Thomas but are stuck there.
He said he knows retired basketballer Timothy T. Duncan aka ‘Tim’ will be bringing some college students to the US Virgin Islands from the US but they would not be able to get into the VI.
“And I know there are a plethora of cases all over and I think the Government should, if they decide on not bringing them home or allowing them to come home, these people, they are citizens, the Government should consider reaching out to these people and helping them in whatever situation they are.
“You could imagine yourself just going abroad for a few days and learning that you can’t get back home. You may have a home here with pets and somebody is watching it, it’s a whole series of things, so just try to put yourself in these people’s positions and see how you can comfort them by easing their anxieties and all the expense they have to go through having to stay overseas,” Hon Fraser said.
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20 Responses to “‘Consider reaching out’ to locals shut out of VI- Hon Fraser”
And if the Government does bring people back then they MUST go into quarantine somewhere isolated & not allowed to go to their homes.
"In accordance with section 3 of the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2020 a ferry, pleasure boat, commercial vessel, commercial airline, private aircraft or any other means of transportation at any port in the Territory is prohibited or restricted from entering the Territory, except as the Minister in exceptional circumstances may by direction in writing authorise."
Until family and close friends finally get into the picture no one will consider doing what’s best to make sure we are bless at the end of the day.!!!
Until everyone starts to see the odds building up against us, no one will consider taking the different route... yes it might be tuff ,, but now is certainly The time to grow a set of Balls and make sure one rotten apple “doesn’t spoil the whole crop”.!!! And for those who like to talk quick...!! I as well have fellow family members located abroad the Caribbean including “Santo!!!” An trust me!!!! If my family members decided to try take refugee into the BVI!!!! You will not like that as well.!!!!!!!
Airports busy with Worldwide air travel down 90 % ? WTH are you talking about? Quit making up stuff.
The Quarantine act provides for mandatory quarantine and mandatory testing should also be a requirement. Locking them out also exposes them to the virus and if they get sick in a place they are not from they may not get the proper care because of no insurance. We have to look after our own. If they get thrown out for overstaying where do they go? A stateless people. If I was in there position i would be looking compensation.
@hmm
These Trinidadians are making noise.