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Ex Commissioner Maynard slams Labour Dept; Blames them for immigration woes

- also said she does not support Festival on Virgin Gorda at this time as people are hurting
Former Labour Commissioner and Seventh District candidate with the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in the 2015 General Elections, Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard has blamed the Labour Department for some of the woes being faced by Immigration Department. Photo: VINO/File
According to former Labour Commissioner Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard, the long lines being seen daily at Immigration Department are mainly of people looking for an extension of time in the Territory because their work permits have not been processed in time over at the Labour Department, which is headed by Janice I.F. Rymer, right. Photo: VINO/GIS
According to former Labour Commissioner Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard, the long lines being seen daily at Immigration Department are mainly of people looking for an extension of time in the Territory because their work permits have not been processed in time over at the Labour Department, which is headed by Janice I.F. Rymer, right. Photo: VINO/GIS
Following the 2011 general elections that saw the National Democratic Party (NDP), led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), coming to power, there have been widespread victimisation of public officers and other civil servants. Photo: VINO/File
Following the 2011 general elections that saw the National Democratic Party (NDP), led by Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), coming to power, there have been widespread victimisation of public officers and other civil servants. Photo: VINO/File
Former Labour Commissioner Ms Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard appeared as a guest on the popular online radio show Fresh Radio Vybz with host Paul A. Peart aka 'Gadiethz' on Sunday February 25, 2018. Photo: Facebook
Former Labour Commissioner Ms Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard appeared as a guest on the popular online radio show Fresh Radio Vybz with host Paul A. Peart aka 'Gadiethz' on Sunday February 25, 2018. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Former Labour Commissioner and Seventh District candidate with the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in the 2015 General Elections, Oleanvine Pickering-Maynard made her position known on the current immigration controversy.

She was yesterday Sunday February 25, 2018 being interviewed by Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’ on Fresh Radio Vybz, the now popular online radio station.

When asked about the issues the Immigration Department is experiencing, with the long lines and change of leadership, she pointed out “There are certain things that the Immigration Department cannot do unless Labour Department processes what needs to be processed.”

The former Labour Commissioner told Mr Peart that “…some of the bottlenecks that you see ending up in immigration, could be attributed to the Labour Department not being up to par from where it used to be, or where it should be, in order to assist the Immigration Department with getting the people processed and out of there…”

Mrs Maynard noted that she is not there and “does not know how the two storms have affected the Labour Department electronically, if the machines are not working you could have a problem…”

‘Labour Dept is the problem’- Ex Commissioner Maynard

When asked if the Labour Department is running effectively and needs upgrading, she admitted “it needs upgrading, it needs upgrading…. It has to be done strategically, and we have to look at the broader picture, as where we would like to go and where we would like to see the Labour Department 10 years from today.”

The firm but soft spoken former Seventh District VIP candidate, returning to the topic of the recent immigration controversy, placed the blame at the feet of her former Labour Department.

Mrs Maynard told the host of Fresh Radio Vybz yesterday, in response to the long immigration lines, if work permits are “cleared over at the Labour Department and people get their documents to take to immigration, then you would not see people at immigration looking for time, because most of them you see at immigration are there looking for an extension of time, because their work permits have not been processed in time over at the Labour Department, so both of them need to go hand in hand, both labour and immigration,” the former Labour Commissioner noted.

Cancel all carnivals, people are hurting- Maynard

Meanwhile, when asked about a social media video clip circulating within the last 48 hours around the Virgin Islands with a gentleman opposing the 2018 Virgin Gorda Easter festival, Mrs Maynard said she agrees with him on the point of not having the Virgin Gorda Easter festival.

She agreed “people are still hurting, even I am hurting...” and “I feel it will be a waste of money to go and invest in a carnival, as I am sure others will say the bars will benefit, but I am not sure how much people will come in for a weekend.”

Mrs Maynard noted that “we should pospone any kind of carnival  activities this year to help with the rebuilding, the people need help and it must be fair, don’t just help your friends, our people are still far back, as where we use to be,” said added.

Politics of NDP victimisation

In 2015 Mrs Maynard, a former Clerk of the Legislative Council and Labour Commissioner, ran against Seventh District Representative and National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering. She was defeated, with incumbent Pickering gaining 607 votes to her 199.

In 2012 Dr Pickering, who is the Minister of Labour, forced out Mrs Maynard and boasted about it at a community meeting in Long Look on January 19, 2012.

Following the 2011 general elections that saw the NDP coming to power, there have been widespread victimisation of public officers and other civil servants. Many have been fired, forced out via retirement, transferred, reassigned and contracts not renewed, to make way for replacement of NDP supporters for the most part.

See link to full interview:

https://soundcloud.com/gadiethz/former-labour-commissioneroleanvine-pickering-maynard-speaks

33 Responses to “Ex Commissioner Maynard slams Labour Dept; Blames them for immigration woes”

  • ccc (26/02/2018, 09:36) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Girl you speaking good
  • wize up (26/02/2018, 09:42) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    it is so funny how some of use become such experts in governmental affairs after the fact however when some of us had an opportunity to rectify the system we did “no-ting”: as residents or citizens of the territory why can we sit and “exchange” or “discuss” ideas with one another for the better of our country rather than point fingers and pulling down each other(just to score points and some issues just to score political points).....this territory needs solutions as we seek to move forward
    • A lie (26/02/2018, 15:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is only so much HODs can do. They go to Standing Finance every year and plead their case and they get nothing but budget cuts and told no new initiatives, then when there is a crisis they act like they don't know what went wrong. No priorities, no plan, no vision. It wouldn't be so bad if there was truly no money but dem man squandering the money on all kind a ting with no results.
    • Hmmm... (27/02/2018, 13:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hindsight is 20/20.
  • NezRez (26/02/2018, 10:10) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    I agree that we need to rebuild, there is no doubt, and I am one for striving right now to get our lives back on track. At first when I read she wanted to cancel carnival I agreed, but as I thought about it, I started to realize that carnival is just what we need to boost people’s spirits back up, get rid of depression even if temporary, have people relieving stress by singing and dancing, as well as allowing vendors and bars make a much needed income. Yes, I know we are still hurting as I am too, having to rebuild and put on roofs, but by August we will be much further along and carnival just might be the therapy we need.
  • long look me come from (26/02/2018, 10:11) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Seems like she wants her job back
  • nonsense (26/02/2018, 10:11) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply

    What better time for Government to invest in Festivals than when people are hurting? Festival is the time where we see most small businesses make their money so the show must go on. Anegada didn't cancel their Lobster Fest in November and in fact saw an INCREASE in turnout, helping the businesses that needed that boost. I think these people making noise are just pushing their personal political agendas and don't give a sh*t about the BVI. Everything is NDP this NDP that, let the festivals go on and do it on a scaled back version but do NOT cancel Festival. Give the people a chance to make their monies in this hard time.

    • wize up (26/02/2018, 23:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ nonsense: are advocating that government should take tax payers money and give it to some foreign band??? I say take those dollars and help the people of this territory(just my take on it)
  • GRANNY (26/02/2018, 10:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You reap what you sow
  • x NDP voter (26/02/2018, 10:42) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    they should have reshuffle the cabinet give Myron labour as he has failed in education and he would have bring back his girl Maynard as labor chief.

    Dr Smith do not listen
  • please continue (26/02/2018, 10:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    to make a contribution .You may have lost the election bid for your district but continue to assist in one way or the other or more over don't be afraid once more to face the music only God knows what will happen
  • She right (26/02/2018, 10:58) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ms. Maynard is correct on this. She has been in the system so she understands what is happening. Both Department's have been grossly neglected over the years and needs to be upgraded. Manual appointment systems etc. will not fix the issue. Politicians need to accept responsibility for their neglect of the public service and stop grand standing and kicking the can down the road under the guise of leadership. Ms. Maynard keep exposing the system and speaking the truth you will get my vote next time around.
  • karma (26/02/2018, 11:10) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply

    Labour boss needs to go. Horrible horrible experience in there.

    • @Karma. U R not alone (26/02/2018, 12:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Join the hundreds of us with similar bad experiences... Some workers just show up to get pay. They do nothing to make a difference..
  • # (26/02/2018, 11:46) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Every one is riding the BLAME game express in the BVI.
    • @ # (26/02/2018, 12:23) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      for real only one man I heard with solutions and that is the esteem he got my vote for sure
      • # (26/02/2018, 14:37) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
        I'm on board also for Mr. Esteem, he is the one I am casting my vote for. Between me and other people that I assiocate myself with, he is going to do well election time.
  • Just Woke (26/02/2018, 12:18) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ms Maynard was a good commissioner. A good manager. I agree with her 100%. . I went there state my Case got promises two months ago. Get Nada. Not as much as a call.. Labour just a waste of time. Please see a lawyer first. Avoid labour is you have dispute.. A waste.
  • Charley Rose (26/02/2018, 12:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The time has come for the territory to examine us to examine our future. The group of representatives of the ruling party has no plan to restore the fortunes of the country. Unless they are able to accept their short comings and seek God's guidance they will not be able to solve the problems of this country.

    As far as I discern the government just going around in circles and seeking money to rebuild the infrastructure and the social impact of the hurricanes are not being address. Many families are socially devastated. I would like to see people like Mrs Maynard to focus on strengthening the families and assure them that there is hope for them.

    Mr. Premier needs to reshuffle his cabinet to obtain the most effective change. If one minister is in a ministry for many years and there is no significant progress then the question is why not make a change. The roads are in a deplorable state after expended such large sums of monies. Education needs revamping, agriculture in a mess, hospital services and NHI leave much to be desired. We need some changes.
  • Unity government (26/02/2018, 12:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    backbenchers need to get their act together. Unite with the opposition give us the real change in Labour, immigration, tourism, trade..agriculture..They need to do it fast. I can tell them next election As NDP most of them willl lose.. Unite and their chances are better. Or spend their old age regreting not having the courage..
  • zone 7 (26/02/2018, 12:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    while I agree with her hope she not planning on running again. We going with the cornel this trip
  • Me Me (26/02/2018, 13:25) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Only we who got bad treatment from her when she was in will know who she is .talk that .
  • voter (26/02/2018, 14:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Janice was a political choice
  • Noway (26/02/2018, 14:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Carnival is not a happy time for locals. It is a glaring reminder that they are minorities in their country, It is a depressing time and we do not need anymore sadness, Thought most of the Carnival people had gone out but this Carnival stupidness talk, the shootings and the robberies,the daily gathering at Bobby s says otherwise. Might need Irma again.
  • Endtime Eyes (26/02/2018, 15:54) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hello everyone, are we hearing ourselves properly? If we would say yes, when was the last time we hear God for our self? Are there any reverence of God and what He is saying to us, have we stop for a sec to turn back to Him? I declare the wilful ignorance of men would bring swift delusion, destruction and a perishable virgin islands. Hear what the Lord says: I have beacond to you rebellious, stiff neck people but you have bucked and shake your heads as a mule without guidance. Thus saith the Lord amend your ways an your doings or I will come again and pluck up and tear down what thou has built for except I build the house the workman worketh but in vain. Where is my honor, where is my worship, where is my praise? The purpose of me allowing you to live through my wrath is to give you another chance to change your ways and your doings.Return unto me ye backsliding heifer, repent now and turn for your chance is narrow, your time is limited. He that has an ear let him hear.
  • 1 (26/02/2018, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    God bless you ms Maynard
  • ............................... (26/02/2018, 17:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    She us right that is a good job for Claude Skelton
  • island man (26/02/2018, 19:11) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    everybody knows what needs to be done after they left
  • watcher (27/02/2018, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems to me the woman got the I am God syndrome as soon as she was appointed. It happens a lot in the BVI government. On her watch those enquiring about various applications after having submitted them a year ot two prior , were routinely told “ We havent looked at that yet” As if that was some kind of acceptable explanation.
  • Rubber Duck (27/02/2018, 09:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now get rid of the woman at Labour.
  • wow (27/02/2018, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Festival would be a form of stress releasing despite all the people have gone through. It gives them a time to unwind and mingle with each other and visitors alike. -js


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