‘Fast Track’ initiative wasn’t rushed – Hon Wheatley
Hon Wheatley made the comments on the Tuesday, May 21, 2019, edition of 'Honestly Speaking' on ZBVI 780am when he told guest host Mitsy J. Ellis-Simpson, that while many may feel the VIP's ‘Fast Track’ immigration policy, seeking to regularise undocumented immigrants was rushed, the process actually started a long time ago.
BVI is attractive – Hon Wheatley
“The BVI is a very attractive place to live, it’s very attractive to work, it’s very attractive to visit, it’s very attractive to invest. If we’re going to sustain these four things into the future, we have to address your labour needs and you have to address your immigration issues,” the Minister said while speaking about plans to merge Immigration and Labour into one department.
Following public backlash after Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced the 'Clear path to regularization: Residency and Belonger Status Programme aka the ‘Fast Track’ initiative, with moves to amend aspects of the Immigration & Passport Act, the programme has since been postponed indefinitely, as the government seeks public opinion to chart a way forward.
However, according to Hon Wheatley, immigration remains an issue that must be dealt with.
“This process started a long time ago, I heard one gentleman said why is the Premier rushing to get this thing done now? Well it didn’t just start, it started a long time ago and at some point in time, you really have to take the bull by the horn, and I understand people’s concerns, they are genuine concerns particularly if you weren’t following the discussion all the time, it may seem like… it is a rush thing,” he said.
Immigration a Hot Topic
Further, the Minister said that according to a friend, “The only two places right now that don’t have immigration issues are Haiti and Venezuela,” he said in pointing out that immigration is a hot topic globally.
Hon Wheatley further implored, “You cannot ignore persons who want to come to your land, for whatever reason.”
In announcing the postponement of the project on Thursday, May 23, 2019, Premier Fahie via the Premier’s Special Projects Facebook page wrote, “In respect to the people of the Virgin Islands and for the process of listening to their views and reshaping our agenda, the submission days for the ‘Clear path to regularization: Residency and Belonger Status Programme from May 27 to 31, 2019, has been postponed.”
However, even as the programme has been shut down as the government consults with the people, Hon Fahie notes, “Applicants are advised to complete the preparation of all necessary documents to apply and await further instructions due to possible reshaping of the programme.”
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
16 Responses to “‘Fast Track’ initiative wasn’t rushed – Hon Wheatley”
Hon Andrew Fahie was just using a different strategy.
More of a cowboy style to me.
So tell me . How long ago did this fast track started?
what the vip are doing is trying to bring it all up front and done. the previous administration have ignored these applications for the most past..which is how they jave been controlled.
Lets just move on.
i agree that the amnesty was not planned and i do agree with the speed by which that was going to be processed would cause conserns of proper vetting process and i dont think that was thpught through at all and that is a real issue when you look at how many people are "returning" to the territory to apply,. but what hon Wheatley os saying ( i think) is that this is something that has been here for years and ignored. so the actual item of residency / belongership is not something this is just being implime ted and rushed through. they should have cleared the backlog with propper vetting and while.that was going on clear the way for a properly implime ted program going forward... make belongership a longer period between gaining residency and applying for belogership..make the belonger criteria more to do with community involvement...what have you done for the territory...etc etc.
its a difficult.subject and one that we need to be very careful how it mives forward. i think now we have been heard..the VIP will listen and learn..i hope !
This law seems like its only for blacks like its out a old colonial book when we wasn't free when we couldn't vote own nothing you want the ppl to stay who you say deem to belong whatever and you don't ever give them a chance but I have learn enough about this I don't force myself to be apart of something that reminds me that I don't belong !