Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Local bands slam NDP Gov’t on USVI travel restriction

- said Gov’t not treating matter as a priority issue to address
Musicians Eustace 'Boss' Freeman (right) and Martino 'Tino' are disappointed that their bands were denied US visa waivers to travel to St Thomas, USVI to perform for carnival weekend. Photo: VINO/File
Both Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) agreed that the matter is one that needs to be discussed and addressed with a view to finding a solution. Photo: VINO/File
Both Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) agreed that the matter is one that needs to be discussed and addressed with a view to finding a solution. Photo: VINO/File
Meanwhile, Mr Paul 'Gadiethz' Peart said it was a shame what the musicians have to bear up with regarding travelling to perform in St Thomas and that the issue needed to be speedily rectified since the livelihoods of local artistes were being affected. He also rhetorically asked what was the point of USVI/Friendship Day when an important matter that has to do with sharing of culture and music among the two territories can’t seem to be resolved. Photo: Provided
Meanwhile, Mr Paul 'Gadiethz' Peart said it was a shame what the musicians have to bear up with regarding travelling to perform in St Thomas and that the issue needed to be speedily rectified since the livelihoods of local artistes were being affected. He also rhetorically asked what was the point of USVI/Friendship Day when an important matter that has to do with sharing of culture and music among the two territories can’t seem to be resolved. Photo: Provided
Raul ‘Juggo’ Sprauve when contacted confirmed that his band was also affected but said he didn’t wish to comment on the issue right now. Photo: Provided
Raul ‘Juggo’ Sprauve when contacted confirmed that his band was also affected but said he didn’t wish to comment on the issue right now. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A number of musicians from the Virgin Islands are frustrated and embarrassed that the US Virgin Islands border patrol continues to restrict them from travelling to perform in that territory for gain and that the National Democratic Party government seems to be dragging their foot on the issue.

The matter came to the forefront this weekend when musicians who were slated to perform at the St Thomas Carnival on Sunday April 26, 2015 were reportedly suddenly told by the St Thomas Carnival Committee that they could no longer accommodate them since they were not able to get the usual US Visa waiver for their bands to travel to the island to perform.

The local musicians have been deeply upset by this development since they would have invested money into preparation for their various performances in the USVI for carnival weekend.

‘Tino’ held up by USVI immigration authorities

Popular singer and member of the Hard Core Band, Martino ‘Tino’ Marks, speaking on ZROD 103.7FM with Paul ‘Gadiethz’ Peart this morning April 27, 2015 said he was also invited to perform but after the cancellation he decided to travel on his own to St Thomas just to observe the carnival but was detained for more than an hour by USVI immigration and reportedly told that if he was to even do an interview on the island he would be “locked up”.

Tino spoke of being highly embarrassed by the incident and said he was told by immigration authorities that the issue needed to be straightened out by the two governments of the VI and USVI.

Bands affected included Showtime band, Hard Core band and Vibe band.

Mr Eustace 'Boss' Freeman, President of GRATE BVI Music Alliance and one of the lead singers of Showtime band, told Virgin Islands News Online that everything was set for Showtime band to travel until about two days before the event as border patrol was informed of who were slated to come, however, the St Thomas Carnival Committee subsequently informed them that no band from Tortola was being given visa exemptions.

“They basically informed us, don’t even come St Thomas at all,” Mr Freeman told Virgin Islands News Online.

No proper representation from Gov’t

Mr Freeman, who was also a guest on the Morning Ride Show this morning, noted that since last year Minister responsible for Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn had said he would address the issue at the VI/USVI Friendship Day meeting. Mr Freeman said he did hear that the Minister brought it up at the said meeting but informed that the process “would take a while to be rectified”.

“I honestly don’t think that we are getting proper representation on this at all. It is just being mentioned but it is not being prioritised as to say let us get this fixed because, according to border patrol in St Thomas, it is our leaders that need to get this situation fixed. They need to make contact from the Governor’s Office here to that in St Thomas to work out something," he said.

Raul ‘Juggo’ Sprauve when contacted confirmed that his band was also affected but said he didn’t wish to comment on the issue right now. “I don’t want to talk on that issue right now,” Mr Sprauve said.

Meanwhile, Mr Paul 'Gadiethz' Peart said it was a shame what the musicians have to bear up with regarding travelling to perform in St Thomas and that the issue needed to be speedily rectified since the livelihoods of local artistes were being affected. He also rhetorically asked what was the point of USVI/Friendship Day when an important matter that has to do with sharing of culture and music among the two territories can’t seem to be resolved.

Opposition weighs in on issue

Opposition members, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Senior Virgin Islands Party member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) also expressed their concerns on the issue with both agreeing that it was an issue that needed to be tackled at the highest level.

Hon Fraser was particularly critical of the NDP Government’s apparently poor handling of the issue.

“I can’t tell you that I am not aware on this matter since it was raised before me before by several band members who had expressed their regrets and disappointment about not being able to go to St Thomas to perform. I am not in a position where I sit to do the necessary things that are necessary to get this issue resolved.

“I haven’t seen any reports from Government indicating that enough efforts have been made to settle the matter one way or the other. We need to know what the problem is and whether or not a solution can be met.”

Hon Fraser said he would raise the issue in forums where it would get some more serious attention.

Senior Virgin Islands Party member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the matter was a national one that transcended politics and needed to be addressed accordingly. He also said the incident this weekend should not be seen in a negative light as it was about Homeland Security doing their jobs but it was now up to government to engage the USVI Government so that the necessary laws could be amended or put in place.

59 Responses to “Local bands slam NDP Gov’t on USVI travel restriction”

  • Realist (27/04/2015, 14:13) Like (14) Dislike (28) Reply
    This is really embarrassing. This is one of the reasons why the NDP Administration most likely will be voted out. Sorry NDP supporters.
    • ...... (27/04/2015, 17:22) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
      Because our bands can't play in St. Thomas....?? LOL
      • Ruff dogg (27/04/2015, 19:49) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        Yes stupid. Talent being performed in a country, represented by another country, promotes advertisement to that country.

        Sorry for the semantic satiation.
    • the rock (28/04/2015, 03:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      you are a very shallow person..if this is a reason for the ndp party to be voted, out then go ahead an be in a wishful state of thinking.. but wait... is this Patrick who does be on sponge bob square pants..lol..lol..lol!
    • Truth Sayer (28/04/2015, 06:53) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      To all who are blaming the Government for our bands not being able to pay in St. Thomas, you need to know that Immigration in the USVI (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix) is a federal matter. It is the Government of the United States who deals with immigration and not the local officials in the USVI. This Government can make an appeal through them, but the local officials in St. Thomas cannot make a decision on the matter and it is not always as simple as you all think. Any Government in power would have to go through the same procedure to get this thing rectified. There could be more in the mortar besides the pestle, in other words, if for any reason, there is one individual in a band who may have a bad record, the Immigration could hold all others hostage. The Government of BVI cannot force the US federal Government's hands to do anything quick but they can continue to plead the case and hope for the best.
    • chad (28/04/2015, 15:54) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      I didn't know NDP governed the USVI also they can voice their opinion but is the governor in St. Thomas have the say. so why don't we help to resolve this issue by a Petition to the USVI Government or we go to the extreme as to petition our own government so that the bands and entertainers from over there should not come here.
      UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!!!!! the USVI should be a shame to be doing this cause the BVI people are very supportive to them. And since Hon. Fraser was down there well pose off he should also help his fellow men, all of them in government is not because he is not the foreman but he is still in government so stop this NDP and VIP nonsense I hate this thing, we are not kids dependent on the government for everything.
    • Sick And Tired (28/04/2015, 15:59) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am soooo sick and tired of hearing the same set of "local bands" slam government about an issue, that they are fully aware cannot be dealt with in the channels they chose. What is even more upsetting is to see that Hon. Fraser chooses to use this unfortunate occurrence as a political gimmick. Truth be told that this is a Federal issue, and it is not something that can be address on the local level, despite the relations between the BVI and USVI local governments. They are fully aware of the restrictions, and what needs to be done to have this situation remedied. These facts have been known to them for more than a year. But as usual only partial stories are being told.

      Another fact is because of the personal grudges of some, ruins things for others. Until this crab in a barrel mentality stops being perpetuated, WE as a people will get nowhere.
  • well........... (27/04/2015, 14:22) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    BVI/USVI Friendship day........Just a sham.....Make it worst we don't go down there to shop as often as we use to any more
  • xxxxxxxx (27/04/2015, 14:27) Like (21) Dislike (53) Reply

    Ha ha last year they send M*r*n to st. Thomas and all he came back with was a photo with De Jounge…the NDP cannot represent us overseas it’s a fact…they must go and go fast …too much lil boys tying to do big men work…

  • Hmm (27/04/2015, 14:29) Like (39) Dislike (7) Reply

    Jougu is the only smart one saying he won't comment. How is it NDP fault that USVI has their own $%^&( rules about international bands? 

    • @hmmm (27/04/2015, 16:18) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply

      For the BVI Government engage with the USVI Government and maybe some resolution will be achieved. Dumb @$$

      • Really? (28/04/2015, 08:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        NDP V USA, and you really think NDP have a chance? Only a fool would think so.
  • ccc (27/04/2015, 14:30) Like (12) Dislike (38) Reply
    Shame on the ndp
    • . (27/04/2015, 16:18) Like (25) Dislike (11) Reply
      Why don't u say shame on the band members for not getting their papers straight and stop blaming other people.
      • Hmm (27/04/2015, 18:54) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
        Exactly! why is this an issue that government has to take up. Those men need to make their appointment and try to get their papers straight. The rest of us have to.
  • l (27/04/2015, 14:43) Like (47) Dislike (3) Reply
    BVI/USVI Friendship Day has lost its meaning. There is only one soulution to all this. Stop inviting bands from the USVI to perform here.
  • USVI Resident (27/04/2015, 15:02) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Come on common sense people educated people this have nothing to do with NDP admistration its all an agreement with federal and local government of USVI and they know this and a still inviting locals bands and its the same thing with Bands from the wider Caribbean
  • bvi (27/04/2015, 15:03) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    Listen ayo need to stop waiting for the gov to do things for ayo go and get the proper papers to perform in the USVI yo mean every year ayo goin come wid the same BS you guys had a year to get the papers but u chose not to Jah man
  • pat (27/04/2015, 15:14) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I bet when the ndp gets in this matter will be fixed....any wagers?
  • Really? (27/04/2015, 15:21) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a matter that I hold to my heart. This needs immediate attention however, the government cannot be held liable. However, they should try to assist. for peace sake, it is one virgin islands. I know we are owned by two territories but we are still one. Additionally, why is it so easy for musicians from the usvi to perform here but we cannot perform there. its ok for their people to go out and get our money but we cannot have theirs. This is a matter that the USVI should be ashamed it. THE BVI need to be more strict.. come on.
    • Oh Please (27/04/2015, 21:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is one Virgin Islands ?
      You actually saying this . Tis ignorance and thinking that is the problem. Only in the BVI Tom Dick and Harry talking crap about we are one caribbean people and it is their right to be crapping on us.
  • fix it (27/04/2015, 15:37) Like (4) Dislike (12) Reply

    These things need to be fix , Keeping quite like j*go sucking up to government officials will fix nothing . People usvi has used us for too long this is only on example of how we been played for years

  • Liat 521 (27/04/2015, 16:10) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply

    If it was to fly to China to order items they would have gotten it done...NDP must go!!!
  • friend (27/04/2015, 16:16) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    These Tola bands are a bunch of jokes since they knew from last year and this year that they will need proper documents to travel. It is just like they traveling to the states to perform if anything. They keep blaming NDP and USVI but they should man up and take the blame since they are the ones performing. Because you doing something in another country that don't mean you can go there illegal. GET YOUR PAPERS RIGHT AND STOP BLAME OTHER PEOPLE. THAT MEANS YOU!, Vibe & Show Time band. Some of you go state & rock to shop, why don't you encourage your fellow band members to get their papers straight.
    • l (27/04/2015, 16:31) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
      Friend, you need to shut up if you don't klnow what you talking about. Getting documents to travel to St Thomas is not the issue. The issue is performing for money. It is above the band members. It has to be settled by the two governments.
      • vi (27/04/2015, 18:30) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        How I understand it, the bands need to acquire an entertainment Visa, which they are reluctant to do because of the cost.
    • Bvi lander (27/04/2015, 16:43) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      All band member from what I heard can travel to st Thomas , showtime band from what I heard in the past got the proper work permit visa which is over $10,000 for a band which include going to Barbados . So from my understanding the issue is how easy it is for US bands to come to the BVI and how Costly it is for BVI Bands to go to the US. Can't Blame the bands , in fact Noone should be blamed situation just needs to be fixed
    • Bad mind frienemy (27/04/2015, 16:53) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Keep your friendship from spreading propaganda. Arrangements were made prior that's why they're on the posters. You think they're actually begging STT to play? The USVI keep calling for them. You're the jokey one hiding behind an alias and calling out the bands with the world of advice. The poor musicians continue to be misled by those in authority and the other 11mnths in the year being fought down by their own.
  • bvi (27/04/2015, 16:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Are these persons us pasport holders how have not filed there 2014 tax returns?
  • Biggs (27/04/2015, 16:41) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    How come horses and a..es can go to St.Tomas to run but people can't go to sing bvi/us I friend ship day makes no sense to me.
  • facts man (27/04/2015, 17:10) Like (12) Dislike (28) Reply
    Under NDP we are on France Blacklist and can’t get off

    The international press is calling us a money laundering place and the most corrupt since Haiti

    The international press is accusing us of being a drug haven also…

    Our music bands can’t travel to the USVI to play

    We were not invited to see Obama in Jamaica

    The international, local and regional press writing that we are bad for press freedom

    The UK papers betting up on us

    So in conclusion we have failed abroad and have no respects once the NDP is in…How dear them say the NDP build our international reputation...we will not buy the LIES

    Only Fraser can be respected locally, regionally and international…An office in Hong Kong just to say they did something after fighting against the NBI London House


  • Support Yuh Own1 (27/04/2015, 17:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea leh we work with our band den from Tola n' VG, It just mean den man gah step up the game.
  • vi (27/04/2015, 17:21) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Lol this is amazing. NDP must go? This is nothing new my friends, the USVI has been using us for years and blaming it on border patrol. Ask yourself this question: How can bands from DA, SK, AXA, Haiti and other Caribbean countries go over there year after year and we who are their next door neighbors keep getting bumped? Don't be fooled, this is going on from IMAGI, JAMBAND & Push Pipe days.
  • @ facts man (27/04/2015, 17:26) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! That's what you have? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
  • Word on the Street = Petty (27/04/2015, 17:31) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    But how is this an NDP issue? If the US does not want to grant a visa then what government from another island could stop them? Same way the BVI trying to promote local artiste and not giving priority to international artiste, I'm sure other places have their own interest to secure as well. If the BVI does not want to grant permits for a band to come here they have all right to do so and an intervention by the government (whether the band is from Jamaica, Barbados or China) will not change the fact that permits will not be issued.
  • ooooo (27/04/2015, 17:37) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    all the NDP did for the 3 friendship days that they had was to pack up them guts with food and chat a whole load of bull
  • Island boy (27/04/2015, 17:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course once again we aint seeing the big picture they (usvi) telling is us (bvi) can't perform without proper documentation. Not saying we better than anyone else but when it comes to the bvi I think we deserve special treatment from (usvi) seeing that we help push their enconmy. But us (bvi) crying to get rights to perform where we aint wanted overlooking that we need independence ourself. Them want to give us a hard time fine! Last time I check we under the Queen not the president. Let's get our airport extended direct our passengers straight to the bvi, lets build our enconomy so we aint got to cross the water for food and goods and lets put a restrictions on internationally charters from using our beaches and islands as part of their tours. Then lets see how much times they going refuse us from coming over. This bigger than bands but yall aint seeing it.
  • Musician (27/04/2015, 17:58) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is an easy easy fix guys....go & get you us work permits...it's just that simple,Small Axe,Sugar Band,Sherwin,Onyan,Flames.....even Alton Bertie has his Us work permit!!!!
    • what are you talking about? (27/04/2015, 20:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its not that easy to get a USA work permit. there are a variety of things you need before you are even considered.. not to mention the cost to get it? factor that in. is the USVI willing to implement such cost as well? should we be having a work visa for USVI artists as well? this would only make the situation worst. what means it then? is it two different countries are refering to?
      • Lily Ann (29/04/2015, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        Ok So I see when someone have a possible solution to rectify this issue.......SOMEONE always coming up with "Do you know how much this will cost/do you know the difficulty obtaining this" WELL it seems as if the neysayers is actually depending on Government to handle all their Document affairs !!!! If all those other International bands could sacrifice and get their paperwork in order, cant these local bands do the same as well???
    • Musician (27/04/2015, 20:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's that easy huh??? If it was as easy as you claim it is everyone would've done it..
  • .......... (27/04/2015, 18:41) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    I trust fraser to address this!!
  • tola (27/04/2015, 20:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ facts man and others all what is happening now is from vip days go back even in the 90's and do your research you'll see i'm right.
  • shark (27/04/2015, 20:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is paul gadiethz the director of homeland security
    home when hevgo over there if he can go they put he back
    on the send he whers he come from
    • @ shark (27/04/2015, 23:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please tell us what awful set of people behind some of deeds hatedful NDP blogs? The voters need to know I find some of them a disgrace to the issue at hand
  • Queen (27/04/2015, 23:17) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good for all you. Take that in all you @##. What good for one good for all. THREAT ALL HUMANS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. Tortola and all u Govonor has no control over Homeland Security. Hahahaha the joke is now on you guys. Bunch of fools.
  • mark man (28/04/2015, 08:43) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wasn't this a problem under the VIP and they spent so many terms in office did they fix it??? Answer: NO THEY DIDNOT but you all want NDP to fix it one time ... mind you they are more critical issues to fix than just fighting to resolve a matter for local bands to travel to the USVI I have no problem with any local musician I respect all for there art... people let's be civilized and stop the blame game.... A note to musician step your game up and then we could have our festival or jams without the highlight of the USVI bands but until then they will continue to hold the edge...
  • thats exactly it! (28/04/2015, 09:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the BVI is saying to the USVI that we need your services but the usvi is now saying we will use you all for everything you got and spit you out. You cannot tell me that the government officials in the USVI have no say when it comes to immigration between the two countries, in that something cannot be worked out to avoid something like this from occurring. that's is a down right lie. stop making excuses. if they want something, they allow it. Plain and simply. all they are saying is that they dont need you all and you all are not coming into their country to take not one red cent away from them. "stay out if you come to make money". if you come to spend it..."well come on in".
  • socadancer (28/04/2015, 18:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So how all these people come from Vincy or Trini and perform no problems?
  • Papers (29/04/2015, 10:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    To all those who say that the bands should get proper papers, do you know that it will cost about $10,000 for the said papers? $5000 for the VISA, then you have to account for tickets, hotel, transportation etc. It is not worth it for one year.

    Why lie to the people about having talks about the situation and you know you are doing nothing. Be honest, don't lie!
  • Lily Ann (29/04/2015, 12:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    They should at least let VIBE thru .... cause Showtime will only play 3 year old stale music .... VIBE is the freshest and the best now !!!! VIBE Girls on POINT !!! Need no better than that !!!
  • Music Lover (29/04/2015, 13:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Am I missing something here. How is this the government fault. These bands know from last year that they need Visas to play in St. Thomas. If the USVI government decide they not issuing the visa to these bands all our government can do is appeal to them. But if you find out couple days before that they not issuing these visas, you all expect a miracle. You all claim to be grown mature men stop blaming the dogone government for everything, when it doesn't go you all way. I would also say that whoever invited these bands to come and play, should have made sure everything was in place.
    • beyond this issue (29/04/2015, 15:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      yes, they had 1 year to prepare but my question is, why implement such a cost if the bvi artist will not gain from it. are they paying for the exposure? a visa for one person is a huge cost. then you have to consider an extire band? the band is not being paid much. they will not profit. but yet, the usvi's artist come to the bvi for only the cost of a boat ticket and walk away with all their money in their pockets. its not fair. listen, what goes around comes around


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.