'My expanded immigration powers not new'- Hon Wheatley
Powers not new – Wheatley
However, while the decision has created some amount of public backlash as to why the Minister was given those powers, Hon Wheatley in a District 5 meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Huntums Ghut area, revealed that the powers are not necessarily new as they were already the responsibility of the Chief Immigration Officer.
“The Immigration Chief currently has those discretion to do just that, this government thought it best to put that responsibility in the hands of a minister,” Hon Wheatley told those gathered at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School for the community meeting.
Further, he says, “All those thing you read in the news... already exists, except they exist in the hands of a public officer."
In a Cabinet Meeting dated April 24, 2019, chaired by Deputy to Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr., it revealed that Cabinet, “approved the amendment of the Immigration and Passport Act (CAP. 130) Section 24 by adding a new section 24(a), which would enable the Minister, in his discretion, to grant any person permission to land and remain in the Territory for such period, as he may determine.”
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More amendments were made such as in, “In cases where a person does not qualify to land and remain in the Territory under section 23(1)(g) in cases such as, but not limited to, religious leaders, entertainers, activists, national heroes, sports personalities, motivational speakers and persons who would boost the Territory's tourism product and can add to the substance of the Virgin Islands in the areas of religion, education, sports, culture and tourism. The Premier's Office would instruct the Attorney General to draft the relevant amendment to the Immigration and Passport Amendment Act.”
The public missive further notes, that the decision was made to ensure and maintain the ‘National Security of the Territory of the Virgin Islands.’
However, before the amendment is brought into full effect, it would have to be taken to the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) for passage into law.
9 Responses to “'My expanded immigration powers not new'- Hon Wheatley ”
Exactly what does this mean? I am an average Virgin Islander who does not understand this language. Why it is now necessary for a single politically ELECTED minister to essentially have the last say with regards to who can enter and remain in the territory? So professional persons travelling to the Territory to represent a political rival can be refused by the minister per this new section? Hmmm. Seems more of treath to National Security of the Territory of the Virgin Islands to me. Was the Territory exposed prior? In what way(s). What am I missing?
I don’t think that the Govt tried to stop Mark’s lawyer from coming in, but Patrick couldnhave won the case with his eyes closed.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
In fact I will be very disappointed if government do not appeal
Hope you say the same thing when they arrest mvw for fraudulent criminal behavior over the wall