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Only expats of 20 plus years to be considered for regularisation- Premier Fahie

Social Commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline along with Minister for Natural Resources and Immigration, Vincent O. Wheatley and Premier Andrew A. Fahie in a ZBVI panel discussion. Photo: Facebook
After holding some seven public meetings and several private ones on the ‘Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme,’ and taking into consideration the recommendations from the people, the Government of the Virgin Islands, led by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has decided to increase the years to qualify for residency status under the programme. Photo: Facebook/File
After holding some seven public meetings and several private ones on the ‘Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme,’ and taking into consideration the recommendations from the people, the Government of the Virgin Islands, led by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has decided to increase the years to qualify for residency status under the programme. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - After holding some seven public meetings and several private ones on the ‘Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme,’ and taking into consideration the recommendations from the people, the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has decided to increase the years to qualify for status under the programme.

The announcement was made by Premier Fahie during a live interview with commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline on ZBVI 780AM on June 1, 2019. The interview, which also had on the panel, Minister for Natural Resources and Immigration Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R7).

Change in Requirements

Initially, the Government had said eligible persons living and working in the VI for 15 years and over would be considered for Residency or Belonger status under the ‘fast track’ programme.

“The people in the Virgin Islands have said they do not want 15 years and over. They said Fahie you and the Government go and sit down with that... we went and we sit down, we left that alone. We have now moved to their recommendation of looking at 20 years and above. We do apologise to others but at the same time too, we have to listen to the voice of the people,” Honourable Fahie stated.

Premier Fahie explained that it was the granting of residency to persons living in the VI for less than 20 years that caused a stir among the masses.

“But we have pulled back and we have listened and we want to assure the people, 15 years, we cannot do that at this time. That will be taken care of when the new process comes in after the first set of 20 years and above is looked at.”

According to Premier Fahie, those persons residing in the territory 15 to 19 years would be considered after immigration reform, for which consultations will be done over the next three months. Those persons may also have to reach revised criteria to become eligible.

507 persons awaiting regularisation

Meanwhile, Premier Fahie clarified that the passing of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019 in the House of Assembly (HoA) on Monday, June 3, 2019, does not mean the 'fast track' initiative has been given a clear go ahead.

"What it does is create the pathway for the Government to be able to do the intuitive in whatever form."

According to Premier Fahie, the Immigration Department has indicated there are 507 persons waiting for Belongers and Residency status for 20 years and above.

"So I have taken a pause with my government, to take a step back, hold many public meetings, listened to the people. We have had our public meetings on Facebook. We have had the highest ratings on Facebook. If you add them up is more than 20,000 views. We have had more than 2000 comments that have come in to us. We have done 7 public meetings. We have done many private meetings. We have pulled back and listened to the people of the Virgin Islands," Premier Fahie stated.

41 Responses to “Only expats of 20 plus years to be considered for regularisation- Premier Fahie”

  • about time (02/06/2019, 12:02) Like (41) Dislike (11) Reply
    We are now clear we support
    • 6 for a 9 (02/06/2019, 15:12) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
      "do the intuitive in whatever form"

      What exactly does that mean? How many more do you intend to regularize over the next 4 years?
  • Very much so (02/06/2019, 12:20) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
    Hon. Premier Fahie, now I’m with you. You are big enough to say you were wrong and I admire you for that. Now you are moving in the right direction.
  • ABC (02/06/2019, 12:44) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    I listen to the show and now have a greater appreciation for what the new government is doing

    FOWARD IN ONE DIRECTION
  • So solid crew (02/06/2019, 13:35) Like (37) Dislike (18) Reply
    Are they going to reimburse the costs associated with obtaining the relevant documents, taking time off work etc for the 15-19yr residents now that they’ve back tracked?
    • Really (02/06/2019, 15:49) Like (13) Dislike (29) Reply
      That’s why people like you need to not get it. All you
      Want to do is suck on the BVI nipple
      • mandy (02/06/2019, 19:21) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply

        My man is a sweet island man and I suck on hi nipple anytime, all the time. Why do I want a BVI nipple? Sour sour! LOL

  • X-Pat (02/06/2019, 14:17) Like (22) Dislike (13) Reply
    Mr Premier we now require a clear path for those who now falls below the 20yrs (revised) they have spent time and money gathering documents for the initial 15 years announced. Enduring long lines on Police certificates, bank statement, photos, notary etc etc.
  • @ So Solid Crew (02/06/2019, 15:03) Like (21) Dislike (41) Reply
    Reimburse what? Take your losses. It sounded so good to be true to you all that you all run and do things like a set of fools and not wait for the criticism from the people of the BVI.
    Do you all think that we BVIslanders would have sit back and accepted that 15-19 years for Belongers? No way.
    Back in you all countries, you all don't have no say, the people in power do as they feel.
    Thank you Mr. Premier for listening to your people.
    BVIslanders, please let us stick together and continue to look out for our little country. We don't have no where else to go.
    These people always calling down our small country and they're dying for Belongers Status.
    • Concerned (02/06/2019, 21:16) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
      Nurses ,doctors,teachers,garbage collectors, waiteress house cleaners, electricity workers and all other expat workers you are to work save for your retirement do not spend more than you have to .Visit your homeland at least twice a year so that you can maintain relationships Then return to your home
      land , Prayto God For good health
      • @ concerned (02/06/2019, 23:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree. Everyone should love and appreciate their homeland. That's where they should want to be.
  • All well and good (02/06/2019, 15:53) Like (16) Dislike (15) Reply
    However, our Constitution needs to be amended like yesterday to allow only persons who can prove that their grandparents or better yet, great grandparents were born in the BVI so that locals are not overpowered and taken advantage of in the years to come,
  • bg (02/06/2019, 17:35) Like (33) Dislike (22) Reply
    I am not impressed at all! You people continue to have expats work as slaves for you all. Imagine living in an island for 15 yrs and have no sort of status whatsoever. Premier, you cannot let BVIslanders make all the decisions for you. So why involve them in this when your mind was set on 15 years?
    You said that persons should get their documents ready- bank statements, photos, police reports and notarisation of documents... are you gonna apologise to the expats for wasting their money? God doesn't sleep.
    • East Side (02/06/2019, 21:32) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      And u really believe fahie lol u all are some thing else
    • @bg (02/06/2019, 23:10) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
      You work, You get paid, You have improved your circumstances and your homeland by sending back money. You have 100% rights in your home country. We have NO claim there. If you feel this place is unfair to you return to your homeland.
      • bg (03/06/2019, 10:05) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        You have no claim there cause you have not lived and contributed there! Idiot!
        • @bg (03/06/2019, 12:17) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
          We have contributed to your homeland by giving you the opportunity to work here and send home money for 15+ years. Yep we should have a claim.
    • You have a status (03/06/2019, 08:36) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Your status is you are a native to your homeland.
      Your are here on work permit (STATUS).
      If you don't like it go back to your homeland, wherever that is.
      No one is keeping anyone in the BVI by gun point. You've made a decision to move here, usually for economics reason. Are you living better and more comfortable than you are in your homeland? If so, be thankful and cash you pay check. A DAY'S PAY FOR A DAY'S WORK!
      We owe you nothing and you can leave at your own free will!
    • reform (03/06/2019, 14:51) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @bg, that is the problem, persons should not be here on a work permit beyond 7 years unless they posses a unique skill that is scarce. Work Permit is an avenue to migrate to the BVI. Persons come here with the notion they are relocating indefinitely and expect status after time. I do not understand why nationals of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Guyana need a visa to enter the BVI and nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines don't.
  • Ungrateful (02/06/2019, 17:54) Like (25) Dislike (27) Reply
    After Hurricane Irma, a lot of locals went off island until things were better then came back home. It was the expats or should I say SLAVES who stayed to clean and help rebuild your BVI and this is the treatment we are getting? Shame on all of you! They will know we are Christians by our love! Where is the Love, people?
    • taco (02/06/2019, 20:11) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
      After Irma the BVI’s number one representative flew out to Colorado on a private plane owned by one of the private islands to go skiing whilst the slaves rebuild the island. Don’t worry, the UK will intervene and fix this mess soon enough and the new Premier knows it, what do you think started this?
    • @Ungrateful (02/06/2019, 23:14) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
      After Hurricane Irma, most locals stayed right here and worked to put the place back together. Most expats went home. Those who stayed and worked were PAID. Nobody worked for free. get over it. You have 100% rights in your home country that God give you. What is the problem?
      • Factcheck (03/06/2019, 09:28) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        That’s simply untrue. Most expats that temporarily left (as they have no house here) went to keep the BVI’s economy from collapsing, mostly from other jurisdictions that are our competitors. They took a massive financial hit and came back to rebuild because they thought it was the right thing to do. They did not anticipate that this BVI xenophobia would return in the way it has after what we all went through.
        • @ Factcheck (04/06/2019, 02:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          No. Most expats LEFT. They came back afterwards and there were MASSIVE lines at Immigration and Labour for days. Don't fool yourself.
  • upset (02/06/2019, 18:42) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why are you people crying? Did anyone beg you to stay? Didn’t we all get pay when we work. I’m an expat and I don’t know what the noise is all about. Weren’t we living in the bvi for 25 years and over are we dead? Thank God for life and move on. God bless these Virgin Islands.
  • Hello... (02/06/2019, 19:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    To Ungrateful:stop lying thru your teeth.... one question..who have up by the gap by Purcell and freebottom by the garbage looking so?..chupees!!!
  • Looking out (02/06/2019, 19:44) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    we have a lot of haters from Bvi what I want to say since I am living here for the past 20 ad years what I find these people here are very lazy people and only a few have a meaning full skill I work with lots of them here in different project when they work 1 week get pay they gone never to c them back when u do c them anywhere always begging for something that is the life I don't care we created a lot good working skills here and go so far in teaching them stuff and so evil minded
    • @Looking out (02/06/2019, 21:55) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
      You sound like a real white man.
    • @ looking out (02/06/2019, 23:20) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
      You living here for 20 ad years and the only thing you can say is that the people are lazy.
      We find YOU ungrateful. Why are you here?
      You have 100% rights in your home country
      The airport is fully open. Take advantage of it.
    • Dink (03/06/2019, 01:24) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      You people are really out of line..its not that..you want to stay here and calling down BVIislanders so bad ..not all BVislanders Lazy and dont have skills ...you expats are really ungratful ..that us why some BVislander hate you all....supposedl the tables were turned..you would have spoken out the same way ....we have to protect our country......you all are just nasty towards us ...
  • Ignorant V**y Possy! (02/06/2019, 21:03) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    Please don’t be mad because you had plan to stay and be little the people who have no where else to call home as you try to take everything that belonged to them! Now everyone else needs to be on heavy rotation... you had enough time to make your money, now it’s time for you to LEAVE!
  • 16 years (03/06/2019, 00:25) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    VIP working they going be there for long long time
  • Chek This out. (03/06/2019, 12:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can a Belonger tell me exactly what it is that an expat will take from them by becoming a citizen in this country. Apart from maybe stop paying rent.
  • Grenadian Expat (03/06/2019, 14:34) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier Fahie, I have a suggestion...
    Why not from now going forward, don't allow any more expats to enter into the country to work. Vacation, yes. This topic has shown the true colors of your BVIslanders - that they HATE expats.
    • @ Grenadian Expat (04/06/2019, 07:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No They don't hate Expats. This whole thing was rolled out really badly and it has EVERYONE up in arms and slinging mud.

      You can't go through the blogs without seeing the hateful and derogatory comments made by Expats about locals. Then they claim they should be given rights to stay here.

      This is our home. We shouldn't have to defend ourselves here. People need to understand that.
      • to grenadian expat (07/06/2019, 19:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Blogging is hiding behind closed doors..
        Any body can pretend to be an expat and blog as though he or she hates bvislanders,when in fact it could be a bvislander pretending to be an expat..
        If all expats leave the bvi and only bvislanders remain and reside in bvi,are we suggesting that there will be no more hatred,no crime,no violence,no road rage..
        There are born bvislanders who are not friends with each other.
        Hatred etc..is part of the sinful world.Brothers hate brothers,sisters hate sisters.
        WE DO NOT HAVE A DISCRIMATORY-HATRED BEHAVIOR IN THE BVI.


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