After receiving debates from only two Members of the House of Assembly, the Immigration & Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019, which received much opposition in the public domain, mostly from locals, was passed via vote during the Fourth Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) yesterday, June 3, 2019. Photo: Youtube

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the passing of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019 was long overdue because leaders before had sidestepped it because of their political insecurity, much to the detriment to the citizens of the territory. Photo: Youtube

Opposition legislator Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines was of the view that the ‘fast track’ regularisation of expats could have been done without a public announcement as was the case over previous administrations. Photo: Youtube

“This was a shorter debate than I thought,” remarked Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in wrapping up the debate after contributions only from Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) and Opposition Member and Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines.

Notably absent during the passing of the Bill were the four Members of the Opposition who had left the House during the Committee stage. All eight (8) of the Government legislators voted on the passing of the Bill.

Bill sets path for immigration reform

Premier Fahie said it was a Bill that was long overdue because leaders before had sidestepped it because of their political insecurity, much to the detriment to the citizens of the territory.

“It was getting worse and worse while politicians twiddled their thumbs for not doing their duty.”

When the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) was elected on February 25, 2019 it pledged to be courageous in doing what is right for the people of the Territory.

And according to Premier Fahie, he and his team listened to the citizens via the consultations and various other means and it was noted that people opposed the regularisation programme his Government proposed because they were fearful of losing their patrimony and heritage and they already felt disenfranchised when jobs they can perform are given to foreigners.

“They are right and this must stop. The solution to this is comprehensive immigration policy and labour reform, Premier Fahie stated, explaining that phase one is clearing the backlog of persons already in the system. “Which is one of the objectives of this bill. We cannot move forward to implement the protection of our people with this backlog hanging over the territory. This needs to be disposed of one way or another so that the reforms can be implemented against the backdrop of a clean slate.”

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) was the only Government legislator to contribute to the debate. Hon Malone gave a historical perspective on the VI’s population over the years. He also said the Bill was a good first step to immigration reform.

‘Fast track’ initiative could have been done in silence- Hon Maduro-Caines

Opposition legislator Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines was of the view the ‘fast track’ regularisation of expats could have been done without an “amnesty” call.

“All the Minister [of Immigration] had to do was to summon all the files that were there, get with the [Immigration] Board and approve the necessary persons to fast track their status, whether it be residents or belongers.”

According to Maduro-Caines, all governments in the past gave status to eligible expats “in silence.”

The Sixth District Representative, now in her third term, said she has no problem with anyone who has dedicated their time and effort in developing the territory getting status; however, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. “This is not something you can just fix in three weeks.”

“Government could have gotten together and bring labour and immigration to the House and make the amendments needed to the Labour and Immigration Bill. What we are doing here, Mr Speaker, is a patch work.”

Further, Hon Maduro-Caines said the Bill has cost too much discord among the people, locals and expats alike. “To me it could have been avoided because this piece of legislation did not have to come to the House. This could have been made internally.”

Meanwhile, Hon Fahie would later explain that the word “amnesty” was indeed initially used but once the Government realised it was not the proper term it was changed immediately.

Where were the Opposition & protestors?

Hon Fahie further noted that the debate was fruitful but he was a bit concerned with the lack of contribution to the debate, “because Members of this Honourable House can agree to disagree because healthy debates are important for all perspectives are brought to the forefront and democracy can be maintained.”

“But it seems the Opposition saw the light of wisdom after listening to the opening of the debate today because they had nothing to say when their turn came to speak, except for one member.”

Hon Fahie said it can be left to assume the Opposition has no more concerns, “they have no more fears with the legislation and they have no more questions. I think it is safe to conclude that because this was the place to have those issues properly ventilated.”

There was also a group of persons that had threatened to protest and even “shut down” the HoA over the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019 reappearing on the Order Paper for the June 3, sitting of the House.

The protestors, who were being incited by Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, did not show.