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Over 1500 expats regularised: ‘We chose to unite the BVI forever’- Hon Fahie

- More than 1000 receive Belonger & Residency status from ‘Fast Track Programme’
The court of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, was packed to capacity as more than 1500 expats living and working in the VI for more than 20 years were given certificates of Residency and Belonger at a ceremony on December 16, 2019. Photo: Facebook
More than 1000 of the persons receiving status were from the ‘Fast Track’ Regularisation Programme spearheaded by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: Facebook
More than 1000 of the persons receiving status were from the ‘Fast Track’ Regularisation Programme spearheaded by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: Facebook
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said based on the numbers receiving status it can be seen that the rumours and fear mongering that have been spread by a small handful of persons have been disproved as untrue, baseless and raw mischief. Photo: Facebook
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said based on the numbers receiving status it can be seen that the rumours and fear mongering that have been spread by a small handful of persons have been disproved as untrue, baseless and raw mischief. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The court of the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, was packed to capacity as more than 1500 expats living and working in the VI for more than 20 years were given certificates of Residency and Belonger at a ceremony on December 16, 2019.

More than 1000 of the persons receiving status were from the ‘Fast Track’ Regularisation Programme spearheaded by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who was on hand to personally congratulate the successful applicants.

Hon Fahie noted that the certificate was more than just a piece of paper, “it is our Government’s statement and the people of the Virgin Islands’ statement that we recognise you as a member of our community and as a person that is now a Virgin Islander.”

The Premier added that the recognition has come from the applicants having lived “amongst us for so many years, 20 years, 40 years, 50 years, and during this time you have abide by our laws, which are really your laws, performed other obligations and expectations and you have made special contributions in different areas. For this we are grateful and encourage you to maintain your spirit of true BVI love.”

'We chose unity'

Hon Fahie noted that the idea behind the regularisation initiative was to resolve long outstanding and overdue matters in order to reform immigration and labour systems.

Responding to the critics of the programme, Hon Fahie said he respected their right to oppose but as leaders you have a choice. “You can face the problems that are there and let them become worse or make a decision- one that will not only solve the problem but united the BVI forever. We chose to unite the BVI forever.”

Hon Fahie said it is clear that there is unity in strength and the strength of a chain depends on its weakest link, but what is most important is that the Territory is much closer to moving ahead with the labour and immigration systems so that it can protect Virgin Islanders and ensure that they are treated fairly in the job market and in accordance with the law.

‘We cannot hold on to the past’

Already regarded as an ‘unconventional government doing unconventional things’, Premier Fahie said, as persons can see from the news, the Speech from the Throne, and the Budget, that “your Government headed by Andrew Alturo Fahie will touch anything that was not touched before and get it solved with God’s help.

“We cannot hold on to the past and grab the bright future that the Lord has for us, nor can we dwell on the past forever. We cannot just leave everything in limbo. You have to lead or get out of the way.”

Rumours & fear mongering disproved

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the persons receiving certificates were from the Fast Track Programme, as well as others whose applications were trapped in a backlog.

From the Fast Track Programme, some 648 persons received certificates of Belonger status and 542 received certificates of Residency and Belonger combined.

From the backlog applications that were not fast tracked but received approvals by the Immigration Board in July were 129 for Residency and 204 for Belonger status.

“From these numbers you can see that the rumours and fear mongering that have been spread by a small handful of persons have been disproved as untrue, baseless and raw mischief.”

With status comes responsibilities

“With these status come some responsibilities,” Hon Wheatley stated, explaining that accepting these new status should mean, that one has accepted VI values, customs and culture, and that these are to be guarded zealously, protected, celebrated and shared with great pride and enthusiasm.

“You as new ambassadors will be a reflection of all of us and we will be judged by your actions, attitudes and behaviours.  We ask you to take this very seriously.”

Hon Wheatley added that Government believes it has done the right thing.

“We ask you to prove us right. We ask you to use this status not just as a springboard for your selves but also your fellow BVIslanders and the Territory as a whole.”

68 Responses to “Over 1500 expats regularised: ‘We chose to unite the BVI forever’- Hon Fahie”

  • ? (17/12/2019, 09:56) Like (13) Dislike (66) Reply
    Now that so many were given status, how will the Trade Department handle new competing business applications? Understand, this is not 1100 persons but many of these individuals will be applying for status for their spouses and children.

    This is a small nation, how many persons can become building contractors etc. in the Virgin Islands. Not much persons are innovative enough to think of new business ideas. Most persons will fall back on what they have been employed as throughout the years and this is why many try to set up food vendor businesses throughout the Capital.

    Additionally, land ownership and competing housing rental units... how will this be addressed ‘if at all’.

    The Government has a lot of reforming on their hands to handle these new social and economic issues at hand.

    Let’s hope this never happens again, where is the wisdom in being overly nice and humane to your neighbors to the detriment of your household? This unwise practice will cause you and your household poverty and hardship.

    Now the doors must be closed Completely as the people of these lands try to handle these new economic and social issues! There is no more of this little pie to share out! Remember people, it was only a few years back that the government of the day allowed thousands within one or so year, entry into the territory for employment. Can you imagine allowing so many individuals status in a few years to come?

    We have to try to bring our people or grandchildren back home now! Rotate employment and Reform, Reform, Reform!!!
    • fmp (17/12/2019, 10:32) Like (95) Dislike (12) Reply
      These people have been here for donkey years. They probably contributed more to this country than you have. Shut your mouth with your selfish comments. We all are going to die some day and we are not taking anything with us
      • @fmp (17/12/2019, 11:47) Like (14) Dislike (54) Reply
        You shout your mouth, no one can ever love one’s country more than its country man. This is my country and I WILL EXPRESS MY VIEWS!
      • @fmp (17/12/2019, 19:46) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        We do not mind the good ones staying. But the bad ones need to go. Wished that there was some way this could have been done. In any event, who the hell cares now. The rich will get richer and the poor poorer whether you give them status or not. Giving them status would not take or add anything to the born here. When a country begins to 'develop' it becomes poorer overall. So what's next for some here - migration. Even the herds of buffalo migrate. That's the way life is.
    • kettle and pot (17/12/2019, 11:10) Like (57) Dislike (7) Reply
      The US needs to close its doors to Tolans having their children there for status and never living or contributing there! These people who finally got BVI status have lived and worked and contributed to the BVI growth for over 20 years, and helped rebuild after the Hurricanes of 2017 and it is still not enough for people like you.

      I hope other countries don't treat your citizens the way you treat others. Congrats to Fahie for his forward thinking approach to a long standing problem.
      • Comment (17/12/2019, 11:49) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
        Well let them close their doors to all other nations too, including yours.
      • Norris Turnbull (17/12/2019, 12:36) Like (8) Dislike (25) Reply
        @kettle and pot. Its that attitude that cause divisions in the Virgin Islands. who the hell are you to say what the US needs to do? Why are you here in the Virgin Islands? Some of you are so freakin ungrateful. even getting belonger status or naturalization is enough for some of you. go to hell
      • Queso (17/12/2019, 20:40) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        The Tolians ,you should be reminded, do not treat their adoptive countries with the disrespect others do.
        This is why Tolians are welcomed wherever they go and why they have been afforded the priveleges others covet.
        The BVI, with its generosity could see their priveleges affected as a result of the new citizens/new Tolians they have chosen to dominate their once respected country. Very unfortunate and shortsighted.
      • Contribute? (25/12/2019, 00:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why come here to contribute? Couldn't you have contributed back home in your own country? So many people had nothing to contribute in their home countries, nor own anything in their country, but expect the VI to give them its people's land. We must not give our land away and accept everything the Premier says because he is a beneficiary in terms of votes. So there is a personal gain for him. But the day will come when these same people he is fighting for will reject him and use the right he has given them, to elect their own people in the Virgin Islands.
      • Quid pro quo (25/12/2019, 00:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The Virgin Islands gave the U. S. Virgin Islanders their name and they in turn gave the Virgin Islands their currency. In the fifties and sixties the United states embassy personnel came to the courthouse/house of assembly in Road Town and issued green cards to any citizen who wanted one. Some of you came from independent countries that have United states embassies on premises. If you were law abiding you could have gotten green cards. There is no need to be jealous of Virgin Islanders being born in the United states: you could have done the same.
    • Seriously (17/12/2019, 11:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why do you have to be so negative.
  • thank you (17/12/2019, 10:02) Like (47) Dislike (8) Reply
    Dont mind the noise Mr Premier you did what is right in the sight of God not man
    • Love love love love! (17/12/2019, 10:21) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
      In the sight of God. This is HIS LAND. Let me hear the "Christians" who think otherwise now.
      I Love this!!
      • True but.. (17/12/2019, 12:25) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        I hope that when the reform policies are in place you will love it too!
    • @thank you (17/12/2019, 20:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      AMEN!!! a million times, AMEN!!!
  • Thoughtful Sailor (17/12/2019, 10:04) Like (26) Dislike (8) Reply
    Progress! Good job, Andrew
  • Me. Again (17/12/2019, 10:35) Like (14) Dislike (19) Reply
    Giving status is one thing ; but this huge number at one time will be a GREAT deficit at treasury.
    1500. X $25.00 =$37,500. JUST FOR IMMIGRATION time
    Average Work Permit $600.00 X 1500 =$900,000.00. How do we make up for this shirt fall. Just asking ?
    • wise up (17/12/2019, 11:05) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
      @me again look at this cross,so u saying expats are only to make money from?and still u don’t like them,they will contribute more than u think.
      • @wise up (17/12/2019, 12:01) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
        The Labour force laws are clear, and now will be made clearer and enforced. You are here to work for a few years on rotation. No more misunderstanding, opportunities in the VI are limited and are not to be extended to family, friends and relatives abroad looking employment and relocation. Who are in are in and now... the gate is now closed!
    • DOESN'T ADD UP (17/12/2019, 11:06) Like (35) Dislike (1) Reply
      Your math is off. Remember, many of these people were already permanent residents, meaning they were work permit exempt already and no longer paying those fees.
    • You. Again (17/12/2019, 11:22) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      The majority of the persons receiving residency / belongership were work permit exempt so this won't make as big of a difference as you're saying. It also promotes job security & opens up new business opportunities which will benefit the BVI greatly.
      • please (17/12/2019, 12:07) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
        Job security for who? Business opportunities for who? Too many businesses will be competing in this little business market if Trade Department do not handle this correctly.
        • @Please (17/12/2019, 12:54) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
          If you had any understanding of economic growth you'd understand that competition is healthy and will benefit the BVI.
          • says (17/12/2019, 14:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
            The fox to the tortoise!
            • Say3 (17/12/2019, 20:06) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
              Sixty five 65% of them donot deserve to be deemed to belong to BVI. There attitude is sink and offensive to the BVI. Let them go.......
        • Hrmph (17/12/2019, 18:21) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
          The Trade Dept now has the opportunity to introduce real competition - and thereby force prices down and service levels up. Inefficient and expensive rip of businesses have had their day!
    • think (17/12/2019, 11:33) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      You're not a thinker. There is a much wider picture. Let me help you out.
      1. There will be a rise in application for naturalization. That comes with a fee.

      2. Trade licence applications are going ot hit off, because all who worked for minimum wage, victimization and knock about from the locals will put an end to it and open their own businesses. That is a fee

      3. Those who got belongers and have been married to other expats for 5 years or more, their spouses are not going to apply for belongers based on marriage. Some already on their way to take them in.

      4. A set of people buy land in other people name who isn't family. Time for transfer and 4% stamp duty.

      Just to name a few.
      • Really? (17/12/2019, 12:19) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
        All of this comes with social and economical issues for the citizens of the BVI. I hope that when many are turned down at Trade Department because they are trying to compete with BVIslanders’ businesses, they will not bad talking the BVI as many have in the past.
        • @ Really (17/12/2019, 14:59) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
          I was granted Belonger status. It did not come with limitations so please show respect for us new set of BVIslanders. Like it or lump it. If trade have a legit reason to turn down anybody application, then that is there right. We have a right to own businesses, buy and own land and vote just like all of youall. When I shake Mr. Fahie hand yesterday, I guarantee my vote. Think most of us did as well.
          • @@Really (17/12/2019, 20:47) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply

            So admittedly you say that Fahie used you for vote. 

          • @. @Really (18/12/2019, 00:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
            Tell that to the Ferry companies, in fact go an apply for a taxi license. In fact with that attitude go and try and purchase land. If there are too many businesses competing in a small market such as this everyone’s business will fail. Town meetings will be needed to deal with the social issues and concerns of the citizens of these lands. When a people feel disenfranchised, they will fight back and not at the polls.
        • @Really? (17/12/2019, 20:31) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          Well that will have to be lawsuit, because that would be unlawful DISCRIMINATION cos they would be BELONGERS NOW!! So now y'all want to make a distinction between BVIslanders and Belongers...so you going amend the constitution??? we will wait and see...cos if you telling me what these people got is an empty title...well...that ain't going sit well with nobody..watch around you...other Caribbean territories on the rise...Jamaica, Guyana, St. Kitts...you think people will put up with oppression any longer going forward...you have another thing coming...
          • @ @Really? (18/12/2019, 00:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            You haven’t been given status but a day and you ready to sue the country? You need to wake up, if the Trade Department wants to deny or restrict persons trade licenses it is their right to do so, especially if it is at the detriment of the economy of the territory. No town can have 100 McDonalds within a mile of each other, that’s just bad business.
    • @ me again (17/12/2019, 12:42) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Majority of these people would've had work permit exemptions as they have been here so long so no lost to government in terms of the revenue you mentioned.
    • Was not free (17/12/2019, 17:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      These people paid $1500 per person. 1500 x $1500 = 2.25 Million...you do the math. Seems more like a huge injection intothe treasury to me.
    • Easy Answer (17/12/2019, 18:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Fewer permits means a lot less work in Immigration and Labor. Cut the staff.
    • yoyo (17/12/2019, 18:44) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Fees collected for certificates:$1500x1500=2,250,000.I know you don’t have knowledge to understand that math, that why this country needs them bro
    • Do the maths (17/12/2019, 19:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      1500 x 800= $1.2 million
  • concern (17/12/2019, 10:46) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    Great Job Premier. Standing keep for the rights of people is important. It doesn't matter the place of birth, once they follow the rules and regulations of the land.
    You were always outspoken for the people while you were on the opposition. I expect you to continue to stand as the premier for the people of the British Virgin Islands and those who love this island and make here a home away from their place of birth.
    Remember the earth is the Lord and the fulness thereof. God is the one over the entire universe.
    I pray that He grant you the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, to lead the territory that He has entrusted upon you to lead.
  • BA (17/12/2019, 11:05) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    I need a house to buy or a peace of land so I can stop paying for your .how about that please let me know? So keep talking nonsense .The BVI is not your
  • YES! (17/12/2019, 11:29) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    1500 mpre voters for the vip. Love it
  • If NdP had (17/12/2019, 12:08) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Done this... all of tolains will be protesting down the road. I can see how the 7th district rep would have been front and centre. Thank you VIP for doing what you did, but fair is fair give the rest out to whoever rightfully earns it.
  • VBG (17/12/2019, 12:14) Like (14) Dislike (13) Reply
    I suggest that regardless of Fast Track Programe or backlog in belonger status, 1500 persons should not have been granted residency / belonger status at one time. A more thoughtful consideration should have been displayed. This could have been done in intervals and/or by lottery. (Concern. Citizen)
  • A change maker (17/12/2019, 12:44) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Now that the Premier cleared up the backlog it is fair enough to tighten its border . He is clearly a leader the opposition talk about this year after year and did nothing and planned to do nothing only talk every time election comes close.Now let’s all get along and continue spreading BVI love.lets us all work together to make BVI even better than before.One love BVI and BIG Up yourself Mr PRIMIER .
    • Nice (17/12/2019, 15:28) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Tighten boarders? What can the premier really do to tighten our boarders? I believe that much of that talk was merely to quiet the naysayers. However, I will give the premier the benefit of doubt and patiently wait to hear about his fast track boarder protection plans I hope it will be equivalent to the effort that was put into his fast track initiative.
  • bvi (17/12/2019, 13:51) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    WE WILL REMOVE THE VIP FROM OFFICE IN 38 SHORT MONTHS
  • Voters (17/12/2019, 14:18) Like (13) Dislike (19) Reply
    We want the VIP ggggggggggggggggggggggggggone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Dulce (17/12/2019, 14:37) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    Andrew ,from day one has done everything to guarantee his reelection. It is all about Andrew. He cares not for these Islands except to take a seat on the throne.
    But it is what the people deserve. They voted for him despite all the red flags.

  • Dulce (17/12/2019, 14:37) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Andrew ,from day one has done everything to guarantee his reelection. It is all about Andrew. He cares not for these Islands except to take a seat on the throne.
    But it is what the people deserve. They voted for him despite all the red flags.

  • belonger (17/12/2019, 14:38) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
    Thank u Mr. Premier. U did what is right in the eyes of God.
    We will not let u down. We will continue to build this beautiful country that we have called home for decades.
  • Hello fam (17/12/2019, 17:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a local....the legislation allowed for this to happen....im against it but it is what it id and by all rights these people deserved it. However in the future, we should allow people to come here for work but not to take the place of the local country man. Its out fault we dont do for ourselves, we dont produce or teach ourselves, we cant paynour own who travel for education etc..... its our fault thisnall is happening
  • question (17/12/2019, 18:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do they now have the option to apply for a UK passport?
    • drake (17/12/2019, 19:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes they do, but I believe most already do, those who receive residence will he to be naturalized and a BOTC and thereafter apply as a British Citizen to obtain the UK Passport.

      So in a nut shell the will apply.
      • Thank you; Question (17/12/2019, 20:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Can the UK rescind its privilege of automatic UK citizenship to the VI .?
        I am concerned that the onslaught of so many new UK citizens via the BVI, those who would more than likely not be considered by the UK as preferred residing citizens in the UK ,could rattle the cage and the UK make changes to the current agreement .
    • passport (17/12/2019, 19:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes. Once they become naturalized.
  • Oh My (17/12/2019, 18:51) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tortola should have never been in a position to have people come in their house and clean up after them. What do the locals expect? You let all these people in here without setting a standard and because they contributed they automatically feel they deserve piece of the pie......who allow them to feel that way? We locals now have to lay in the bed our forefathers made for us. Had we kept certain skills in the schools, upheld our culture and traditions, we would have never needed to import anybody. None of them would have been able come here without a local sponsoring them. But this is the price we pay for being lazy and cheap. Its wrong yes but hey, suck it up tortola. Tek dat
    • Happy for those. (17/12/2019, 23:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm happy for those people. There is another side. I'm sad for the labourers. People who have laboured for 30 plus yrs. Their whole life in this place. They have forgotten.. Oppressed.. still waiting... The other sad story the other sad side...
  • KC (17/12/2019, 20:51) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our father God! We acknowledge that you're the creator of the universe. Please continue to bless the BVI, heavenly father continue to keep our premier and is family safe from the hands of the enemy's, father God even those with all those bad comments keep them safe oh God, heavenly father this is your land everything here belongs to you mighty God, so we thank you for the opportunity for each day oh lord continue to protect and keep us all safe in your mighty name amen.
  • guy hill (17/12/2019, 23:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Breathe In......
    Breathe out......
    Move On...
    Seize the time.
  • Unite the BVI. Hmmm (17/12/2019, 23:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    People 30 plus years still waiting for a call... Injustice don't unite...
    • @ Unite the BVI (18/12/2019, 08:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you have applied you need to contact them. They did not call everyone so its possible that your name is on the list
  • soooo (18/12/2019, 11:33) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Down the road when the UK take back its privilege of citizenship from the VI it will be a pox on the revelers eccept for Mr Premier who got the fame and votes he is desperately seeking at the ecpense of the country. I hope it happens soon. All thesenewly inducted will be flooding the UK and UK did not ask for them nor do they want them. Taking advantage of a privilege can only result in it being taken away.
    Now,about the guaranteed losn,bet there will be unexpected hiccups to discouragethe VI sooo dont say a thing. We down hill from here. Pay attentiion!
    • nonsense (20/12/2019, 12:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If one is desperate to move to the UK, I can think of better ways to accomplish that than by first moving to the BVI for 20 to 30 years, starting a business, having children/grandchildren and putting down roots. People apply for belongership for one and only reason; they want to live in and be a full part of the BVI.
      • @onsense (20/12/2019, 22:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        "People apply for belongership for one and only reason,theywant to live in and be a full part of the BVI"....Hahahahahaaaa,!!!
  • BA (19/12/2019, 05:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    But yet you sit an your assssss collecting taxes from the USA every year's and feeling damn good about it.... nonsense


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