Premier Smith on the plane again; heading to CARICOM meeting
According to a Government Information Services (GIS) statement, “Premier Smith and other Heads of Government will deliberate on matters of importance to the Caribbean Community including strategies focused on building resilience in disaster management and recovery, crime and security in the Region, among other areas.”
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has 15 member states and five associate members. The Virgin Islands (VI) is an associate member, not having signed on to many of the provisions that calls for integration and free movement of people.
Smith does not support visa for all CARICOM
It was on Thursday, June 21, 2018, that Premier Smith announced at a press conference that Government intends to implement a 'visa-free' policy, for Chinese nationals wishing to visit the Territory.
Premier Smith who is winding down his political career, came under heavy fire from residents, civil society and the media after he has not pushed for the same courtesy for four Caribbean countries, namely Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Guyana—all members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Under the Treaty of Chaguaramus establishing CARICOM—of which the VI is an Associate Member—nationals are granted an automatic six months stay upon entry, visa-free.
The Premier is accompanied by Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Ms. Najan Christopher, and while he is away, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) will act as Premier in accordance with Section 55 (2) of the VI Constitution Order, 2007.
8 Responses to “Premier Smith on the plane again; heading to CARICOM meeting”
The VI should have the right to dictate who can enter the territory and for how long can they stay, just like any other place in the world.