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'Untold damages' in blocking return of work permit, exemption holders - Dr Pickering

- puts spotlight on families & economy as calls heighten for rethink of decision
Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has called for a revisiting of the policy surrounding an August 2, 2020, government decision to block re-entry to the territory, holders of work permits and work permit exemptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: VINO/File
According to Dr Pickering, while there is an unspoken role and primary responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and people, he said the majority of the local labour force is also non-local and is dependent on expats. Photo: VINO/File
According to Dr Pickering, while there is an unspoken role and primary responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and people, he said the majority of the local labour force is also non-local and is dependent on expats. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - A former Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has called for a revisiting of the policy surrounding an August 2, 2020, government decision to block the re-entry of holders of work permits and work permit exemptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a recent interview with 284 Media on the controversial topic, Dr Pickering noted that the privilege of a work permit exemption for the Virgin Islands is also granted for good reasons to those who qualify.

Damage to families & businesses 

"If you basically say that my spouse went away on vacation or went away for whatever reason, and because of the lockdown they are not allowed to come back into the country, then you are doing untold damage to families and therefore the social infrastructure of our country is going to be tethering on the brink of disaster," he said.

According to Dr Pickering, while there is an unspoken role and primary responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and people, the majority of the local labour force is also non-local and is dependent on expats.

"You think about it even further. Everybody who has a work permit in this country they are working for a local firm or company, because you can't get a work permit on your own, you have to be sponsored by your employer so you are saying that local businesses cannot function because their employees have gone away for whatever purpose and cannot come back."

Damage to economy 

The former minister said persons locked out would also be residing somewhere in the Territory, whether it's their own home or a rental property. 

"If you stop collecting rent in this country, most persons who collect rent they depend on the rent either to pay their mortgage or to pay their additional bills if its an investment and now all of a sudden you can't collect your rent and so you of yourself start falling behind."

Dr Pickering said the multiplier effect that results from the decision needs to be rethinked since, according to him, it currently has more negatives than positives.

Decision based on context 

He remarked that the decision could be seen counterproductive as it was one based on the current context of the pandemic.

"But then when you look at it you realise, this needs to be rethought, the negatives are outweighing the positives, the risks are much more than benefits," he said.

40 Responses to “'Untold damages' in blocking return of work permit, exemption holders - Dr Pickering”

  • Shaking My head (13/08/2020, 15:56) Like (33) Dislike (54) Reply
    all these cockroaches who kill the country up and down the place trying them god dam best to be relevant...what happen his rich white friends have to stay out a few weeks longer?
    • @SMH (13/08/2020, 18:21) Like (48) Dislike (7) Reply
      Don’t disrespect the Doctor like that.
    • Ghost (13/08/2020, 18:36) Like (20) Dislike (45) Reply
      @shaking my head.. I hear you And I agree with with You but in the same breath, can you please refrain from adding obscene Language when using the Name of God and plz Cap. His Name for He’s More than Worthy..i understand that it’s perhaps hard but our Premier is doing what he think is best to keep everyone safe and Doc need to respect this.. he was in power for like 20 yrs and what did he do in that time?.. long look remained a slum, he partied with his rich white friends and our lands- that’s another story .. he was more for his rich White friends getting ahead than locals..
      • East man son of the soil (14/08/2020, 09:32) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
        It is a shame to see how stupid some people can be. Dr Pikering said it how he sees it and we need to respect that. The Virgin Islands Party did not purchase the British Virgin Islands from England. They were elected to run it and when the four years is up just like Dr Pickering which ever one loose will be looking in. He is a political and he has a right to comment on any thing he chooses. What Dr Pickering white friends is to do with that. I think they need to get rid of the blogs altogether. You people are bringing shame on this country. The expert people sit back and let Virgin Islands Party fool them. The VIP is not for outsiders. You all don't know that. This is what happens when you treater someone who was good to you . I am speaking of Mr Myron Walwyn Yes that man work his but off for expert people and they turn their backs on him . People it is simple. You rep what you sow.
    • Have a seat (15/08/2020, 07:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Pickering we have locals who are now unemployed as a result of the pandemic who can now function in the roles others were functioning in. You have never been for locals eversince you married an expat. It's like since you're married to an expat all you're trying to do is open the floodgates for all expats to enter and put your own people out of work. Shame on you Dr. Pickering for being such a sell out. Expats can find jobs and lay root in their own country however, the BVI is the only place our locals can lay root. Shame on you
  • Titty (13/08/2020, 16:04) Like (9) Dislike (35) Reply
    Go sit down doc. This country need all the support we can get. The economy needs unity and strength. Big companies in the US closing, Doc wake up.
  • Obligations (13/08/2020, 16:12) Like (37) Dislike (4) Reply
    I have a loan and I am locked out of the Territory because of this policy so I have no income to pay. Banks will suffer because of this policy because I am sure I am not the only work permit/exemption holder who has financial obligations they are unable to meet because they cannot get back to work and earn a living to meet their obligations.
    • Doc picko (13/08/2020, 19:35) Like (7) Dislike (29) Reply
      To obligation the bank have insurance.. so do worry about your loan stay in your country. What you all country have ghost. The BVI make a law and it’s not going to change for you and whoever who’s not from the BVI..
      • Seriously (13/08/2020, 21:49) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
        You saying that but yet the locals are in the mighty USA and making their pickney there too. Wah tola have ghost.??? Orlando Smith hospital have ghost????
        • @seriously (14/08/2020, 06:36) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
          Difference is that locals are not nuisances and a blight in the countries where they decide to go and where they are welcome. Those countries do not need to build larger prisons and hire thousands of police to control locals who choose to live abroad. And if ever the countries request that the locals leave,they wont be fighting whining complaining or begging to stay. Locals have a home.
      • Looking at you (15/08/2020, 00:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Hahaa, you guys are so full. You have nothing there without outsiders, you're don't even have independence lol
    • Doc picko (13/08/2020, 19:35) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
      To obligation the bank have insurance.. so do worry about your loan stay in your country. What you all country have ghost. The BVI make a law and it’s not going to change for you and whoever who’s not from the BVI..
  • God Bless You.. (13/08/2020, 16:15) Like (26) Dislike (9) Reply
    Thank you Dr. Those government members are so afraid of this man. They sit like Children and let this Man do and say what he wants.. Inflict so . much unnecessary pain...
  • LAW (13/08/2020, 16:19) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
    dr pickering we hear your story but you have to be more carefull with what is going on in the british Virgin Islands yes bring them in or bring them back you will pay the price for the quaterine as a doctor lives are important and not money you talking like that gesture is ok cant you see what is happen in the big united States of america and close to us s thomas you got to be crazy like conovir gone to your head you go to church every sunday what does that mean God is going to deak with it be it manmade or otherwise the econny may take a dip but we owe it to keep this place safe for not only theexpats and those who you want to come but for the children and the future we will not go broke the Lord will provide but he gave man wisdom so use it from looking at money money cannot save you even though you may have millions if the viris gets here through what you are peaching what will you do does you have a built up of medical medicine w probaly need to send you Cuba instead snd bring you in on quarintine and you see how it feels people runningout of america so when they reach gere they should be sent to you to stay at your house man r pickering bull up your belt and stop talking bullS... I feel bad that who is out cannot come in but remember no country ants any of the virus did you se what Turks and Caicos did tyhey shut down and not letting any one in and when you was in power as a doctor you would try your bbest to clean up all the dirty runniung water in the seventh district but you just drive by turn your head and let the water run your Government mess and mock up this country and you was the one who always said if we donot clean up the counrty we would epedemic of mass prppition see now we have mass pandamic it beating worst than an untuned steel band dr Pickering shut your mout and haul in your house and do not look for nobody because you is a real A.. i am sorry that you think that way but again if BVIlanders were down the caribbean or other places they would have donne send them home see what ttump did stop playing the BVI and Island man actor we need to come together and help each other but you need to take a diffrent turn BVI landers first
  • l (13/08/2020, 16:32) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Don't worry your self mr Pickering it still has some water in d wheal it soon run ot it's just a matter of time
  • Security (13/08/2020, 16:34) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    The problem is the security companies.... they are charging about $400/day to "observe" each person, but use one guard to secure several people plus only pay the guards a max of $10/hour. So these security companies are making big bucks, not paying the guards.....
  • Agree (13/08/2020, 17:02) Like (24) Dislike (9) Reply
    I agree with Doc. If persons who got stuck out of the country during the lockdown and have jobs and house/apartments here in the BVI and are also paying their bills abroad come on, these persons should be allowed back in the country. The BVI is where they call home and they are contributing to the economy and also assisting local companies which they are employed by to thrive in the BVI. As Doc has stated this needs to be rethought seriously. This should be done on a case by case situation.
  • legal (13/08/2020, 17:36) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    some of these sayings is only telling the public what is going on and what went on more to cone i hope we the people of thge bvi will not be shocked when the toubles caused by the NDP start rolling inPreier expats live here but soe of the coments is not nice thet have their house and land ut we should not ave nothing God send you in government foe a purpose we need to work with you so that tings can be a litter wearing but people need to adhere Premier keep the locks on and the country will spring back with the help of the Almighty The Lord bless you
  • saw it coming (13/08/2020, 17:36) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
    they wait for an opportunity to keep down island people out. They had black lives matter but down island people are black......so what about all lives matter? There is screening and quarantine, they can receive them with a negative certificate.....but they just want to keep the down island people out.......their own people will suffer for lack of rent payments even if they evict the tenants, banks will start calling on landlords for payments. Businesses will suffer because the locals do not want to work in certain places. so.......BVI ALL LIVES MATTER.........EVEN THOSE WHO WORK HARD FOR YOUR ISLAND AND DO NOT GET ANYTHING IN RETURN... ............
    • @ saw it coming (14/08/2020, 00:08) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
      What are you afraid of did you kill someone in your country? I am sure your country is beautiful and have lots of food. You should not want to come back to live among these lazy, nasty uneducated. unqualifief, inbred and any other adjective you could think of people. You all call us all kind of names so that you can keep your feet on our necks. Another thing the tax you all say you are paying is not many of you pay tax because you do not pay tax on minimum wage.. Since you all are so educated, qualified and hard working you should demand better wage then you can contribute to the BVI.
  • lmao (13/08/2020, 17:49) Like (19) Dislike (13) Reply
    I ain’t want to hear noting this man have to say. He was elected for so many years and there is not one thing I can tell you he did that were beneficial for his district or country.All these dead NDP politician trying to remain relevant . Smhhh
  • We owe Frazer (13/08/2020, 18:56) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    We all owe Frazer an opology thinking he was the bad one and the one that hates expat with a passion and rediculed him. Now we know differently.. im the first one to apologize......Sorry sir, I too thougtu were the bad one...
  • Sue (13/08/2020, 19:46) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    It’s make me wonder why these island people rusting to get back into the BVI the law is set nobody is coming in only the local if you have apartment here the landlord will fine someone else to rent it.. right now it’s not a priority to try to get in and pay your rent and if you got a job waiting for and you have a work permit we will fine a local to do it..Please forget the BVI
    • time (13/08/2020, 22:09) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
      @sue....be careful of what you ask for. We may very well FORGET the bvi, i hope the bvi can manage. Remember sea water cant drink and thats ALL the resource you own.
      • @time (14/08/2020, 05:13) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
        You are a bad minded person becaise you fighting me down for my sea water and you see only that I have. You too greedy
    • Looking at you (15/08/2020, 00:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all will end up deserted if that happens, the few thousand of you and them wild goats will make one on that rock
  • District #7 (13/08/2020, 19:55) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Pickering keep your thoughts to yourself. You was elected for many years and you even could not have take a mop to mop the sewage in your district. You like an empty vessel makes the most noise. What we lock out one of your rich White friend.. we not twisting the law because you have a sad story. Let the VIP Government do their job. You time has expired keep moving..,
  • Cockroach (13/08/2020, 20:43) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
    I’m sick and tired of these NDP people! Look here, if you guys do care about this country and its citizens please come with a solution and STOP creating or looking for issues to create a stir! There are people within the territory right now without A JOB! We just had a group of individuals graduated from secondary schools that will also NEED A JOB.... And they need to be taken care of first and foremost because they are HERE!!! I don’t care if they are V.Islanders, Belongers or Immigrants! As long as they are here! Let them fill the GAP! If the spouse or whomever is locked out of the country they have the ability to leave and be with whom they so desire! THE BANKS NEVER LOSE!!! They are located all around the world and everything links back to your credit/ financial standings.... so you people with these points buh the bank will loose THEY NEVER LOSE!!! All this nonsense and people RIGHT HERE STRUGGLING TO DAMN WELL EAT! And you and My-run best solutions is to bring in more people to add strain to what is happening already!! You guys done stole how much MILLIONS, THE SAME MILLIONS we could have used in aid of this situation today! ... Give me a break and go away!
  • east man (13/08/2020, 21:25) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    After 20 years with nothing to show now chatting piss boss go back Cuba
    • Looking at you (15/08/2020, 00:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Funny how Africans always know where other people should go back to eh
  • Jessica Jones (13/08/2020, 22:36) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Untold damages. Tell that to the fishing and agriculture sector you killed.
  • guy hill (13/08/2020, 23:37) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply

    In my considered opinion, the government need to take a keen look at what the current immigration laws says on re-entry and then fashion policies and innovative initiatives that does not conflict with the law to give persons a reasonable opportunity to re-enter the Territory.
    They must identify specific areas of interest in these trying times, with practical and realistic approaches to help resolve some of the current and future problems facing the Immigration Department and by extension the Territory. Seize the time. Be brave.
  • Outsider (14/08/2020, 11:46) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nobody is complaining about going back to their countries. Just allow the people the opportunity to come in and pack up their stuff,gather their things and leave. You lock them out and their belongings for what?for them to leave their stuff that they work hard over the years to acquire. These pple are just brutal and care nothing about humanity. Be careful the bible states you should take care of the foreigners in your land. You all go and read Leviticus 19:34 . Be careful !!!!
    The earth is the Lords' he only lend it to us to live in. Let us be careful and be mindful how we treat pple.
  • concerned1 (14/08/2020, 12:57) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    COCKROACH, THE BVI IS NOT THE FIRST ISLAND TO HAVE STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL, STOP PUTTING EMPHASIS ON THAT. THESE GRADUATES NEED TO FIRSTLY BE TRAINED ON THE JOB GAIN EXPERIENCE THEN THEY WOULD BE READY FOR THE WORKING WORLD. THIS TALK ABOUT 300 GRADUATES TO FILL POSITIONS , BE REALISTIC, HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAREER PATH THESE GRADUATES WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW?
    • @Concerned (14/08/2020, 17:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      It’s people like YOU who continue to oppress and suppress the YOUTHS! You should ask yourself the same question... Do you know any of the Graduates career paths? Or how they plan to get there? What is your solution to the growing population of unemployment? OH yea BRING IN MORE PEOPLE.... how clever

      How about an internship or mirroring advanced workers to get the graduates feet wet! How about securing individuals who are here and out of work because of Covid-19 first before adding more financial strain to Government’s purse...

      How can this be done when we continue to import the likes of you? The point is, there are things they can do! And these opportunities need to be available for those who want to work full time or path time while they work towards their career goals! Not everyone is like you and can run off to college!!! And the opening is not only for them but for the others who are here and are out there seeking employment daily!

      Clearly you are the type that loves to drive by the blocks and little crevices with your head held high and see the youths who by the way, has morphed from not only having young men but also females sitting around! What sets us apart I am the one that mix and mingle with them and hear about how many applications they have sent out and haven’t heard any feedback from the establishments. This is also coming from HLSCC Graduates as well!!!

      Your concerned is that of selfishness and for your own gratification! I am for DEALING WITH WHO iS HERE (GRaDUATE, BELONGER, IMMIGRANT) everyone else has to wait for what is left...

      These people are right here and can pick up the slack! So GET YUH LIFE... from CockRoach!
  • east man (14/08/2020, 16:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Tell the former district rep District 7 to goand hide hedidnot help us in the village especially after the hurricane what song is you sining Roc see how it feels now
  • Correct (15/08/2020, 06:55) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Untold damages: High school wall/The airplane mess/cruise pier mess/east end long look sewerage money/expenses without purchase orders mess/killed Agriculture mess/all the other messes to bring forth. No more mess needed. You can just tell us how to deal with the mess in your next public relations effort.
  • next step (15/08/2020, 09:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Time to build a wall and make down island people pay for it.
  • @we owe frazier (15/08/2020, 14:07) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    u don't u just hate the fact Fahie is for his people..u all hate to see us good
  • wow (16/08/2020, 19:10) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the BVI people so terrible as some expatriates claim why they stirring up hell to get back or stay here? Why would you want to live and work with such distasteful humans. Look, for those of you who always airing your traps on BVI locals, get the hell out and stay out! We don't need you alls negativity in blemishing the Territory. Ain't no body forcing workpermit holders or expatriates to be here. And those who have workpermits and issues with their employment take it up with your Employer. It's them who brought you here not the Locals.


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