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We need clear Labour & Immigration policies- John Samuel

- implies that DJ’s should not be given work permits
Talk show co-host John Samuel (left) believes there is need to revisit the Labour and Immigration policies of the Virgin Islands since he believes some expat labour is not necessary. Photo: VINO/File
The building that houses Immigration Department. Mr John Samuel has an issue with the length of time that some expatriates stay in the territory. Photo: VINO
The building that houses Immigration Department. Mr John Samuel has an issue with the length of time that some expatriates stay in the territory. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Retired public servant and businessman, Mr John Samuel has blasted the Government on their issuing of work permits “to all and sundry”, lamenting that the policies in that regard needs to be revisited.

Appearing on Umoja on ZBVI 780 AM Thursday November 17, 2016 Samuel was addressing the popular topic of expatriates competing for local jobs.

He pointed to a recent incident that drove the matter straight home for him.

“We do have challenges because this morning I was on my way to work listening to a station and there was a Disc Jockey on the station  and I scratched my head and say how is it that this guy gets his work permit renewed annually? Because in my mind  it would appear to me that this is a job that perhaps young BV Islanders would be interested in doing and can be easily trained for. So it brought the question to my mind our Labour policies, our Immigration policies,” he said.

Are expatriates filling short or long term demands?

Another sore spot on the matter was the length of time that expatriates stay in the territory.

“Because when we are bringing in people into the country on a work permit status, are we bringing them to fill a demand? Is that perceived to be a short-term demand or a long-term demand?”

He continued, “…A high percentage of these people are turned into permanent residents, is that what we want?”

He said the Labour Department is “just throwing out paper, work permits, the immigration department is unsure how they supposed to respond to the overstayers or people that apply for additional time.”

Samuels pointed out that it is because the territory’s policies are unclear.

“So we as a country need to decide what our policies in relation to work permits and it might be a multi-layered policy depending on the market subsector, the demand in a workplace, but there is no way we can say to ourselves that the demand for expatriate labour in 2016 is the same as it was in 1995.”

Government not thinking about adjusting the laws

“So the fact that we haven’t sat down and pieced out how we adjusting our Labour and Immigration policy means that we are not even thinking about it.”

Mr Samuel said if this is done then the Labour Department would get a clear picture as to permits that should be approved or rejected.

“When you operate in this environment you get the impression that there is a clear expectation that expatriates coming on work permits are not planning to come to leave, they are planning to stay.”

80 Responses to “We need clear Labour & Immigration policies- John Samuel”

  • point blank (22/11/2016, 11:06) Like (13) Dislike (35) Reply
    They should not be allowed to stay no longer than 10 years max unless they get married to a bvislander.
    • nuff said (26/11/2016, 09:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well i gues you husband man or wife or girlfriend will get take away
  • Ajic (22/11/2016, 11:09) Like (38) Dislike (12) Reply
    Thank you John. Immigration without control is a disaster for any country. We need to have a report on the labor needs of the country and a training program set up by Government to train its people to address these needs. We are importing far too many people for the size of this country. It is putting stress on our infrastructure, health system and education system.
  • same mind (22/11/2016, 11:10) Like (24) Dislike (17) Reply
    John I have been asking the same questions especially when there are locals that is not working that can do the same job as an expat. Are we asking ourselves would or can we do the same thing in their country or Islands that they are from. At the same time the money is been send out of the country buying houses and land developing where there are from and the local is loosing their lands and houses because they cannot pay for it. The departments need to really wake up.
    • No! (22/11/2016, 11:55) Like (62) Dislike (18) Reply
      So what about encouraging locals to step up to the plate instead of complaining? How can a company conduct business when they have to be begging some of these young people to even show up to work? We should just put a locals in jobs, that's it? They do not have an obligation to the businesses to ensure value for money? There are many hard working locals and most of them are employed or have their own business because they are not complaining and making excuses, they work hard. I think John is misguided if he thinks stopping work permits will increase local employment because it is false. This foolish talk about BVIslanders not being able to go to other countries and get top jobs is such rubbish. Are you telling me that all the qualified BVIslanders living abroad are sweeping floors and washing cars? None of them are Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Managers, Engineers, Pilots, Nurses, Teachers and the like? Encourage our people to stop playing victims instead of blaming immigration and expats. There are many businesses here that would close down tomorrow if they were forced to lay off all their immigrant workers and seek expats, it is the truth. We can either pretend to be patriots and turn a blind eye to the realities or face it head on and just deal with it.
      • Intentionally designed that way (22/11/2016, 13:05) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
        @No! Research how Virgin Islanders are being conditioned- educationally, socially, spiritually, and then identify who are the real cause and benefactors behind its design. The surprise (Tip: between the haves and the expanding working underclass) is buried in the pudding.
        • No! (22/11/2016, 14:11) Like (24) Dislike (15) Reply
          @ Intentionally....

          The American TV and media have our youth like a bunch of jackasses thinking they're cool, while others come in, identify opportunities and run with them while we complain and play victim. Which BVIslander do you know that work their ass off, becomes qualified, willing to work from the bottom up, have a good attitude and work ethic, but are unemployed and not getting by? How many of them you know?
          • Intentionally designed that way (23/11/2016, 00:09) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
            To No! And to answer your question- Which BVIslander do you know that work their ass off, becomes qualified, willing to work from the bottom up, have a good attitude and work ethic, but are unemployed and not getting by? How many of them you know?

            I know quite a few (will not post their names without their consent for ethical reasons), but most have all left the Virgin Islands and doing well else where. I am one of such persons. My presence is not one from the privileged families.

            In my youth (born Virgin Islander) I was denied a full scholarship as a result of my academic achievements but was denied in the process because my parents were not born Virgin Islanders. However, I continue to keep "Hope Alive" that one day our people will awaken. I only share for LOVE of Country and for our Ethnorelative minds throughout the Diaspora.
            • Intentionally designed that way (23/11/2016, 10:20) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
              To No! Correction made- I was awarded a full scholarship at graduation as a result of my academic achievements but was denied in the process because my parents were not born Virgin Islanders.
          • Intentionally designed that way (23/11/2016, 00:57) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
            To No! Again I stress - it is intentionally designed that way. A country that has cultivated a culture of people whose success depends predominantly on the Gov’t of the Day- is intentional.

            A Gov’t of people who is more than willing to nurture a culture of dependency to secure their own self-interest, special interest and sense of power, and importance - is intentional.

            A country who pleasure themselves in denying children of expat families, who were born in the country of "their birthrights" - is intentional.

            A Gov’t, past and present, for decades, who has failed to prepare their people through enactments of proper succession intervention but find pleasure in expressing how the people are not ready for top jobs- is intentional.

            A Gov’t who suppresses and marginalizes its qualified people, (who are ready, willing, and able to do the right things, maintain their integrity, follow and carry out the laws of the country to the best of their abilities), without any form of recourse - is intentional.

            A Public Education System that has run its course but now urgently needs a boost of strong fundamental improvements but continues in implement the same or similar top-down decorations that benefit the few who a prepared, but further disenfranchise and demoralize even more young people, as a consequence of failing to formulate a measurable, comprehensive, and holistically strategy, again strongly appears intentional.

            I can go on and on, but for now I think you get my point. I am neither for or against your comment. I am laying this out just tapping into basic common sense, which is increasingly becoming a sense of diminishing returns amongst our intellectuals as their excessive taste for greed increases.

            A Gov’t who has cultivated a "Culture of Dependency" sets its people up with a MINDSET of entitlements, lack of assertiveness, and blinding complacency; and as a consequence, the people losses the Sense of Urgency and Agility to Prepare themselves for now unfolding circumstances.

            The only SOLUTION is to adapt BOLD measures at this time, which involves completely cutting off all Gov’t entitlements (no more envelopes nor petty contracts, special favours and the likes- around election times); and instead, start working on changing the debilitating MINDSET of its People. If serious, this will take the next 21 years to completely reverse. Again, I emphasize- do the research.
      • Me (22/11/2016, 13:24) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
        To No.... I agree with your comments totally. John needs to take a balanced look at the situation and how the work ethics and qualifications of BVI islanders need to be looked into.
      • Hmm (22/11/2016, 14:05) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
        I must agree, there are some hard-working BVIslanders. But, if you encourage lazy locals to step up their game, they going get smart and end up like those Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants etc. I think if we focus on encouraging the locals living abroad to see the value in coming back home by welcoming them with open arms, waiting at the airport or ferry dock upon their arrival and congratulating them on their success, then we won't have to import any expats. Because to me, calling them back home would be a lot more beneficial to BVIslanders than getting expats to replace them. That way born BVIslanders are in control of their country.
        • Lilly (22/11/2016, 14:29) Like (24) Dislike (10) Reply
          BVIslanders are not lazy. They are discouraged, and demotivated on the jobs. John is quite right. Expats stick together and BV Islands do not.
        • Why (23/11/2016, 19:00) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          The excuse is bvislander are lazy .yes we have good and bad workers from every where. We as locals are no lazier than no one else. It just has been repeat so many times that every one stay believin it.I don't hear any other country saying that the locals are lazy so we have bring workings. We to stop
      • vi (22/11/2016, 22:49) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        @No, you have no idea what's really going on in this territory. You only think you know.
      • nonsense (23/11/2016, 15:43) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        Samuel can talk all he wants. All some of these bv islanders do is whine like spoiled children. Many of these ppl from here don't care to give a honest day's work when given the opportunity because they think they are from here and the world revolves around them for the mere fact they were born in the bvi. All yuh need to just stop whining.
        I guess much of those who complain that they can't get jobs in other countries like expats do here are simply unqualified or they very well know that they can't go to other countries and operate the way they do here so they dear not venture outside of the bvi. Can't forget standing behind one bv islander in the bank a couple weeks ago who was ignorant enough to be speaking aloud for others to hear how he returned to bvi to work as an auditor because the system in the states was too strict for him. That's one of the reasons why bv islanders can't go other countries to get jobs; some of them just too darm lazy and lawless. They know they can't get away in other countries with the nonsense they get away with here. No one is saying that there shouldn't be immigration policies for the protection of a country's citizens but some of you need to quit whining aND step up to the plate for the improvement of your so called beloved. BVI. THE same expatriates you want to send home are the ones who came here to "stay" according to you and ended up playing a big part in the development of the BVI.
        • Really (24/11/2016, 01:22) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
          I work in an office filled with expats and most of them do not do an honest day's work. Instead they suck up to the bosses for favors. They are only here in the BVI to help grape the country and when they finish they bad talk and put down the same country which has allowed them to send money back to wherever they came from to build their homes and feed their family
    • True (22/11/2016, 12:08) Like (23) Dislike (12) Reply
      Problem is the jobs are advertised but NO LOCALS apply for the jobs, people advertise every week for months but get no response but an expat responds and a permit is applied for.
      • lie (22/11/2016, 14:29) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
        To: True
        Locals apply you what gives you the authority or do you have facts to back that?
        Many of the expatriates use particular companies to get a work permit issued for their entrance. I have definite evidence of jobs applied to an expats were granted work permits to relocate and fill positions. Where are your facts.
        All work in the BVI are done in English yet the Labour and Immigration Departments fail to see that these folks would place specific clauses to deter the locals (MUST SPEAK RUSSIAN, POLISH, PORTUGUESE, I SAW REQUEST FOR SWEDISH DEGREE) Which local has that. One lady kept submitting newspaper adds to her likeliness so that a work permit can be issued to her (EVIDENCE IS CLEAR)!

        LAWS MUST BE REVISITED!
        • Online Now (22/11/2016, 15:50) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
          I have also advertised a numbre of jobs where there have been no local applicants.
          Jobs are advertised overseas as well as locally when a qualified local applicant can't be found.
          Many jobs in the BVI may require foreign languages - we are in a global marketplace.
        • True (23/11/2016, 08:54) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
          To:lie
          Yes I have the facts to back up my statement, I am an employer who has been advertising for more than 2 years and in all that time I have received 1 response from a local who told me they could only work weekdays as they needed the weekend off.
          This is the mentality that is ingrained in the BVI there are locals who want and do work but the lower end jobs manual labor, service jobs they don't want them unless they are management but you need to get experience to become management. So as you say the EVIDENCE is very clear, now i am not saying your points aren't valid but my authority comes from my experience.
  • W*F (22/11/2016, 11:18) Like (30) Dislike (14) Reply
    What the hell wrong with this man? If a local wanted to be on the radio they would have been on the radio. WTF? REALLY?
    • the rock (22/11/2016, 12:10) Like (13) Dislike (18) Reply
      you are an a$$--WTF, he was just making an example, but he is right on point, john the ndp needs man like u in it!
  • Yes (22/11/2016, 11:46) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Immigration is only good when the locals/belongers can exploit the expat permit holders for financial gain. What a Christian Society we are living in.
  • trrefdrfds (22/11/2016, 12:00) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    I applaud your stance on immigration.. however, we seem to be short sighted and ignorant when we hear it from President -Elect Trump. He is crucified for taking a firm stance on Immigration in the mighty USA but in the little BVI we practice exactly the same policies which Trump wants to implement. How holy believers we are .....
  • Born&Raised BVIslander (22/11/2016, 12:00) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
    It pleases me to know that someone who knows about this arena has raised the issue. At the age of 7, I learned that the BVI population was 25k. Now at age 20, it is 40k plus! Almost twice as many persons. The fluctuation has a direct impact on our culture and growing population as BVIslanders and there was no telling what the future looked like for the upcoming generation that I happen to be apart of. Nevertheless, I'm very happy that someone has chose to say something. Now, I know there is still hope for a bright future. Hats off to Mr. Samuel.
  • Online Now (22/11/2016, 12:07) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    What the BVI needs to decide is if it wants to be a more inclusive and investor friendly economy. For example, if you were an expat who had a set term limit, would you invest in a business, home, community or anything? Or would you just make your money and send it home to prepare for when you left? Would you bring your family if their schooling was to be disrupted?
  • Wendy (22/11/2016, 12:17) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    TRUE true and long overdue. One big out of control mess.
    • Answer Me. (22/11/2016, 13:01) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      How many locals work in you and your wife business in the heat bussy all day for minimum wage? All.. Cancel their permits and hire all locals and see how much patties u all get sell..
  • new (22/11/2016, 12:29) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Guess if that is an issue then we need a new minister!!!
  • Eat your Bread. (22/11/2016, 12:55) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmm. Good business people don't make these kind of public statement. Businesses need customers. All Resident is either a customer or a potential Customer..
  • Expat (22/11/2016, 12:56) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Be careful what y'all wish for, y'all just might get it! I think all expats should go home right now. I am leaving in 2 days and I won't be coming back. This place is too hateful and it rubs off on the rest of us. BTW, I am taking my job with me since I created it in the first place. I can do my job from anywhere. Hopefully my next stop will be a happier and more welcoming place.
    • Expat Also (23/11/2016, 11:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I've been here a very long time. I've asked for no status no ability to bill because I don't want to hear the constant rhetoric of expat versus BVIslander. My issue is? If I cannot own land or property what do yuo expect me to do with my money, leave it here? When you decide to send me home should I leave empty handed? The mentality of the people here are very selfish; they don't want you to reside yet they still want you to leave all your hard earnings. Well being that the environment has become extremely hostile me, my belonger kids, my savings, my business and jobs opportunites are migrating to a country that's more welcoming and friendly to investments. Granted it may not be a multi million dollar corporation but it does well in helping build the local economy. I do thank you for the stay that has been granted to me. Oh by the way, the returns and realization for profits is much greater than here.
  • Nice (22/11/2016, 13:46) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well Mr. Samuel, since your the business man. Can you tell me how many locals you have working for you, and how many work permits you have filed for expats. While you're at it, how many do you pay minimum wage to and cover their NHI. How many locals you pay more than minimum wage and benefits you, how many show up to work and not complain about how much they get paid. If you want to tackle such immigration polices, talk about how the businesses supposed to be paying work permit fees for these workers, instead of the workers paying it themselves. How about enforcing these companies to provide pension and other work related benefits that won't squeeze your company from profits. Why local companies always looking for expats, and not hiring locals should be something you address to your family and not blame how hard it is to fill position. If you as a parent is teaching society just to stay in school and not get them ready for the real working world all they will see is failure from earnings. I remember after getting money in my pocket I forgot the principles in life... school and other stuff was out the door. I also realize without education their was no room for advancement. We need to blame ourselves if the younger generation of offbreed is not following the working class example layed out by our parents. Start right before you address these issues, why does trust companies manage expats workers very well than locals, oh maybe it's because they want to Work!
  • #Muzzler (22/11/2016, 14:00) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Start with the border control departments and security services! The RVIPF is overwhelmed by imports that bring their friends and families in to apply for jobs here and nothing is being done to curb this influx. Why do officers from say JA or Vincy outnumber locals? Due to the recruitment policies of the past - that's why! Immigration needs dire urgent attention so that it is balanced with the labor needs of the country. The political class is turning a blind eye to this as the source of their cheap labour and alliances with certain nationals ensures that their kick-backs and further break-down of the fabric of the VI society. Hence why so many of us once educated at tertiary level never return home. The problems are all around us now and there is a deafening silence amongst the political elite.
  • Patte' (22/11/2016, 14:02) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    I went Fishers Lane today to buy a patte' as I normally do. John, from what I notice, except for when your family is there, none, or hardly any of your staff from here. Who clean the meat, who fry the patte, who serve and who cash all expats. Apply your concern to your own business first and let's see how much BVIslander you going get to make patte and tart
  • Co. (22/11/2016, 14:04) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
    So John, I'm starting a new company and require 10 employees to start. I already received my business loan and building out my location. In the meantime I advertised all 10 positions in every local paper and on every local website. I receive over 20 applications but only 3 from locals only 1 of which qualify. Am I supposed to put off my business venture, wait for more locals to become qualified, then try again? What happened to the days where parents encouraged their kids and geared them into certain fields etc. depending on the economic/business trends? For example, those of us that attended school in the 90s, we were encouraged to be Lawyers, Accountants and the like because Financial Services was booming. Now that FS has peaked out, we have no choice but to focus on tourism, particularly culinary arts and maritime areas where you hardly can find qualified locals to fill all the positions. I would love for John to answer those questions instead of harping on emotional nonsense and ignorance. There is armchair politics and then there is reality, pick which world you want to live in.
    • No more lip service (22/11/2016, 21:51) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      Post the ads on VINO, along with the job descriptions, and I will find you at least seven (9) Virgin Islanders who are fully qualified for those jobs. I encounter young qualify Virgin Islanders daily. Some I have been able to help, and other still looking.

      Some do return to our shores with degrees and some experience in hand but still are locked out for entrance into the job market. Some have also returned to the overseas environment in which they did their studies to seek out work, particularly those young people who were given government scholarships to study overseas.
  • @ Patte (22/11/2016, 14:13) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    There's a reason why they don't have locals there, because apart from their family, no locals want to do that kind of work. This is what sickens me about the BVI, John knows first hand what the issues are with respect to getting locals to work in certain industries yet he goes on the radio bold faced talking horse shit.
  • 2 grand (22/11/2016, 14:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    the problem with all goverments is that it is the problem and not the solution. meaning to say the parasites politicians make the govt their personal business instead of the people's.underminding the same laws and regulations put in place to protect, sustain,balance and equality for all not to mention secret oaths, proceddings ,lodge meetings and the likes.crooked civil servants making deals and then telling locals to step up your game when you complain. this will get no better until the most high returns and burn this evil demonic system and return it to how he created it to be. REAL TALK
  • Ya me born (22/11/2016, 14:30) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Great timing..after Trump's victory and all those racist factions in the States becoming emboldened...I'm thinking quite a few Virgin islanders living in the States might be returning home..most of these people would be professionals...they'll need to find employment...I agree with Mr Samuel..do an appraisal of the immigration system with the above mentioned in mind.
  • Carli (22/11/2016, 14:32) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    John, stick to your gun. Don't mind the noise. You are correct. I met four new arrivals to the BVI the other day and they all came from the Cayman Islands, because there is structure in that country and expats are not permitted to live there indefinitely.
  • tola (22/11/2016, 15:37) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    Local First
  • WEL... (22/11/2016, 15:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    John is right for his comment. But being a BVIslander, I was in a supermarket and it was almost time for fifth formers to graduate. Two young ladies describing in what they want to do with their life. I was impress by their goals. But, then one said to another, that they are coming out of school and they don't want no cashier job in a grocery store. I said to myself, that while the young lady has her right to say what she wants. But the school and parents should encourage young people to not look down on jobs that they have been despising for so long. They need to have discipline. Nothing is wrong with Cashier. They are may people that worked from cashier on their way up to Management level.
    • Exactly (22/11/2016, 16:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is exactly the issue! Cashiers, maids, gas attendants, file clerks are expat jobs, that's what we are teaching our kids. They graduate and want $30K a year plus benefits. When most of us started off no matter how bright we were and what honors we got from school, we started from the very bottom. A good example is on VG, most of the chefs and managers started off as wait staff, maids, dish washers etc. and worked their way up. We are raising our kids wrong and then blaming immigration and government when they cannot make it in life.
      • Exactly (22/11/2016, 17:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        ..I meant to say most of the managers/chefs etc. at Little Dix Bay, world renown Resort, started off at the very bottom and worked their asses off for years until they got the top job.
  • Trump Supporters (22/11/2016, 15:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look yall remind me of trump and his supporters, I'm from here you telling me that my parents should of only been allowed to be here ten years the most after they done have and build a family here. Plus if you want less so call outsiders stop bringing in outside companies and just kill the whole economy dead. High Immigration is a reflection of an great economy!
  • shark (22/11/2016, 17:19) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    John don't mind the noise your right on target.there are many other persons who share your same point.they only come here because of the american dollar.we need people like guy hill to run the immigration department.right now they need to put a stop on new labor entry into this country.they need to put a stop to certain enethinic groups of people.
  • fat (22/11/2016, 17:51) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow . I now know the businesses I won't be patronizing in the future
  • the real issue (22/11/2016, 17:56) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    As human beings we seemingly forget the world is an eco-system, everything/one depend on something or someone else. Even though it can get very disheartening to see locals treated "unjustly" sometimes we need to take a step back and find the root cause of the problem. Problems or issues do not just develop overnight. They start somewhere or somehow and before we know it they are out of hand, so the question is what is the root cause of this so-called problem? The Government? Society? Expats? BVIlanders? Globalization? Greed?.... How do we identify and solve the problem? Do we continue tearing down each other? Or do we work together to stem the issue? Remember what I said about the way the world is, I will also add "no man is an island". Do we really want to start something without first assessing and examining the consequences? The BVI and the rest of the Caribbean have economies which are heavily dependant on the outside world. As a business owner investing millions of dollars in the BVI economy should I leave after ten years? Should I take my investment with me or should I train a BVIlander to take it after I leave? Sometimes we make statements and then turn around and say "well I only meant this or that", remember treat people fairly not equally.
    • It's a pleasure reading your comment (22/11/2016, 22:09) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      To- the real issue - getting to the root-cause. There is a reminder in my specialization of performance improvement professional arena which has been credited to Kaufman (2014)- that reminds us daily- how an ounce of good assessment is worth a ton of cure.
  • XSlaves. (22/11/2016, 18:28) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Caribbean xpat is not your problem. But u all keep picking on we. We all came on the same Boat. Enslaved by the same people .Drop off at different islands. . Fought the same freedom fight. Song the same freedom songs. Why can't we enjoy this hard fought freedom together as x slaves ?
  • trrefdrfds (22/11/2016, 21:52) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @pointblank well that will be a next problem because you know these tolan men doe like tolan women and want the foreign women and in any event the qualified local men don't want the local women because they want educated ambitious ?good looking women) so then ayo have a next problem
  • selfish (22/11/2016, 22:00) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    John you are very self...and you have yo be very mindful man. You have s business and they are all expats. Im so fedup of these people man....you guys dont like expats then why apply for a permit for them....oh yes let me hire them and pay them next to nothing and work their #$$ hard.
  • wize up (22/11/2016, 22:07) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leadership matters
  • Belonger With A Broader Perspective (22/11/2016, 23:49) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    You have to see both sides on this. Companies need employees with skills and knowledge. Most bvi islanders don't have it especially the young ones. The government school system has failed your children, Walwryn is trying to turn it around but the same people to benefit from his reform REJECT it. We need to stop blaming media government and immigrants. If locals apply and are qualified, they will not be denied. Qualifications aren't just skills and knowledge. Attitude and work ethic is a factor. Some locals can't interview. They barely have age appropriate math and reading skills.
  • shark (23/11/2016, 03:42) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    I. Have been reading some of these blogs.I would really like to know.my question to you all.can anyone born here in the virgin islands migrate to any Caribbean island.seek employment,and hold down two to three jobs.and persons from the same island where you settled were born there in that country with you the virgin islander being the expatriate in that Caribbean country and competing with residents of that country for jobs would this be tolerated.
  • wize up (23/11/2016, 05:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    most of the folks on public media chatting piss are part of the problem(I personally think some of these talk show guys need to spend more quality time at home with their family)...the very best thing about the talk shows; the radio and TV station gets to make some money while the online media get ting to talk !!!!
  • Hmm (23/11/2016, 06:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I'm working for a company which home baise is in the USA from day one its now 6 years
    When they started all but 2 were local out of 10 ,now at age 6 out of 29 employee 5 are locals and 15 on work permits and they have a next 10 pending .
    But the problem is most 8 to 10 an hour ! Which bvi lander work work for that in a charter company ?
  • Hmmm part 2 (23/11/2016, 06:57) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    And the problem is the employer don't want to pay local what should b their rightful pay #2 once ur on work permit the employer feels like they own the employee and treats them like how ever and they can't to locals that . so sad we right back in slavery with the government backing the ones with the wip
  • Sick Tortola (23/11/2016, 14:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most Companies in Tortola quick to hire an expatriate and bring in people to work. Speaking as a person of experience locals aren't getting jobs degree or no degree and it is a big shame. Locals are suppose to get first preference. Everything in the newspaper is experience this experience that how you employers expect someone to gain experience if its not given. SMH TORTOLA = GONE TO THE DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • SICK OF THIS PLACE (23/11/2016, 17:51) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    IT IS REALLY HEARTBREAKING SOMETIMES TO COME ON THE NEWS TO READ ABOUT DOWNISLAND AND PEOPLE ON WORK PERMITS, WHY DONT ALL EXPA..... LEAVE THIS PLACE AND SEE THE RESULTS, STARTING FROM THE HOSPITAL, AND SEE WHEN YOU TORTOLIANS GET SICK WHO WILL LOOK YOUR A%$. IT IS DISGUSTING NOW. THIS PLACE IS NOT A NICE PLACE TO BE ANYMORE. THANK GOD I HAVE OPTIONS NOW (USA VISA).
  • expat the bunny (23/11/2016, 19:00) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    so can a foreigner who is a resident work here or not? round and round and no solid answers. people from the
    BVI and other countries can hold jobs in the US. So what is it?
  • Puzzled (23/11/2016, 19:59) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is insulting the uncanny manner in which this man wants to treat educated people who are providing ernormous financial stability to this little island. You look at people and never realized how much they hate you. If the Nurses and Doctors leave what will happen to persons when they become ill, some of the BVI nurses and other workers at the hospital are not caring, they have no love in their hearts, they are very vindictive and evil. He can identify with that. In life no one knows what can occur, always put your self in people's position and remember God is in control and he puts people exactly where he wants them. Be careful what you do and say it may come back to bite you.
    • SICK OF THIS PLACE (23/11/2016, 20:50) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ puzzled, well said, they don't realise that these same down island people they call us, who are Doctors especially can wait for aTortolian who is ill and not attend to them with a caring heart, let him talk, never bite the hands that feeds you.
      • Context (23/11/2016, 23:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        It seems like you didnt actually listen to the show. But while I agree with you to a certain extent, him and the host specifically talked about pinpointing what careers/jobs are expats mostly issued permits for and opening the minds of our youth to consider these career paths. It was NOT a generalized "we shouldn't be issuing work permits" nor was it "all expatriates need to leave".

        The way you people interpret and twist and turn things really amazes me........
  • poor John (23/11/2016, 22:25) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    John,your a shining example of why your country is in the sh@t..Im so glad you decided to voice your uninformed,ignorant opinion...bet you wish there was censorship...so you wouldn't have to get served like you were in this blog....Life hard my brother..nothing come easy..people more hungry than these bvi brats.




















































    ....nothing come easy.
  • Not from Here. (25/11/2016, 17:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A Little Donald Trump.
  • Sellfish (25/11/2016, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pure egnorant
  • Not good (25/11/2016, 21:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he no is not bvislander alone support is business nor is wife he should think before he speak
  • Not good (25/11/2016, 21:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    His mind a little bit confused
  • Hitler (26/11/2016, 13:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are millionaires now so the slave master wants to get rid of their slaves


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