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Work permit & exemption holders blocked from entering IV

-move comes following discovery of 9th COVID-19 case
The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) as of August 2, 2020, and immediate effect, has moved to block entry to the territory, holders of work permits and work exemptions. Photo: VINO/File
The ninth positive case of COVID-19 is the only active one in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
The ninth positive case of COVID-19 is the only active one in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) on August 2, 2020, said it had moved with immediate effect to restrict all holders of work permits and work permit exemptions from entering the Territory.

This decision comes following the discovery of the Territory's ninth confirmed case of COVID-19, on Saturday, August 1, 2020, in an individual who recently returned to the Territory.

According to reports, the individual returned from the Dominican Republic, which has the highest infection rate in the Caribbean.

According to the Government, in its announcement, the new measure comes as the Territory remains cautious and its restricted opening of the Territory’s borders continues.

Nationals & Permanent residents can return home

"At this time, the Government will continue to follow the protocol for the Controlled Re-entry of Nationals and Permanent Residents to the Virgin Islands during this COVID-19 Pandemic," the announcement said. 

The VI public has been urged to continue adhering to the social distancing guidelines and wearing face masks, in addition to the washing of hands. 

It remains unclear when the new restriction will lift as no timeline was provided. 

126 Responses to “Work permit & exemption holders blocked from entering IV”

  • yess (03/08/2020, 17:07) Like (16) Dislike (39) Reply
    Them island people need stay out no jobs here for them
    • @ yes agree (03/08/2020, 17:21) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
      I agree with you so much people already lost jobs where them think they going get but another part you have to remember these people have loans here and thing so. It’s fifty fifty
    • To yess (03/08/2020, 17:22) Like (13) Dislike (36) Reply
      Especially them St Vincentians all them does do is come the bvi to kill people them drink them buss poison
      • Agree (03/08/2020, 20:22) Like (2) Dislike (18) Reply
        Just like how that one kill that innocent Local women Last year I hate Vincy people bad bad them need to be out on visa when traveling to the VI
      • @Toyess (03/08/2020, 21:38) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
        The nationality is Vincentian not St. Vincentian. Where in the world did you find the name St. Vincentian?
        • @ Toyess (04/08/2020, 07:54) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
          We don’t care how the hell you say that down island country name
        • same thing (04/08/2020, 12:06) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          Vincentian, St. Vincentian. Same damn thing. It’s like saying Thomian or St. Thomian. What’s the difference?
      • fg (04/08/2020, 10:29) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        Get offf ah Vincy case jeds
    • St Thomian (03/08/2020, 18:03) Like (13) Dislike (18) Reply
      I’m glad Tortola is doing them thing family island st Thomas admire you guys. Governor Bryan need to take a page out of the bvi book
    • Annoyed (03/08/2020, 18:05) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      Yes, continent person. You are right.
  • Thank yu (03/08/2020, 17:08) Like (16) Dislike (11) Reply
    Good job Vip
    • Congratulations (03/08/2020, 17:26) Like (9) Dislike (22) Reply
      Virgin Islands Party have always been for locals that’s why funny man walwyn not premier he not from here and his wife from Vincy no sah
      • @ Congratulations (03/08/2020, 18:24) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
        Are you going to be singing this song to the thousands of persons that have been naturalized as well?

  • Mary Jane (03/08/2020, 17:08) Like (11) Dislike (14) Reply
    Them going out witchcraft on the bvi now wellsah
  • Local (03/08/2020, 17:09) Like (18) Dislike (27) Reply
    Suit them fine keep them down the island let the Americans come in is their money we use them down islanders just using the bvi
  • Opinion (03/08/2020, 17:20) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    They just need to wait is now a forever thing jeez
    • lord o. (03/08/2020, 18:30) Like (40) Dislike (9) Reply
      How about their families..Husband, wives, Kids. Thats living here some of whom born here.?... This is a Human rights violation.. Gross heartless and deliberate family seperation..This cant be a good look for the BVI...
      • Oh Please (04/08/2020, 12:32) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
        The BVI is not stopping anyone from leaving. They can always reunite in their country of origin. At this point, being separated is a choice. Would you all please spare me all this bullshit talk. We don’t owe you people anything. You are not citizens of the Virgin Islands.
      • tretretrete (07/08/2020, 22:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        There are flights leaving the BVI so if they can’t get in then they should get their families out
    • Bsn all Santodomigo people (03/08/2020, 18:33) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      Belongers, residents, nationals.. We not accepting no one coming from Santo Domingo....Thats the solution...dont have Peter paying gor Paul. When paul is the bad one
  • Hanley (03/08/2020, 17:24) Like (37) Dislike (8) Reply
    I don’t have much of a problem with island people I just hate when them say we bvi people ungrateful them build up the VI first thing first y’all didn’t did no favor y’all was paid to build the buildings and what’s not nothing was free. So if anybody who built the bvi it’s the locals who had the money
    • baby (04/08/2020, 07:32) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
      Yes down the island people built up the bvi they work for there hard own money but still is a problem sending home there money just saying I was living there
    • Jaigon (04/08/2020, 10:10) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Hanley, you are right, the down island people as we often referred to them were paid to work here, yet when they do what they want with their hard earned dollars, we still get vex with them. It’s their money, they work for it, they want to send it wherever they want, that’s their prerogative.
  • BEST THING (03/08/2020, 17:58) Like (8) Dislike (12) Reply
    Best thing the vip in if it was walwyn he would’ve let all of them in this place cause them from down the island where he wife from
  • niomi (03/08/2020, 18:01) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    Needed to be done wished USVI could’ve done the same as the bvi
  • Wow.. (03/08/2020, 18:14) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    Wow. Wow.. This is rough. How about those that have Jobs waiting on them to go bsck to...
  • jokers (03/08/2020, 18:20) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    nice enough here when work start
    Thank you VIP
  • Why...God can't be pleased ! (03/08/2020, 18:41) Like (26) Dislike (9) Reply
    Why are we treating human beings like This. We forget that we are part of the world's community, a small of the Caribbean family...Why are we isolating ourselves from the rest of the world.... Soon you going to see countries banning BVIlanders from coming to their
    country....
    • Local (03/08/2020, 21:12) Like (9) Dislike (23) Reply
      Tortola is the Capital for the world... this little island everyone want to get a share from it..Time up leave.
      • Hmm (04/08/2020, 11:38) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
        And when tourists come in they ask where is the town?
        • You know why? (05/08/2020, 12:30) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
          Because you all have the Town looking like crap. Setting up your illegal stalls to sell, loitering around businesses before and after the work day, hanging clothes on the balcony of your apartment and dumping garbage in the ghuts; just as you all are used to doing where you came from. Stop the nastiness and carelessness.
    • @why...God can't be pleased! (04/08/2020, 07:29) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
      I agree with your comment. We might not go down the islands to work but we depend on some of those islands to provide university education for our children. Students go to those universities to train to become doctors, lawyers etc. Some of us send our children there because of the exchange rate for the US dollar. When the people in those countries read these blogs, how will they view us?
    • WHY? (04/08/2020, 12:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why are we isolating ourselves from the rest of the world? So we don’t get the Virus, DUUUHH...
  • uh (03/08/2020, 18:50) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    What is the meaning of st Vincent Ian's where in the world do you want to school shame on you
  • GG (03/08/2020, 19:18) Like (34) Dislike (11) Reply
    Ladies and gentlemen we all from a island!!! Up island, down island we all the flipping same....sooo stop it!! Its very annoying to read these comments!! I am very sure the Americans feel the same way about BVI ppl who live up there ?!!!! Ya’ll get kids wait till them reach a age to give ya‘Ll right then ya’ll go in to a next man country jobless n hungry right!!
  • africa (03/08/2020, 19:46) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    God isn't sleeping what a man sow that shall he reap.
  • ras (03/08/2020, 19:51) Like (41) Dislike (4) Reply
    After irma not a soul could not drive everybody was on feet no where to drive it was level ground no one was above anyone.we were all nice to each other mow look where we are today look at our behaviour to our own black brothers and sister pay day is coming God is watching up God is watching
  • GG (03/08/2020, 19:56) Like (31) Dislike (6) Reply
    After all the human rights violations of the BVI then you wonder why the UK don’t help you all ,listen to you people just like how the United States is now isolated from the rest of the world just so you people of the BVI will be very shortly,you all are a bunch of self centered clueless greedy people who runout to march about taking a knee off of a man that you don’t know neck while you put your knee on the neck of people that you know necks until they are about to self deport but remember for all of you who wants this you never know what you had until it’s gone and yes I was born and raised here in this Christian community or Christian could called Tortola cult ville
  • u (03/08/2020, 19:59) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    This thing is like a dran out story now and it also become an insolt now Mr minister u said to d people come to d office for u t make preparations for them to leave so what's the big fuss come on thay are human not dogs there is a old saying rat all ways forget but d trap don't forget
  • Tolian (03/08/2020, 20:08) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    In the entire Caribbean we have just over 100,000 cases. 74,000 of them in the Dom Republic with 1,500 to 2,000
    New cases daily
    HON deputy Premier - please protect us. DO NOT allow anyone from the DR enter our country. Thank you sir
  • Tolian (03/08/2020, 20:08) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the entire Caribbean we have just over 100,000 cases. 74,000 of them in the Dom Republic with 1,500 to 2,000
    New cases daily
    HON deputy Premier - please protect us. DO NOT allow anyone from the DR enter our country. Thank you sir
    • voter (04/08/2020, 09:24) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      I totally agree with a travel ban on the DR not on all WP holders. That’s like using a sledge hammer to kill an ant
  • wh (03/08/2020, 20:16) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    All those people who talking about send them home that with their lazy back side home doing nothing how much did that contribute to the Labour & immegraton department there is where the money goes but there is a old saying rat all ways forget but d trap don't forget
  • Hmm (03/08/2020, 20:18) Like (20) Dislike (6) Reply
    Have a card my money can be withdrawn via that. Also have a $19000 loan in another bank. Who's going to pay for that. I'm not on permit I'm exempted. They just going say give my job to a belonger. That's fine. Hope you guys give them my debt also
    • eyes (04/08/2020, 00:23) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      Hmm what is your point that's between you and the bank if you do sure that you still have a job you should have posted your letter from your employer that guarantee you have a job
    • @ hmmm (04/08/2020, 09:29) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Banks recouping their loans which should not have been given in the first place,should be the least of your worry. Hope u find another host to ,"build up"
  • address (03/08/2020, 20:19) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    Bvi is not apart of the Caribbean we just located in the Caribbean we are ruled by Britain tired of hearing people but love your Caribbean brothers and sisters. When them animals here could behave themselves then we will consider
  • New Regular (03/08/2020, 20:20) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Every country doing it why them mad at the bvi they simply just trying label us as bad people and degrade or local government they trying to make everything a local vs island people.. Government are doing the right thing right now don’t let them in
    • eyes (04/08/2020, 00:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don't know why they don't want to back home but prefer to beg and borrow just to stay in person apartment giving story there is no place like home .I find no joy in seeing person that work and pay their bills that have lost their jobs leave this is a no win situation for any one expatriates losing BVI islander losing
  • Iris (03/08/2020, 20:23) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    Only a few I can’t stand Jamaicans and Vincentians them bad bad people them Haitians too...
  • True (03/08/2020, 20:23) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    After Irma when my wife and I stayed we were thanked by a member of the goverment for staying and helping to rebuild our beautiful BVI. These comments I have just read can not be from the majority. What is happening to our Island, are we not a cultural mosaic of wonderful people who love and make the BVI beautiful and a true paradise?
    • concerned humanitarian (04/08/2020, 10:10) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      wow is all I have to say after reading the negativity of all the comments. I cant imagine using the word "HATE" in any sentence when talking about people from another race, religion or country. Shocking and frankly no better than what the world has witnessed recently in the US or for that matter during the civil rights movement. Step back in time to the MLK march across the Edmund Pettit bridge. Would it have been ok to beat to death a "down islander". If you imagine for a moment suggest or think it you are the one that should be banned not from tola but from Humanity until you come to the realization that we are all equal.
  • R (03/08/2020, 20:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ jokers your work has always been there driving around in government vehicles sat behind the desk with phone in your ear you forget man
  • @wow (03/08/2020, 20:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You sound so stupid!!! Everyone has freedom of speech. You can read someon's opinion about something and ignore it if you do not agree. What is your stress!!
  • bojan (03/08/2020, 20:38) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    Well what goes around comes around remember Cline say get ready for famine hope you have food planted so you wont have to get from Santo and down Island.
  • Trump (03/08/2020, 21:22) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    England needs to sent the military ship to help get them island people out of here. Everything the government decided to do you all get so defensive. We aloud you all to come in work you should be thankful because where you came from you could not make it in your own country. If you all country is so great why you all don’t leave and never to return. It have be long over due.
    • @trump (03/08/2020, 22:49) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
      Why should the UK do your dirty work for you? You're keeping UK nationals out too. UK nationals who have paid $$$$ to your government for their work permits. UK nationals who work hard, rent homes and spend their money to local businesses. UK nationals who are now barred from returning to their jobs, their homes and their belongings. But, yeah, sure, expect the UK to come help you out.
      • Really (04/08/2020, 11:19) Like (2) Dislike (16) Reply
        I would like to see all the UK people gone. England should send the military for them. Bunch a racist MS. The only local business you spend your money at is at your own and maybe a few locally own bars. Screw them greedy landlords, don't care about them. But you UK immigrants need to just go already. Tired a seeing your face.
      • To @ Trump (04/08/2020, 23:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        The $$$ you UK nationals pay for work permit is pennies compared to the salaries you give yourselves on top of bonuses, raises and promotions. Every minute you all promoting yourselves and bringing your other UK friends from abroad to join your paid vacation. Well don't even talk about the pittance you pay the black workers. UK nationals here work hard? At what? Doing what? You mean drinking and island hopping. How come BVI had to pay a 'real' lawyer of caliber in the UK, how much, nearly half a million to write the substance legislation? How come none of you could do it? You should have known better not to enter this jack spinner nest, so just go back to the beach, back to your drinking and sit this one out.
    • @trump (03/08/2020, 23:28) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      You want England to come and help whilst you are treating English citizens as third class citizens? Makes sense...?!
  • ndp (03/08/2020, 21:25) Like (8) Dislike (23) Reply
    Love the VIP Government doing a great JOB keep it moving send her them island people. I prefer the white people and the Americans to be live among us not them island people have our country so run down and ghetto looking.
    • @NDP (03/08/2020, 23:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      White people also have work permits and are also barred from returning. Should they change the rule to "black permit holders are banned"?
  • blame the governor (03/08/2020, 21:32) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    shame on all of ah you.racist..
    • Local (04/08/2020, 11:16) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      THIS RACIST THING IS DO NOT SOUND GOOD. ANOTHER THING IS THE GOVERNMEMT SHOULD STOP THAT BARGE FROM SANTO DOMINGO TO STOP COMING HERE THEY ARE BRINGING IN PEOPLE AND DROPING THEM OFF SHORE BY NIGHT THAT NEED TO STOP BECAUSE THEY CAN BRING IN THE VIRUS AND SPREAD IT AND IF THAT HAPPEN THEY CAN WIPE OUT A LOT OF PEOPLE THIS VIRUS IS NO JOKE . THE PORTS NEEDTO BE MORE PROTECTED NOT BARGECOMING IN AT NIGHT WHEN THERE IS NO CUSTOMER PERSON TO CHECK IT THAT IS SOMETHING THE CUSTOM DEPARTMENT NEED TO LOOK INTO BEFORE it is too late.
  • Listen (03/08/2020, 21:54) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    You people who respond to the island man nonsense talk need to stop. Don’t you realise its the same blogger over and over on every site trying to cause confusion. If y’all start ignoring I bet the ignorant comments will stop. This person is not Oa reflection of the views of the majority of BVIslanders. DONT FALL FOR IT ANY LONGER.
    • The inexperience is on display (04/08/2020, 05:47) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      The haste, the hurry, the anger in which this government act u can see they are very in experience and without an experience, level heading, legal minded empathetic advisor....
  • IGNORANT (03/08/2020, 22:05) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
    I wonder if these people tell there Geography teacher they don’t want to learn anything about other Caribbean Islands because they are down Island what a illiterate and dumb set of derelict.There is no cure for Stupid anyway
    • So, So, So, (04/08/2020, 05:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      I don't know who is advising the minister or VIP.. Their is a passion of hate for Caribbean people been display...Yes The White folks., The Asians , on Work permits have all the managers position in the BVI private industry. Yes they are on Work permits, and Yes they are locals and belongers in those companies that can do those Jobs. Lord have mercy on black people, take the curse of hate for each other off of us.. wonder if they will ever be forgiven. This is going to stay in the memory for a very long time..
      • To Ignorant (04/08/2020, 09:52) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        Some white people and Asians soon have to go too. Why do you think it is aimed at blacks?
    • @ Igmorant...Lol. Stop it (04/08/2020, 06:01) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Ihe leaders is the problem not yhe nloggers. This Virus aint going any where soon...Leaders just need to lead and use every litle case as an excuse to oppressed and conttol the people..They need to lead, put things in place and let us move forward, let us live. We have to find away to co-exist with this virus.. The lesders need to lead with wisdom and courage and with fear and bitterness.... So, the bloggers need to ease up on the insult of each other.. The leaders are putting us against each other, because in their fail leadership. When we are devided they are strong... Thats their strategy.... Lets show respect to each other. Ignore the ignorance.. dont even respond...Yep.
  • hh (04/08/2020, 03:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ agree. Hear tge kind of words ciming from your mouth. Hate. Mercy you have God in your heart????? Gi and repent
  • R (04/08/2020, 05:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ iris u know why let me tell u why we are to smart for u that's why u cannot stand us lol
  • Where are the Preachers (04/08/2020, 05:24) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Island people need to stop going yo Church and giving these useless, heartless, courageless, fake preachers their money....Is all these human abuse amd human rights violation Spiritual wickedness in High places..Isnt this suppose to Vex the Spirit of God's People, Isnt this the evil that God's people should be fighting against... Then again if they are really God's people. What more evidence we need to know that these preachers are fake and just concern about the money and the good life,...
  • u (04/08/2020, 05:24) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    All of you who keep saying send them home at least d have there own house but u cannot put your money where your mouth is living in apartment nothing to show some of you need to go get a life and stop envery people for what thay work for
    • Hmm (05/08/2020, 02:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is beautiful to hear they have houses in their native lands. I love to see people attaining goals and owning property. Now they should have no problem going home as they already have a home to reside in. Don't see the issue at all with returning home if you were fortunate enough to be able to build a home in your native land. Now the people i sympathize with are those who have not been to their native land in decades and have nothing to go home to because they now see the BVI as their home. They are the ones that deserve our mercy. The ones you speak of will be just fine in their native land in the house we apparently "envy".
  • Hanna (04/08/2020, 06:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There’s one one lot worse than down island people and that the Judean People’s Front and the People’s Front of Jude’s. All wankers.
  • Why (04/08/2020, 06:47) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why are they locking mothers out don't the mother have her children to go back to. This is heartless Mr. Minister. Why are you separating families? There are not much expat out there to return why are you discriminating them especially the mothers???
    • Local (04/08/2020, 15:08) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      You should had known not to make children in another man country. Try not to make any excuses leave with your children.. Did you the one who say our education system is shit. They don’t have any BVI passport to stay in the BVI. Please leave and never to return.
  • Parents lock out (04/08/2020, 06:56) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bring back parents in their kids need them or send our kids to us. Ty.
  • Hmmmm (04/08/2020, 07:10) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Allow me to address these few words to the powers that be. I have no doubt that the Hon Premier means well. I believe that he indeed is an astute leader. I believe however that a time must come when enough must be enough. You had no cases for a few months that was great. You had a suspected case you licked down a whole community. You have one case everything is on stand still for the next few months God knows how long. You go through a period of calm again and after two months another case is discovered you will go on lock down again. With this mentality the bvi will always be on lock down. The only thing to fear is fear itself. It would appear that this virus will be around for a long time. We can minimize but you can not eliminate. You are putting the island under real stress. The hotel taxi drivers restaurants the airport personnel the economy are all stressing by this action. Please rethink sir.
    • to hmmmmm (04/08/2020, 09:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      The. World. Is. Not. The. Same.

      Wake up.
    • eyes (04/08/2020, 10:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Look at what has happened in Bahamas from today islands wide lockdown in effect. Open boards and see the results you think we will be any different especially with our behavior. BVI people not ready mentally to have boards open because of their actions seen every day.
  • james (04/08/2020, 08:15) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    so much shit that the people of this island talk about, and they cannot live without an immigrant, because they eat and learn from them
    • @james (05/08/2020, 14:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's because the immigrants/expats keep coming. At some point the government has to get a handle on immigration, as does every country. Non-BVIslanders always look at immigration situations from their point-of-view. But, it also has to be looked at from the BVislander's position as well. There are lots of immigrants here who dislike us simply for the fact that we were born in the BVI (I'm 7th generation). Everytime a white expat asks me where I am from, I know when I say I am from Tortola, there will be an immediate visceral reaction. Some of you immigrants segregate yourselves willingly and gladly (Americans and Europeans for sure), strut about as though you are a class above, yet you enjoy freedoms that you would/could not have or enjoy in your own countries. And still have the temerity to look down on us "locals." Some of you litter with great abundance, have little regards for what is BVI cultural norms, and blatantly act like you just got off the plantation yesterday. Oh and let's talk about the name calling. BVIslanders are called nasty, lazy, uneducated, inbreds, greedy and all sorts. I've heard it all, I've read it all. However, I don't think if I moved to your country and was allowed to set up shop, that I would be allowed this same blatant disrespect and disregard toward the natives. In the US I would probably be shot. Remember, this is our country. Our ancestors were slaves and later toiled in this country. It is our birthright. Most of you don't respect that, including a lot of BVislanders. If the BVI was my overcrowded house, I would take everything out, see what could actually stay based on need, functionality and ability to blend with other items, and then I would get rid of the rest of the stuff that doesn't lend cohesive value - regardless of worth. We are not building a community here. It's a hot mess of hatred, anger, envy, racism, white supremacy, pedophilia...you name it and it's here. We BVIslanders aren't the only ones responsible for those attitudes. You, as immigrants, need to own your responsibility in bringing your brand of negativity here. So let's have open, valuable conversations on what should happen going forward instead of the hate-spewing BS that permeates these news-sites.
  • my word (04/08/2020, 09:10) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am warning you all the Stone that builder refuse always become the Head Corner stone Beware! When you not self sufficient.At a time like this food Security is Paramount An Island that depends so much on ouside source for almost everything they consume should have such an hatred for people from elsewhere and more so Tourists is there number one pillar I never could get it. You will reap what you sow be forewarn
  • Lucky (04/08/2020, 10:12) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    its heart breaking to read all these comments that most of our bvi landers are posting about our neighboring Caribbean islands. we act as if we are above these people and some of the government ministers are not being in just to these people. take in to consideration we bvi-landers that have these big 2 and 3 story apartment buildings, who occupy them, construction to build this bvi that we every day chasing these black ex-pats from. I am sure there are more than 80% of the bvi landers have ties to the Caribbean by birth and we still acting like we are bigger and better than these people. what do we have to live off of in this country. we import everything and more than 75% of our imports come from the Caribbean. we need to stop this racial behavior and start living as one people. this band that the immigration and labour minister impose on work-permit holders is a slap in the face of the Caribbean people and we also have whites that these laws don't apply to. I am sure that the people that know him see exactly what is going on in the sister island of virgin gorda and I will say, I voted for him looking for a change but instead he is treating most locals like they are begging him for things. when you call his phone he don't answer, he never tries to meet with the black locals but he can be seen sitting and enjoying the company of the white ones.
    we have a female junior minister who is more productive in every avenue and she listens to us the black locals and shows interest in our concerns. just remember that most of us bvi landers have families that are overseas what will happen to them. school will re-open and these kids will be deprive of a education because of men in power making decisions that pleases them and their high class friends.
    we all know that covid-19 is on a rise and yes the bvi is a small group of islands that we have to try our best to keep safe but how can you keep a humans in a cage locked away from even our Caribbean neighbors while they are open and living their lives with the virus under control. this cage life will cause people to commit crime, go crazy, start taking their own lives even. it is only a matter of time, I will like to ask these expats that are here in the bvi to please u all see what is going on here so try to cool out with the illegal activities and follow the laws of the country. also we bvi landers we need to stop separating our selves from the expats because most of us men have expat wives and kids. we need unity in this bvi and it can only happen if we stop the crap and live as one people. unity …

    united we stand, divided we FALL.
    remember most of our imports come from the Caribbean countries through the us.

    you all can bash this all u want but know that the bvi is noting with out the expats black or white. try to treat every one of them equal.
  • hey ho (04/08/2020, 10:23) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ urging

    build a wall around the bvi you say......what so it can be filled with water and drown all the heartless people in it ??
    one minute everyone saying ( including government) down islanders must leave. next minute they saying how important it is that we forge good relations with "our down island brothers and sisters" because we need their resources .!!!!! typical BVI that is....if we need something from you you are our best friends...but when that need runs our...close the door on the way out.!!
    its disgusting its hypocritical and its just shows the world who we really are...............
    does the government really think covid targets work permit holders ?? why on earth " because of the recent # 9 case" does this justify blocking workpermit and exempt from returning.....if you dont want them back because of scarcety of jobs...then just say so.......grow a.pair please.. stop hiding.
    if you have to stop people from returning...how on eartg are we going to reopen our borders.
    government so hell bent on protecting their legacy of zero cases they missing the bigger picture. with borders open we are never...bo way..going to maintain zero cases...so need to start enforcing the distancing..wearing of masks etc...they did such a good job over these holidays...( NOT)..police couldnt care less with the crowds. just drive west end during the boat races to see hundreds if people...shoulder to shoulder...no masks.
    kidding your self
  • speak out (04/08/2020, 11:36) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    once famiies are separated , we bound to have social problems.
  • Expat (04/08/2020, 11:43) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Please send home all the Nurses Doctors and other Medical personnel in BVI also the Police and Prison officers let we all leave this stuck up so call big up island on it own to the locals and their jobs let us leave please pay us out so we can go ASAP
  • hi (04/08/2020, 11:47) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Are they nobody that is why are being locked out??? sad.sad.
  • bvl (04/08/2020, 14:14) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    When their ancestors on this island were slaves, they run for Santo Domingo, because they were dying of ambre, now they believe they are people, just because where is the dollar,
    • To bvl (04/08/2020, 18:59) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Don't forget the part when the Dominican Republic president wanted to "dominicanise" the work force, meaning all jobs were for his Dominican Republic people and stopped other nationals from coming there for work. That is how BVIslanders stopped going there for work. You all like to come with that but never mention that part. The BVIslanders left quietly and you never heard them call down the Dominican Republic or carrying on with the kind of childish tantrums some of you are doing.
    • @bvi (06/08/2020, 20:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes and they were nott treated well and when they left the only thing they were allowed to leave with was their belongings that can fit in a crucus bag and a cutlass. They went came out with less than what they went there with.
  • My prayer (04/08/2020, 14:41) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Father God in the name of jesus have mercy on mankind please help us to be our brothers keeper ,help us to love each other's and give the devil and give the devil a knock out punch, in jesus name amen.
  • D (04/08/2020, 16:43) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    News flash when we get to our destination no police officer will be there to escort us with hand cuff instead there will be strictly pan vibes u know why because we build up our country so u do the same for your u have time I will be back for vocation just to see your progress
  • Airport worker....I cried today (04/08/2020, 17:51) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    I cried today to see to black OECS BVI health workers land at Beef Island Airport on a chsrter and were sent back because of this law.....We at the airport are saying how wicked this is, whatever little issues they had it could have been soughted out but to send them back, When they alrwady landed here i spent so much money, all i can do is cry cry it hurts so badly, could have bedn my Sisters...And they made all theie arrangements prior to the law....This need to be address at the highedt level in government by those countries leaders.....I heard one Immigration was so upset..didnt want to send them back, but they say, the orders came from the top... God where r u.. ?
    • hello (05/08/2020, 00:19) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      To the airport worker. I don't think this is the first and last time you are going to cry. You should not be at the airport working if you are crying when someone breaks the law of the land and they paid the penalty for such violation. Airport is not the place for you. I hope someone see you crying so the authorities know that someone like you should not be working in these areas. I only hope you working custodial. Imagine if one of your family member was bringing in illegal stuff and get caught what you would have done. These people know that they wouldn't be allowed but they testing the authorities to see how week we are. The Bahamas is closed from 10 pm tonight and all work permit ceased. Steps have to taken and drastic ones to..our hospital cannot hold much more than two dozen if so much in the icu. Yes the economy is shrinking and yes we are going to pull through. The immigration department needs to get to work with the help of the police and customs. So many unemployed in the east end area and don't have a clue if they are going to find work .most of these people owes months upon months of rent. Something has to be done and done very fast. They talk about oh we paid taxes most of these low income workers never paid a penny in income tax. Social security can't give them anything because they to far behind with payment. Now they talking about pay them their money that they put in social security. You need to read the social security hand book.well they can't go doctor because their nhi hasn't been paid either because they havr not work for months. So they are going to be a burden on society. What can be done to help these people?? The minister said asked for help with a ticket so my advice is to do that.take the opportunity now.
  • BVI People look at the Sky (04/08/2020, 18:11) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    BVI PEOPLE LOOK AT THE SKY....ITS TALKING TO US, GOD AINT PLEASE.....SOMETHING ABOUT THE SKY AINT LOOKING RIGHT....IT LOOKS MAD , IT LOOKS ANGRY....ALL THE SUFFERING INNOCENT PEOPLE GOING THROUGH IN THIS PLACE....LETS KEEP OUR EYES ON THE SKY...
  • wise up (04/08/2020, 20:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I honestly taught “BLACK LIVES MATTERS”
  • heartless (04/08/2020, 21:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is so unfair and discrimination to the highest. These people don't have a heart then want to talk about one BVI when crisis hit. Persons who live here over 15 years and got stock with the lock down and now get block to return it's so unfair. Persons own property owe banks have families and now they can't return to these shores because of Heartless people. Where is the love. Seems like 2017 hurricane didn't teach them anything but this God don't sleep. They March for Black lives Matter but look how they treating there own people. God don't sleep and God don't like ugly. To block all work permit holders especially those that live here 15- 20 years or beyond is so unfair. Power drunk and treating people bad that's less fortunate is a hell of a thing. Only Heartless people sleep comfortable at nights but God don't sleep.
  • v (04/08/2020, 22:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My friend leave them people alone see what they are doing to d Gove***r d commi**** of police who was sent here from there mother country who are us thay wake up with hate and go to bed with hate
  • u (04/08/2020, 22:37) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    U people can't stand the truth about island people as u will say built up torla that is a fact when I came here there was just a handful of apartment in East one restaurant tiger one builder jamesy one architecture potter let us face really now
    • Hmm (05/08/2020, 02:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      So they were the only that you knew of. There must have been much mire guikders befire Jamesy cause Jamesy is still relatively young and there is infrastructure that been here long befors he became a household name. I do agree though that fireigners did help where labour is concerned but it waa a fair exchange as they were appropriately compensated for their services
  • United States (04/08/2020, 22:46) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    You islanders need to stop bashing one another!!!! I'm from the States and have family in the USVI, BVI and ST. VINCENT. My wife is from ST. VINCENT. We don't think one islander is better than the next. We love and respect everyone. All the islands in the Caribbean needs one another in some form or fashion. So stop degrading one another!!
  • Make it make sense (04/08/2020, 23:43) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    A wholesale ban does not make sense. Banning people from the DR temporarily does makes sense.
    Tjis is true even forbwork permit holders etc. The same should apply any country that does not have Covid under control.

    Make a list of countries in separate categories. Do not include any country that does not have Covid under control. The World Health Organization publishes statistics on an ongoing basis. You can see the per capita infection rates and death rates and also deaths to cases ratio. In addition The Economist news magazine has an online tracker that estimates the real death rate by comparing average total death rate from all causes over the past few years deaths to current total death rates to catch COVID deaths that may not be included in official figures because of inadequate testing, or other factors. Regional Caribbean agencies are also tracking figures.. So sufficient data is there to differentiate one country from another.

    Suggested categories for countries could be "Restricted" and "Cleared" based on available COVID statistics such as infection rates. None of these categories would include places where COVID is out of control, which would be outright banned. For persons traveling from or who have visited Restricted countries in the past 6 months or other appropriate period, only allow persons into the BVI if they are a BVIslander, Belanger, work permit holder, exempted, or hold a NBLH License with immigration card AND have had a negative test within 48-72 hours prior to arrival in BVI AND be tested on arrival and quarantined until test results available. Put isolation protocols in place in the event of positive test results.

    For Cleared countries allow any visitor to enter but on the same testing and quarantine and isolation requirements.

    If you have been in a country which is not on the Restricted or Cleared list you simply cannot enter the BVI at this time. Update the lists monthly while monitoring the statistics within and outside the BVI.

    Charge fees for entry clearance for persons who are not citizens, nationals, exempt, or holding work permits. and make some money. Fees would be entirely justified because of the possibility they could become a burden on the health system and unlike persons living and working in the BVI they are not paying into NHI.

    This might not be a perfect solution but the experts can consider something like this and use their expertise to improve on it.

    BVI will have to re-open borders at some point so its best to start devising and testing systems now and collecting data on what can work while keeping healthy and safe.

    What happened to those health care workers who were turned back is unacceptable (I am assuming the account is true). Protocols should be in place for health care workers and especially if arrangements were made prior to the policy.
    • Not likely (05/08/2020, 09:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      What you speak of here is too rational and logical and makes way too much sense to ever be adopted here. Using an entry approach based on science? The usvi has a similar approach but sadly the BVI seems to think it can survive in a vacuum.
  • Norris Turnbull (05/08/2020, 06:19) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Defend and Protect the BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. Who do not like it go to hell.
  • R (05/08/2020, 09:09) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Only one man can protect the bvi and is God man will fail remember the earth is the lord and that dwell there in its God who is in control my friend
  • u (05/08/2020, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    U know d beautiful thing about it Avery one are warring mask down island up island every toth man bagi that only to show you that we are on d same level lol
  • Captain Fiint (06/08/2020, 12:47) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Stop and think. Covid 19 is not discriminatory. It does not care what age, sex or color you are or what island or country you are from. It will kill anyone. It is the enemy and we should be trying to fight it not each other.
  • tell me (07/08/2020, 22:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t understand why ever time the BVI government acts in the interests of BVI people, it becomes a we versus immigrants issue. Every country must put its nationals first. Thousands of BVIslanders are returning home and will need jobs. How will they find work if the jobs are held by foreigners?? Immigrants are behaving entitled as if they have a right to live and work in the BVI. How can it be evil for a government to prioritize its own people???????
  • It don’t look good (12/08/2020, 03:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This fighting and cursing don’t look good or sound good from afar neither from near . We are our worst enemy. These people trying to defend their turf and they are a big sellout they pretend they love their country yet they run to another mans country to have their kids, if you love your country so much why is it not good enough to born your offsprings.So you all contributed to the fact that you guys are out numbered.


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