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Deputy Premier slams ‘Fast Track’ rumors on ‘significant others’ of legislators

-as 5th HoA recalled with readings of Immigration & Passport Validation Bill 2023
In a historic move, legislators on the Virgins Islands House of Assembly (HoA) returned to the House after it was dissolved, for the reading of the Immigration & Passport Validation Bill 2023 and Immigration & Passport Amendments Bill 2023. Photo: HoA/Youtube
The 4th House of Assembly (HOA) was today recalled by Governor John J. Rankin to regularise the status of 688 persons who were granted simultaneous Belongership and Residency Certificated under the Government’s ‘Fast Track’ process when they did not qualify for both. Photo: HoA/Youtube
The 4th House of Assembly (HOA) was today recalled by Governor John J. Rankin to regularise the status of 688 persons who were granted simultaneous Belongership and Residency Certificated under the Government’s ‘Fast Track’ process when they did not qualify for both. Photo: HoA/Youtube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In a historic move, legislators on the Virgins Islands House of Assembly (HoA) returned to the House after it was dissolved on March 10, 2023, for the reading of the Immigration & Passport Validation Bill 2023 and Immigration & Passport Amendments Bill 2023.

The 4th House of Assembly (HOA) was today, April 17, 2023, recalled by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG to regularise the status of 688 persons who were granted simultaneous Belongership and Residency Certificated under the Government’s ‘Fast Track’ process when they did not qualify for both.

Opening the motions on the floor were Deputy Premier Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) with motions seconded by Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) as the House seeks a way forward days before the April 24, 2023, elections in the territory.

Hon Rymer said the recall of the House is part of the functioning of the constitution and that in the United Kingdom, the House was recalled after its dissolution in several instances.

He said it is with very good reasons that both the Governor and Premier agreed that it was necessary and appropriate for the House to be recalled as well as on the advice of the Hon Attorney General, Dawn J. Smith.

As part of the process, some 3 members of the House whose spouses or significant others were mentioned in the Residency and Belonger Status Programme, have recused themselves to avoid all claims of conflict of interest, namely Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Hon Neville A. Smith (AL) and Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL). 

Attempts to throw blame noted - Hon Rymer 

The Deputy Premier said he has also noted deliberate public attempts in some quarters to assign blame on the issue and that it is a disservice to spread misinformation and rumours including on spouses of members in the House.

“This absolutely not so, let me be perfectly clear, Honourable Neville Smith’s wife was married to him for five years and qualified based on section 16 (6) of the law. Honourable Sharie de Castro’s significant other satisfied the requirement for years required under Section 16(4),” he said, 

He further added, “the Premier’s wife by far satisfied the requirement of years required under the same section. When Cabinet approved applications, he recused himself and did not vote. Furthermore, Honourable de Castro and Honourable Smith were not a part of Cabinet at the time,” he added.

Hon Rymer said those who are spreading misinformation are conveniently leaving that information out to sway public opinion and that unfairly presenting someone as corrupt for their personal gain is not the right thing to do.

59 Responses to “Deputy Premier slams ‘Fast Track’ rumors on ‘significant others’ of legislators ”

  • Hmm (17/04/2023, 19:06) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
    You need to answer the question when was this done giving the spouses they saying it was done recently.
    • Arrest these people.. (17/04/2023, 21:22) Like (30) Dislike (19) Reply
      These people just cannot break the Law every time and when they get caught they come with foolish excuses..People have their belonger application in for yrs, doing it the right way, they got stepped over can't get their status...Because some power egotistic criminal politicians decide to break the law
      • @arrest these people (17/04/2023, 22:47) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
        They are validated!!
        NDP would have never did a fast track...they do not care!!
        They only did one for 70 white folks !!
        • Bumble Bee (18/04/2023, 10:31) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
          What I do understand about some of us, is that we make up our minds without understanding the facts, the law clearly states that first you receive your residency then 12 months later you qualify for your belongership if it is done any other way means you have gone contrary to the law.
          This is exactly what happened, so blaming everyone else is not the solution. The fix is to do it right first time.
        • Peoof (18/04/2023, 11:31) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
          You stop there; I know of people in the ladt election who didn't have not a piece of form in and when when election was close they call them ri do the paper works. The friday some got residency and within a week they get belongers. NDP tell me if I lie, you only - hmm; God go judge you there. With all you putting up mistake bilboard all iver the place. You all dont know if VIP put up board with you all mistake it wouldnnt have space to name them all❓
      • Strupes (17/04/2023, 23:06) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
        You got to be Jesus! Old goat
      • @Arrest these people.. (18/04/2023, 09:42) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
        No law was broken so stop talk piddle. Unlike the NDP fast track, the VIP fast track allowed everyone the same opportunity and access through the right way.
    • @hmmmm (18/04/2023, 09:40) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Let us all give VINO credit for posting blogs for and against this topic and for & against this Government. That other site B..New blocks the majority of blogs in favor of this initiative and in favor of the Government. They are not ethical nor balanced. They are clearly against the government and the people of the BVI except those who hate the Government. They are totally pro Governor, Uk, and anyone who hates the Government and people of the BVI. This is a TOTAL SHAME. Thank you for your balance VINO.
  • The real mistake (17/04/2023, 19:12) Like (28) Dislike (38) Reply
    The real mistake is to trust the Governor. If any elected official organized a COI or investigation and selected the terms of reference and then selected the person to do the COI or investigation and selected the staff to do the COI or investigation. Then tell the people it is being done independent of the politicians and it is a transparent and independent process and although the report has to be submitted to the politician it does not reflect the politician's view or intent, then the whole BVI would be in an uproar. Yet we sit like ducks on the pond and allow the Governor to do all of the above and have him fooling us that his actions were transparent and are in the best interest of the people of the BVI and not that of his and his UK bosses. We all agree the modernization of many policies in government is long needed but this is a failure of the Governor, but he is being allowed to give himself a free pass by blaming others and going after others. If this continues, like this then we will not know when we have been enslaved again. The UK cannot get their own affairs handled in the UK but making some of us think they are our best hope and no leader in the BVI is worthy of trust. We are making a sad mistake falling for this century old divide and conquer British strategy.
    • hmm! (18/04/2023, 11:40) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      You are so right, you can tell its 1 sided, because the things that the others were able to go scotch free with hmm, are the very same things are being used to bit the donkey.
  • Real Talk (17/04/2023, 19:17) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is true. Not just this government.
  • Look maliciousness (17/04/2023, 19:22) Like (36) Dislike (11) Reply
    The only audit on the Fast track programme was done on the one did by the VIP in 2019 where fifteen hundred persons benefited, and most were Caribbean people who were here for years, and their application was being ignored. This sparked the Governors' interest, so they included it in the COI and for the auditor general to do a report. Simply put, this annoyed him and the last Governor as they are not pleased so many black Caribbean people got status. On the contrary, not a word or not a report or not an audit was done on the 70 rich upper class white friends especially those in the "prestige" financial services industry who got status right before the 2019 General Elections by the NDP and the current Attorney General who was the Permanant Secretary in the Premier's Office at the time. The slavery mill is grinding slow but grinding still and with some of our local's helping the slave master hoping they will give them power.
  • Clearly (17/04/2023, 19:26) Like (34) Dislike (19) Reply
    This is the well-planned mischief the Governor organized so we can fight each other and destroy each other, and this would help him to influence the elections and get the government he wants to assist with his British planned takeover as he would be seen as our only hope. The Auditor General report should be challenged in court as some of what is written is unprofessional but serves the purpose of the real intent to try to influence the elections.
    • Common Sense (17/04/2023, 20:53) Like (17) Dislike (16) Reply
      Nonsense, the UK does not have to play games, they can just take control whenever they wish as against giving the local government an opportunity to redeem themselves. But of course, they have a third choice, just cut the BVI loose and watch it become Haiti after the finance and tourism industries leave town.
      • @common sense (18/04/2023, 00:25) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
        The BVI will rise and never become a Haiti with independence. Who God bless no man nor Britan can curse. Britan is not God.
      • To Common sense (18/04/2023, 00:41) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
        The UK did not help the BVI to build up to where it is now so do not let them fool you saying otherwise. They have no interest in helping us neither. They want the financial services revenue and the beautiful islands but without we the people. The Caribbean people helped the locals build BVI. They are camouflaging their racism, but it is so blatant now that all can see.
      • Listen Common Sense (18/04/2023, 10:22) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
        This whole matter does not make sense and seems politically motivated. Let's say the former AG advised against it and Fahie went ahead ignoring the advice. Well, why didn't the then Governor intervene and flagged it then and both of them register the concern in Cabinet on the record from 2019-2020. Also, the Governor should have refused to sign the documents to give status. None of this was done because the advice from the AG allowed the process to occur & the then Governor agreed. Also, immigration was not a subject under the former Premier, so he is conveniently being blamed for political reasons. The issue is the failure of the system over the years to deal with these outstanding matters and not Fahie nor any politician. It was a good thing that was done. Too many political games with the lives of the people.
        • Hmm (18/04/2023, 11:43) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
          I would shake your hand, common sense wasnt common then, it was hatred for the people and the governor knew he was building a tool to use when he needed
    • @Clearly and others above u (17/04/2023, 20:58) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
      You are all on to something. When the UK first gave Bbislanders UK status the claimed that because of our size that it couldn't be a two- way process for Uk citizens to come and live and work lit it is for US citizens to dominate St
      Thomas and St. John. But quite a few years have passed and their eyes are now wide open and are thinking about turn loose their white UKians on us. Notice that the previous Commissioner of police is still here. Not only that, but he bought an expensive house in the Lambert area and is either on the Airport Board or Seaport or both. I won't be surprised if when it's this governors time to go that he don't get stuck here and won't ho to hell back to the UK.
      Hon Willard Wheatley got us off Grant in Aid in 1967. That means that whatever Chump Change that UK was helping us out with up until 1967 was cut off. So where we are and what we built was done by Us for Us.
      What Hon Carvin said tonight on his turn to speak on the Immigration bill, about our need to start gearing up on the political Options opened to us. Let us come together people of the Bvi. The governor of the Uk are not our Saviors. Ot took me a little time to come around, but I am on agreement that we can't stay in this Under Dog position for ever. We didn't come this far for to have the Um do as they please like they did with the One man Judge and his staff. Iy wasn't transparent.
      Out people died on shipped reck boats in hurricanes and just running aground, coming from the Dominican Republic where our people cut cane trying to make a few dollars to bring back home to feed their families.
  • What about mistakes in 2019 (17/04/2023, 19:49) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
    In 2019 the NDP through the other half of the then Premier and other NDP officials gave 70 rich white friends status and no one else and most of them did not qualify for neither residence nor belonger but the then Governor said not a word and some of them were allowed to vote in 2019 and now in 2023. Some lived in the BVI only two years prior. All these mistakes are being covered up by the Governor & auditor General out of hatred for the VIP helping many of us from the Caribbean islands who lived here for years. God does not like ugly.
    • hmm! (18/04/2023, 11:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Amen, You better let them know that He doesnt like ugly. I guess 2017 6th September wasn't good enough.
  • VIP for we Island people (17/04/2023, 20:00) Like (39) Dislike (17) Reply
    Kye you right. People is so slanderous. They focus on attacking politicians and ain care nothing about Island people. Some of those other parties don't want we have no status. Thank you VIP. You have my vote.
    • I said it!!! (18/04/2023, 10:39) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      A lot has been done and said to try to permanently eliminate Andrew Fahie. He is not perfect but although I am not a VIP supporter, I say thank you to Andrew Fahie & VIP for having the guts to get this fast rack initiative done to help 1500 persons like myself to finally get our status in the BVI. It would not have happened otherwise as history has proven such.
  • Youth man who wasn't VIP (17/04/2023, 20:00) Like (50) Dislike (11) Reply
    My parents got status through this VIP fast track process and did so by filling out the application and then paying $1500 each as our family do not support VIP. They did not ask for any favors and they received their status. Now we were told they are two of the 688 that were given status by mistake. How can the government be blamed for this "so called blunder". Is it really a blunder or a political stunt? Since only VIP cared enough to try to do something to get the back log dealt with and they are being ridiculed for doing it then all 1500 who got status under VIP FastTrack should vote for the VIP and send the Governor, Attorney General, Auditor General, and all the naysayers a real message. My parents were split between PVIM & NDP, but they are so annoyed by this nonsense that they have decided they both will now vote VIP. You know what, I will now do the same.
    • @Youth man who wasn't VIP (17/04/2023, 20:23) Like (44) Dislike (16) Reply
      Your post is deep. My family and I are in the same boat and will join you in your action on election day.
    • yeah (17/04/2023, 21:10) Like (32) Dislike (12) Reply
      Vip all the way. You really has good intentions for us island people . What a fight!
    • hmm! (18/04/2023, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You see, They will fall into their own trap, God doesnt play.
  • please (17/04/2023, 20:16) Like (10) Dislike (33) Reply
    Nothing honorable about these losers.
  • Post from last week (17/04/2023, 20:32) Like (39) Dislike (11) Reply
    To anyone with sense can see the Governor is misusing his powers to interfere with the outcomes of the elections with this latest move as he has several plots in one:


    1) Make it seem as if the Government did something wrong again and he is the knight in shinning armor to sweep in & save the day & good governance.
    2) Threaten to take off 700 names off the voters list so they do not get to vote for who he does not want in power.
    3) Open back the House to save the 700 names on the voters list but while doing so he gets more mischief done by getting the auditor general report on the VIP fast track for belongers only and not the NDP one in 2019 before the last elections for only a few rich white friends.
    4) He knows the well malicious intended language they put in the auditor's report will do his job for him in getting the public to go against the VIP.
    5) Divide the country further with locals verses expats especially those from the Caribbean.
    6) Get to now pressure Immigration move to immediately approve his huge number of upper class Uk white friends.
    7) Try to use this to try to justify why he should takeover and run the country by himself.

    Talk about another well organized plot once again disguised as preserving good governance. Time alone will deal with these plots as he has plenty more to come because that is all he and his gang plans all day
  • HMMM (17/04/2023, 20:37) Like (19) Dislike (31) Reply
    Somebody please tell the Deputy Premier to “go sit down”. It have people that more than meet the requirements, living here for over 10, 15, 20 years contributing to the existence of the BVI & still can’t get sorted out. Stop taking people for fools. Stop insulting people’s intelligence. Look how you’re not going to be re-elected, just for supporting something you know is wrong.
    • ???? (18/04/2023, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      I hope when you sit down the chair doesn't shift. Wicked people. How it wrong for some and not for others. Move from there
  • Island Woman (17/04/2023, 20:46) Like (29) Dislike (11) Reply
    To those of you who didn't know, now you know the 1st Lady is from down the ( Island )
    • @ Island woman (17/04/2023, 22:49) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      What’s your point ?
      Down island up island down south Rock usa whatever we were all born somewhere

      Wait didn’t they not try to say Obam@ had no birth paper and he was born Hawaii try to disqualify him?
      Stupes go sit down with that b/s.
      • @ island women (18/04/2023, 09:17) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        why some of you so miserable and mischievous. Jealousy is bad thing. Bad mindedness is a bad thing. I'm sure this woman had never trouble you but you joining hatred.

  • Voter6 (17/04/2023, 20:59) Like (33) Dislike (19) Reply
    THIS WAS DONE TO DERAIL THE VIP BUT THIS THE VIP STRONGER. SET OF SPITEFUL PEOPLE .NDP 1 AND NDP2
  • 688 (17/04/2023, 21:05) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
    All 687 PLEASE JOIN ME AND LET US SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE. VIP AAAALLLLLLLL THE WAY!!!
    Because they only saying it’s not our fault just to sugar coat it, and tek we fi FOOL.V I P AAAAALLLLLLLLL THE WAY.
    FORWARD EVER BACKWARDS NEVER
    LETS HAIR ABOUT THE $7.2 MILLION THAT NOT A CARIBBEAN BROTHER OR SISTER HAVE SEEN OR HEARD ABOUT.
  • smh (17/04/2023, 21:06) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    I am DEEMED to BELONG but going through the right process is indeed the LAW. For those making mischief it goes to show how insensitive and ignorant you are ( H.E.) in question. This act of mischievousness is a darn outright attempt to cause unfavourable outcome of the upcoming Election. Why wasn't this issue addressed before now or after the Elections? Those same Observers brought in to observe the Election needs to place attention towards H.E.
  • John (17/04/2023, 22:03) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    Rank in. Is the bigger cr**k in the vi

  • Native Tongue (17/04/2023, 22:14) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Wrong cannot be right regardless if its accepted by a majority. The most ungrateful people in the Virgin Islands are those same expat them in the house fighting for.
  • the end (17/04/2023, 22:29) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    After all the noise against the fast track and against fahie for doing it, they all still ended up voting for it to regularize it. Pure foolish mischief.
  • Voting VIP (17/04/2023, 23:04) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
    VIP is STILL the best choice to lead these beautiful Virgin Islands!!
  • Green team (17/04/2023, 23:09) Like (11) Dislike (13) Reply
    What a way they tried to confuse and divide…but God is Good. VIP ALL THE WAY
  • Receiver of fast track (18/04/2023, 00:13) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Thanks to the vip government I am 1 of the 688 and can now vote. My family migrated here since the mid 80,s. Submitted paperwork at Immigration when Smith was Premier and never got a response. My family of 5 are now registered to vote in the next election. We have followed BVI Politics and of the 3 parties we favor VIP over NDP 1 and NDP 2. We will exercise our right to vote. We helping the Party that helped us. 688 let’s vote VIP all the way.
  • Native Tongue (18/04/2023, 01:22) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    Vote them out
  • VIP All the Way! (18/04/2023, 05:00) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
    My mother came from another country when she was young and worked hard to build a life here. Her determination and resilience inspire me every day, and I'm grateful to be part of a community that values hard work and recognizes the contributions of immigrants.

    I'm also grateful to live in a democracy, where everyone has a voice and a chance to make a difference. It's a privilege that many people around the world don't have, and we must never take it for granted.

    I encourage everyone to support the VIP party and to vote for them in the upcoming elections. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our community.

    Thank you, and God bless the VIP!
  • Lb (18/04/2023, 05:53) Like (22) Dislike (7) Reply
    There is absolutely no reason to fast track a single soul! Either people meet the requirements by law and get the appropriate status or they don’t. Simple! If the system was fixed so that when people qualify and apply they get their status automatically in specific period of time, then there would be no need for any darned “fast track” progra
    . But instead of fixing the system, and clearing the back log of qualified applicants, this government under the HC decide to pull a fast one and pull a political stunt to get votes. Some of us do dumb that we can’t see this! Why their spouses get it fast fast, when people applications just sitting there for years and years? What they did is wrong!
    • @Lb (18/04/2023, 07:55) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
      EXACTLY. I do not know why the people are so blind. If you qualify, you qualify. If this was about clearing the backlog, then approve those who qualify to be approved and clear the rotten backlog. But no, we all know HC is a money man. It was all about the money. He didn't even have to pay for their votes this time. He got them to pay him instead. What a con!
      • To @Lb (18/04/2023, 12:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        What a foolish post. When NDP did it only for the rich it was ok for haters like you.
  • Voter from the 6th (18/04/2023, 06:45) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why is it some of our island people applications are thrown in the garbage. Alvera all the! Keep that woman out our corner she will squeeze us to death. She worships Status. Vip all the way carribbean people
  • Yes (18/04/2023, 07:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's politricks time again who you going to vote for
  • musa (18/04/2023, 07:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This election feels like taking _ not +.
  • Sara (18/04/2023, 08:05) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
    Based on the report the Minister lied. The persons in question did not qualify based on the auditor's report.
  • @yes (18/04/2023, 08:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALVERA
  • Interesting (18/04/2023, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    For those that read headlines and comments ONLY:

    The Deputy Premier said he has also noted deliberate public attempts in some quarters to assign blame on the issue and that it is a disservice to spread misinformation and rumours including on spouses of members in the House.

    “This absolutely not so, let me be perfectly clear, Honourable Neville Smith’s wife was married to him for five years and qualified based on section 16 (6) of the law. Honourable Sharie de Castro’s significant other satisfied the requirement for years required under Section 16(4),” he said,

    He further added, “the Premier’s wife by far satisfied the requirement of years required under the same section. When Cabinet approved applications, he recused himself and did not vote. Furthermore, Honourable de Castro and Honourable Smith were not a part of Cabinet at the time,” he added.
  • Native Tongue (18/04/2023, 11:55) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    The Abuse of the Process continues.. Things will NEVER be the SAME.
  • Observer (18/04/2023, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your explanations are noted Hon. Rymer. The nay sayers cannot over-ride the truth. They are doing all that they know to do, so people, just ignore them. Don't let them distract you! When will we realize that the crab-in-a-barrel mentality - a mentality that has passed down from the days of slavery - needs to be abolished. No time for politicking. Instead, Pray and ask God to help you choose the most eligible and credible candidates, who will look out for our best interests.


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