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Expat exiting VI forced to leave her infant child @ airport- Skelton-Cline claims

- calls for better treatment of expats & suspension of policy that requires work permit holders having to exit territory when changing jobs
Host of the Honestly Speaking Radio Programme, Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline has called on locals to treat expatriates better, following reports of a woman who had to leave her infant behind while she exited the country to allow for her work permit to be processed for new employment. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline has reiterated calls for the the suspension of the policy whereby expatriates must leave the territory in order for work permits to be processed for new employment. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline has reiterated calls for the the suspension of the policy whereby expatriates must leave the territory in order for work permits to be processed for new employment. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Host of the Honestly Speaking Radio Programme, Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline has called on locals to treat expatriates better, following reports of a woman who had to leave her infant behind while she exited the country to allow for her work permit to be processed for new employment.

“Just about a week and a half ago, I was called to lend some assistance, a lady who was told that she had to leave the country to come back in to get her permit transferred. Here’s this woman she is leaving the country, she has a six-month-old baby, gets to the airport and then they tell her the baby can’t leave, but she has to go. I mean, can you imagine that? A six-month-old baby!” he said during his show on Thursday, June 10, 2021, on 780 ZBVI Radio.

According to the commentator, the woman had to call her intended employer to collect the baby at the airport.

"You mean to tell me there is no discretion? There is no occasion for us to extend some kindness, some courtesy, and assist people? The woman then had to leave the baby, go out the country and then having a heck of a time getting back in because things aren’t being done,” he stated.

Suspend the policy!

Skelton-Cline then reiterated earlier calls for the policy of work permit holders having to leave the territory when changing jobs to be suspended and called on Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) to intervene.

“This whole matter of having persons leaving the country needs to be suspended. That is a policy it is not the law; it’s a policy, and I’m calling on Minister Hon. Wheatley and the head of Immigration … some direction needs to be given. We as indigenous Virgin Islanders, those of us who are deemed to belong, I want to warn us, I want to caution us about the way we are treating people amongst us.”

He added: “As the Bible warns, be careful how you treat the stranger or the neighbour amongst you. There’s going to come a time when our sons, our daughters, is going to be in somebody else’s place. Every dog has its day; every country has their season where you are going to need somebody else somewhere to assist your child, to assist your mother, to assist your grandfather!”

Skelton-Cline had said on May 25, 2021, that the tedious process of having people leave the territory for work permit processing and return only to be faced with COVID-19 entry policies or having to find overseas accommodations is something that should not be in the current pandemic.

57 Responses to “Expat exiting VI forced to leave her infant child @ airport- Skelton-Cline claims”

  • The Norm (11/06/2021, 12:56) Like (43) Dislike (11) Reply
    This is how they treat us,. Like animals,. Yet they complain about COI and Britain...Rules of mature, the expectations of God. " Treat people the way you will want to be treated". Hope the COI look into these kinds of behaviour by so called authorities...They need to stop..
    • @ The Norm (11/06/2021, 13:57) Like (22) Dislike (51) Reply
      I can only attest to the manner in which eXPats specifically from the Caribbean Islands treat the VI and its people.
      Iam at a lost as to the reason why they come, beg to come legally and legal and by any means necessary. The BVI is really not better because of them. It is an unequal yoke for certain.
      Seriously, considering their expressed negative feelings why do they come and angry and resentful because they are not permitted to stay forever.
      • Maryjane (11/06/2021, 15:25) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
        @ the Norm you are a less than smart IDIOT. Do yourself a favor, arm yourself with a library if great books such as "know thyself, miseducation of the negro. Tortolians are in other countries as well benefiting and getting fat from it. They are on St. Thomas collecting public assistance, section 8 housing, taking government jobs through family hook- ups, l can go on and on. ... Be thankful to the expats they are renting expensive apartments, doing jobs that the locals will not do. So go kick rocks, big ones
        • Reply (11/06/2021, 18:36) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
          We all are aware of the world migration. The writer expressed what you and everyone else knows. The population that was mentioned is very special.The angst that they display,every where they migrate is legendary and unrelenting. For that reason they are merely tolerated and oftimes hated. Am I mistaken when I say that VIslanders are welcomed wherever they go? Do they not make good citizens.? They have never been a disruptive presence anywhere and contribute their fair share of taxes, collect rightful benefits when entitled. Bottom line they make good citizens, USVI and BVI are one in unity...no comparison . BVIslanders were self sustaining before they were renting out their expensive apartments. Even when some of them lived in thatch houses and dirt floors not too long ago.They are willingly self made and that will continue with or without the presence of hate filled and self loathing entities with their sole contribution iof negative energies. The world is a big place and replacements for what or whom you think is indespensible is readily available. Hence the en masse deportation globally and frequently of weeping "xpats renting expensive apartments and doing jobs that the locals will not do".
          • Fib (12/06/2021, 11:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
            @reply other Caribbean islands lived in thatched, mud houses as well. l am glad you remembered that our grandparents (Tortolians) lived the same way as well. Fast forward to the rubbish that are being said about expats. The expats are paying their fair share of taxes, most are contributing to the economy as well. Your own locals are saying they prefer to rent to expats because their own locals do not pay their rent, they feel entitled because ""they born/ barn here"" ..The planet belongs to all of we are all expats. Wherever l pay taxes that's where I am from for that time. The St.Thomas l am correct how many Toliabs go to St. Thomas to birth their children, Real Talk.. BVI and USVI in unity l strongly DOUBT that. Anyway PEACE and BLESSINGS.babd let's be each others keeper..BLAKNESS is a good thing.
        • resident (12/06/2021, 09:04) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          Expats are doing jobs locals will not do; or more often cannot do, due to the poor education and training set up in the BVi, despite all the Government revenue that came in between 1990 and 2017.
      • hmmm (11/06/2021, 18:18) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
        Most of the doctors,nurses and health professional at your hospital are expats...would you like them to leave also...smh..the mentality of some of these belongers is truly distorted...you all need to expand ur horizons.
        • Umnhoh (11/06/2021, 18:47) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
          Welll...let me answer that after checking to see if they are the only ones available in the wide wide world.
          Well in a nanosecond, I have learned that some of their countries are in need of nurses. Their hospitals are in need of nurses and they are unable to
          attract nurses from elsewhere and there own nurses prefer to come to the VI for work.

          • Response to hmmm (11/06/2021, 22:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
            Doctors,nurses and health professionals at the VI hospital, made personal choice to apply and subsequently accepted positions in the VI. Considering the hospitals in the Caribbean are woefully understaffed, they nevertheless,choose to abandon their country's and others in closer proximity to ship out to the VI.
            The question remains. Why are the folks from all walks of life in the Caribbean, with c h o i c es , inspite of the nightmarish circumstances in the VI expressed by their compatriots heading to the V I Are they simple minded and/ or sadistic... is it the result of envy jealousy and an inability to express gratitude for kindness.
    • Titu (12/06/2021, 04:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      If I had a problem Cline would be the last person I’d ask for help. Why was he contacted?
    • I am a victim (12/06/2021, 05:58) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Epats are now the new slaves and guess who are the slave masters? This is the way most expats are treated here less than human most of the times and it has been like that for years. I know people will say " if you don't like it go back to your country" the truth is most cannot.
  • Local (11/06/2021, 12:57) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    What happen to the $250 fee they use to pay? That dont work anymore? I believe the ppl should but let the new intended employer pay the fee and person wouldnt have to leave. This does nt look good if the Immigration Dept is offering a service. Their customer service should be firm but friendly not hostile and incompassionate.
  • Oh No (11/06/2021, 12:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh my lord
  • BuzzBvi (11/06/2021, 12:58) Like (47) Dislike (3) Reply
    "they tell her the baby can’t leave, but she has to go. I mean, can you imagine that? A six-month-old baby!" The only place left in the world where I could imagine that happening is in the VI. How sad.
  • Thanks CSC (11/06/2021, 13:01) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
    Really appreciate you bringing this issuse to light...These heartless people who use their power to pressure and oppress, rather than to help and assist...Some of these people with authority I can bet anyone some dont know the meaning of Compassion and empathy...they are that backward....wonder why they are so heartless..
  • Trump (11/06/2021, 13:05) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
    So we are like Trump's USA.
  • Hope (11/06/2021, 13:08) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    why the sudden outcry maybe the new permit is under him. big man representing the same administration he balling about another mr henry once thing not going in their favour run pick up the microphone and talk talk

    why cant all of the talk show groupies; sit under a tree and form a political party this way all they have in mind can be put into action
  • omg (11/06/2021, 13:22) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    The government need to watch how they treat us!!!!! We are humans( local and expat)
  • anybody (11/06/2021, 13:29) Like (36) Dislike (6) Reply
    Anybody ever thought the baby needed some kind of document to travel but don’t have it. You guys know you never heard such story till now, so don’t start with how you guys are treated, you never heard nobody leaving back a baby so young
    • @a ybody (11/06/2021, 15:41) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are a genius yes the baby need a document to travel, a birth certificate.
  • Tell You What (11/06/2021, 13:36) Like (37) Dislike (4) Reply
    They would have had to lock me up because I was not leaving with out my six month old baby. The baby already bond with the mother, the baby misses the touch, voice and smell of his/her mother. THAT WAS CRUEL INTENT.
    • Certainly (11/06/2021, 21:37) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      The baby left behind, if true, had to have been the Mother's choice.
      Why would a Mother would choose to do that?
      I would guess the mother felt her child would be in good hands until her return.
      Mothers do that routinely...leave their child with trusted care.
  • DEDE (11/06/2021, 13:45) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have a feeling there is more to this story than we are being told. A six month is still breastfeeding and will need the mother. I have a feeling one of two issues I’m listing may be at play.
    1. The father of child may have object to her leaving the country with the child as he fear she may not come back or the child may not come back with her. Or
    2. She did not have the proper documents for the child leave. ( COVID paper)

    This is just my guest.
  • Ah ok (11/06/2021, 13:56) Like (55) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have so many questions like why was the baby not allowed to leave, why call her intended employer for the baby and where the baby daddy? Don't tell piece of a story, we need the whole scoop.
  • Laws (11/06/2021, 14:13) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    You see there are some laws on the books for a long time that needs to be amended in this day and age. The humanitarian side needs to be adjusted in that where there is a pandemic such as this the minister in power can make changes easier to facilitate these types of issues. This is not the only person in this type of predicament. Some as early as 2 weeks baby had to leave their child. You think this issue is easy.
    The law is the real issue here not the minister who is responsible for the portfolio he can only do so much until the Government amend it.
  • Robots (11/06/2021, 14:15) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Mr. Skelton-Cline has learned a valuable lesson...
    The drones that are employed by HM Customs, the Labour Dept. and BVI Immigration have no ability to decide. They are trained to follow protocol and protocol only! They are merely robots, performing a task, and cannot think about right vrs. wrong on their own. These same lower-level government employees are most certainly not trusted by their respective department heads. This is a product of our own educational system; "critical thinking"... Who here has ever even heard of that?
    The Immigration Dept. is the worst. Ingrained in the system is raging xenophobia and the certainty that someone - or everyone - is trying to out-con the Immigration Dept's con.
    • tola (13/06/2021, 17:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I born there and I came in with my us passport and British passport. Tell me why immigration stamped my US passport and give me time when I was born there and my family is well known there? It's a said situation but it's more to the story that they aren't telling us. I would not have left my child no matter what. Just sounds all fishy.
      • Hmm (14/06/2021, 09:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        why did you give them your us passport. when i coming back home i always give them my VI passport nothing else. that officer retarded.
  • Why (11/06/2021, 14:49) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why can’t she leave with her baby?
  • old (11/06/2021, 15:11) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Y We still sending out people s when work permits is in process. These days are done. Let the people pay for time.
    • Permit (11/06/2021, 17:55) Like (3) Dislike (20) Reply
      The law of the BVI can BVI Islanders go down to island and the government how to run the country. Why don’t you all leave it time to go if you having problems in another man country. She is a prime example cry don’t want to go home that go..
    • @old (11/06/2021, 20:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Pay for time, without employment??
  • Ribber duck (11/06/2021, 15:48) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    More in the Motta even csc killing the vip
  • Tolian (11/06/2021, 16:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    They full of ____
  • I don't understand (11/06/2021, 17:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course a child of that age can travel with a birth certificate some thing is not right I think there is more to this story
    • Secret Bear (14/06/2021, 20:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      She may not have had the birth certificate or even if she did, the child's father did not give her permission to take the child. Children have two parents, you know. Parental kidnapping is sadly a thing.
  • faith (11/06/2021, 17:46) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope when England done query you could defend yourself. Why you defending people with wrong. The government governor a law with these work permit abide the law of the BVI..


  • creepy (11/06/2021, 17:57) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Continue defending them island people and would stop all my families and friends from spending people at you business where food is so dam expensive
  • Not a good look. (11/06/2021, 18:02) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Woow This is obsolutely disgraceful, i thought that it was said that they don't have to leave during this process which makes no sence in my book . We behaving like the ex president Donald Trump at the border wooow not a good look at all.
  • Over barring (11/06/2021, 18:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some of us government workers needs to stop going on the jobs with all house issues and other problems and taking it out on the customers and others has no regard who they hurts forgetting that they themselves has children sister's brothers , listen respect shows and must be given we are all equal doesn't matter were they came from
  • Sad (11/06/2021, 18:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is not the first case this has been happening for a long time…..thanks for bringing this case to light we need to do something better about it.
  • BabyDaddy (11/06/2021, 19:02) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    She probably tried to pull a fast one like they are prone to do.
    No follow up from her or her peeps...hmmm
  • Concerned (11/06/2021, 19:08) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    This incident should be reported to the International Human Rights Association. BVI worse than ICE.
  • wow (11/06/2021, 20:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    One day it will be only tolan here ..then they will see hard time an understand...the only reason why people here is because off the usa dollars
    • Shoo Fly (12/06/2021, 08:44) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      Not so long ago there were only Tolans here. They were fine better than now. Where havel have you been. New to this planet? Who send for you?
  • samole (12/06/2021, 06:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    well me son i guess we never learn from 2017 hurricane, treat people with kindness cause another storm will come and none of us will be spared if we continue to behave this way to people........immigration this is a warning.
  • MJ (12/06/2021, 10:31) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Forcing someone to leave the island just because they are changing jobs is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. How can this be logical to anyone? Its harassment with no just cause. The only ones benefiting are the airlines
  • Laws (12/06/2021, 12:15) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why everybody think that BVI laws and policies should be changed to please everybody. Regardless to where in the world you go there are laws to be obeyed. We do not go in another man countty to dl as we please.
  • To b ho (12/06/2021, 15:04) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Truthfully BVI don't have any law sad to say
  • omg (12/06/2021, 15:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is pure bull sh!!!!!
    how long this lady resign here in the BVI?
    there is person living in the BVI less than a year was terminated from jobs because covid and did not had to leave!!
    Also There is expats here living working till they making kids and here as a visitor paying 25$us every 3 months for time!
    This is hilarious!!!!!
    • Hmm (12/06/2021, 16:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      I've known a svg lady living in the BVI 1 year some and made a child working and living her life just because here friend dating someone in immigration so she's getting all the time to live work and enjoy life, while am here patiently waiting on my good standing from inland revenue so I can get my permit done! the process there seem very slow apply since January and we are in June.
  • BVI LUV (13/06/2021, 06:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE CAME AND MEET THIS LAND AND WE GOING TO GO AND LEAVE IT ( BORN HER OR NOT / LOOK WITHIN THYSELF HYPOCRITES / WE OWN NOTHING
  • B.V I Got To Do Way Better Than This (13/06/2021, 10:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE B.V.I CAN NOT HELP THEMSELVES I SAID WHAT I SAID...THEY HAVE TO BRING IN PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES IN ORDER TO GET THE ISLAND UP AND RUNNING WITHOUT THEM WHAT THE B.V.I CAN DO?????? I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW...INSTEAD THEY MAKE OPPORTUNITIES WHERE THE LOCALS CAN BE AT THAT LEVEL...THEY RATHER BRING SOMEONE ELSE IN TO DO THE JOB...SO WHAT THE LOCALS LEARNING!?!?!? THIS IS NOT GOOD WHO EVER SEE THE GOOD IN THIS IS APART OF PROBLEM AS WELL
  • tat (18/06/2021, 05:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the BVI U need a PASSPORT to leave the country no matter the age and no matter where u going on record I think once u born to an outsider mother the child don't get that passport till they older. So maybe she didn't check that out
  • Get the Facts (19/06/2021, 08:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You people need to get the facts straight. If you feel that the BVI needs to do better than don't and I repeat don't birth your children here. I am sick of you people coming into another man's country telling them how to run it and where you all came from is no better. Referring to ALL EXPATS LIVING HERE.


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