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GIS & Immigration personnel clash over parking space in RT

- GIS staff accuses Deputy Chief Immigration Officer of instructing staff to block car in parking lot
A clash over parking space in the parking lot across from Labour and Immigration Departments resulted in police being called in on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Photo: Team of Reporters
Police on the scene of the parking lot fight on August 16, 2022. Photo: Team of Reporters
Police on the scene of the parking lot fight on August 16, 2022. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A clash over parking space in the parking lot across from Labour and Immigration Departments resulted in police being called in on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

According to reports reaching our newsroom, the fight was between staff of Government Information Services (GIS) and Immigration Department and that the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge allegedly instructed a male staff of Immigration Department to block the car of a female staff of GIS.

What caused the fight?

Our newsroom was told that the female staff of GIS had parked her car in the parking lot when she was allegedly told by Mrs Demming-Hodge on two occasions that she should remove her vehicle since it was in a parking space reserved for Immigration staff.

The GIS staff reportedly told Mrs Demming-Hodge that the parking space was unmarked and was a “non gazetted parking space in a public parking lot.”

The Deputy CIO reportedly replied that she would advise her staff to block the woman’s car if she failed to remove her vehicle.

The GIS staff subsequently returned to find her vehicle blocked and also found out that it was a vehicle belonging to an Immigration staff that was blocking.

Police called in

The police were reportedly called in; however, our newsroom was told that the male Immigration staff refused to move his vehicle even when ticketed. He reportedly only complied with police when threatened with arrest.

Our newsroom reached out to Mrs Demming-Hodge for a response to the allegations but none was received up to the time of publication.

The GIS staff was also contacted and commented on the condition of anonymity.

The GIS staff commented: “One thing I know is Virgin Islands law and my rights.”

She added: “With the new government of the day wildly focused on the implementation of Commission of Inquiry Recommendations, in an effort to prevent direct rule or the partial suspension of our constitution, I really hope that the present reform will have measures in place that will correct some of the long-standing issues government faces, particularly the gross professional misconduct displayed by high ranking officials within government on a power trip because of their title,” the woman stated.

Portions of the parking lot incident yesterday were caught on camera.

86 Responses to “GIS & Immigration personnel clash over parking space in RT”

  • Strups (17/08/2022, 18:46) Like (126) Dislike (13) Reply
    Why are any employees parking anywhere near those offices when the parking should be for customers? This behavior simply demonstrates what both departments staff actually think about their job and who they are there to serve.
    • To strups (17/08/2022, 19:07) Like (26) Dislike (88) Reply
      You got to be a real jack@$$ because staff have been parking there for YEARS!!!
      • Hmm (18/08/2022, 06:33) Like (26) Dislike (5) Reply
        And that makes it right
        • enough (18/08/2022, 11:52) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
          They need to stop putting those cones in the PUBLIC parking lot. Someone needs to intervene and make them move those cones. Those spaces are for everyone.
      • @ Strups (18/08/2022, 14:37) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
        That parking is for ALLLLLL Customers in surrounding buildings!!!

        Who cares if the workers park in UNDESIGNATED PARKING AND TRY TO CLAIM IT!!

        It is NOT YOUR ASSIGNED PARKING!!!!!

        DISGRACEFUL AND IGNORANT INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS AN INFLATED EGO SINCE GETTING THIS POSITION.

        HUMBLE YOURSELF!!!!!!

        Great job on calling the police. The nonsense has to stop!!

        As for the person that blocked the car, see if she could help you pay for that ticket.

        Act like you have some kind of sense!
      • @To strups (18/08/2022, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
        You are an idiot!
    • @strups (17/08/2022, 20:25) Like (91) Dislike (7) Reply
      I totally agree with you. All employees of those buildings whether they are govt or private should park on the Festival ground. Other employees should also park there and use the shuttle service. If I have to pay one bill why should I have to take the shuttle when I should be able to park easily do my quick business and go home. I hardly ever patronize businesses in town for the simple reason there is no parking!!
      • FEED UP (17/08/2022, 21:18) Like (14) Dislike (32) Reply

        what you need to do is catch a ride to town and walk around in the hot sun talking sh**

  • nonsense (17/08/2022, 19:04) Like (76) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is embarrassing! The lady is entirely correct in her statement.
  • HMMM (17/08/2022, 19:06) Like (46) Dislike (3) Reply
    Do Mrs. Demming say block the vehicle????. What a thing.
    • Greg (18/08/2022, 01:28) Like (61) Dislike (1) Reply
      The spots are not marked for staff-only use. She should pay her stupid employee's ticket for blocking. He is a moron to put himself and his car in trouble. No boss could make me do that. Why didn't her dumb self use her own car to get ticketed? Bunch of childish idiots who can't even park, so how are they running the businesses?
      • Gus Gus (18/08/2022, 08:58) Like (2) Dislike (47) Reply
        I have dealt with Mrs. Demming on several occasions and found her to be professional and thoughtful. All of you out there who just commenting and pressing buttons and haven't even met the lady need to shut up
        • Greg (18/08/2022, 12:49) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ Gus Gus. I do know her, and what she told the moron to do was stupid! You here backing a person who did an irresponsible act and blocking anyone coming or going. She was NOT professional in this case. More like children having a fight. How embarrassing this was.
        • @ Gus Gus (18/08/2022, 14:43) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
          To you.

          Majority have nothing good to say.
        • @Gus Gus (18/08/2022, 20:43) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
          She has acted like a petulant child! She should be ashamed of herself! This is abuse of a public office position. Pure and simple!
        • Wa trouble is this (19/08/2022, 20:17) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
          We don't need to know her, if the events that unfolded actually happened the way this article say, it doesn't matter how nice she was to anyone what she did in that moment was wrong, period point blank.
      • Peter (21/08/2022, 20:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Greg, maybe he was proving to her he was her knight in shining armor. Why else would he put his job on the line for her? Hmmmmmmmmmmm
  • pat (17/08/2022, 19:09) Like (87) Dislike (4) Reply
    That lady over at Immegration likes too much power her day is coming
    • power (17/08/2022, 20:09) Like (7) Dislike (87) Reply
      Yours too. That woman is a sweetheart . Her position was not handed down.
      • Corruption (17/08/2022, 21:22) Like (46) Dislike (4) Reply

        she s***** to get where she is oh please from bvipa to there

      • @power (18/08/2022, 08:57) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
        power gone to her head you give yourself the right name.sweet heart before the appointment but only time tells.power
    • YourGovernmentWorkingForYou (19/08/2022, 20:26) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Pat , not a thing going happen to Deputy CIO because she is connected to a lot of low people in high places. I wouldn't be surprised if they Fire the victim of this situation. Government has a way of rewarding bad behavior and punishing the victimized. Keep your head up Miss Gis, they going soon come after you for being vocal, if they haven't already.
  • Oh Well (17/08/2022, 19:10) Like (107) Dislike (3) Reply
    Not surprised as this is the manner in which they handle the applications for expats on a daily basis. Loud, messy and difficult to reason with.
  • hog city (17/08/2022, 19:10) Like (74) Dislike (1) Reply
    Every hog feel entitled. All the oinker from immigration had to do is put up a sign if the spot is indeed designated to her department. The lady from labour had all right to park there if there is no reserved sign.
    • baby cake (17/08/2022, 21:13) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
      not Labour GIS
    • @ hog city (18/08/2022, 18:06) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      She can’t just go putting up sign in public parking.

      The lease for their office should say how many designated parking spaces.
  • staff (17/08/2022, 19:20) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply

    She just going to Immegration and is doing a lot of w***** to the staff but everything will come out

  • Via hard work (17/08/2022, 19:36) Like (51) Dislike (1) Reply

    She should not even be the deputy Cio. how she got the job?

    • power (17/08/2022, 20:12) Like (11) Dislike (41) Reply
      Same way you didn’t apply cause you’re not fit. She proved herself. Her work speak for itself. Shut up and go get a life
    • Well (17/08/2022, 20:58) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
      Ask the CIO, but what is he doing there is even a mystery.
  • Hmm (17/08/2022, 19:39) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Lucky thing the Labour hog wasn’t there she need to stay home, if y’all saying immigration have a hog Labour have the biggest hog
  • Road Town (17/08/2022, 19:44) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    yes sa
    see what my beloved chocolate city have become
  • hmmm (17/08/2022, 20:06) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    You mean gross UNOROFESSIONAL
  • smh (17/08/2022, 20:09) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Foolishness. Smh
  • News (17/08/2022, 20:15) Like (5) Dislike (36) Reply
    Is this even news? Why don’t you look for something that’s is worth our time to read. You want news. I can help you get some. Like you’ll have it out for Mrs Demming-Hodge. She is protected by the blood.
    • @ News (17/08/2022, 20:54) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
      Any body studying power hungry denning?
    • To News (17/08/2022, 21:03) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      Must be PMS blood you talking bout LMAO!!!
    • @news (17/08/2022, 21:41) Like (1) Dislike (18) Reply
      She is definitely covered and protected by the Blood of Jesus. She worked hard to be in this position.
    • @news (18/08/2022, 20:48) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why should anyone be protected? Give it time and all corrupt people and criminals (and there are 1000s here in BVI) will end up taking a fall. I’m looking forward to it. Only then will the tax payers and people of BVI be in a better position and get what they deserve.
    • make it rain (19/08/2022, 20:43) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      @News ,Well you took the time to read it so what's your point?She didn't walk with her covering on this day, she left it at home with her hand made reserved parking sign.
  • l (17/08/2022, 20:32) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    I know senses make before book but those people wprking in high pĺease have no respect for each other that is a simple matter dog and cat sleeping together may God help us all
  • unfair (17/08/2022, 20:41) Like (13) Dislike (18) Reply
    So why post the Deputy CIO name and not the GIS officer?! Be transparent and post her name too man… just stirring up things..
    • For what!!! (18/08/2022, 10:21) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      Who the hell cares who she is..she's an innocent bystander in the matter, she didn't cause the problem ???? I bet she wouldn't do that piss again! Bor block in..ridiculous, they already have assigned parking across the building, when people come to do their business where they suppose to go??? There are other businesses in the area, have a dam conscience man, she operating as though she was there when the concrete went down to pave there man! She had need getting locked up... bor sweet heart..strupes... how thoughtful can you be to be telling another staff block in somebody..come on man!
  • Really! (17/08/2022, 21:23) Like (12) Dislike (13) Reply
    So is this what news come to? GIS employees are hard working and are never in the news with negativity. GIS and Immigration have been working together for times without any confusion. So where does this come from all of a sudden? Please stop trying to tarnish people’s reputation with this type of reporting.
    • @ Really. I'm in Support of GIS (18/08/2022, 05:48) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems like GIS want to distance themselves from the bad news set..
  • Deputy Governor handle it (17/08/2022, 21:40) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sh!t can’t get stupider than this! Hope DG handle this nonsense with this civil servants
    • @ Deputy Governor handle it (18/08/2022, 18:11) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      I second that. DG let us know you dealt with this a illegal behavior especially while they were on the job.
  • g (17/08/2022, 22:14) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Silly childish Nadia
  • civic (17/08/2022, 23:29) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    That women in Immegration needs to go she to arrogant
  • Well Sah (17/08/2022, 23:56) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much more parking spots immigration needs and they Ave all those spots infront their buildings already… and whoever that male staff member is he is one arse bout he blocking vehicle in public parking area I hope your boss paying that ticket for you… never see more wrong and strong in all my life
  • Parking Space (18/08/2022, 00:01) Like (7) Dislike (27) Reply
    I work in the area and I came work about 6:40am or a lil after and when I saw where the white and red Kia park I was like why you parking there when the parking lot has soooooo many empty parking space. Man sometimes we have to do what’s right and just avoid the drama. Not saying what the lady told the man do to was right but avoid problems. She didn’t had to park there cause she had plenty space to choose from. This could have been avoided
  • Police - information (18/08/2022, 00:57) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    For the betterment of ALL involved EVEN if it had a sign reading RESERVED for immigration Officer only and or for who ever it maybe it is illegal to block in someone Immigration officer(s) if the sign is not gazette you can not block in anyone n even if the sign was gazette you still can not block in someone what you have to do is call in the police and the police would ticketed that person if the sign.is.legal . You can not block in anybody wheather the sign is legal or illegal Immogration officers
  • Law breakers don't need Parking.. (18/08/2022, 05:45) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Give all the Parking to GIS and let the oppressors, Law breakers, constitution ignores park on the Festival ground and walk..All crimes must be punished...
  • smh (18/08/2022, 06:21) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    This even important to make news ? Smh

    Fire them both ! Disgrace !
  • Yawning (18/08/2022, 06:22) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Last time I checked, animals belonged in a zoo.
    • @yawning (18/08/2022, 08:40) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
      I hope you never get in a fight… lol take your beating and tell the other person the same thing you wrote and ride on your high road Dumbf..Yall say anything these days.
  • think about it (18/08/2022, 06:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is this even news? Don’t the people involved have work to do? Or, is it that they are just on sinecures?
  • Parking (18/08/2022, 06:40) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    If one really wants thing to be right then parking lot should be for parking only and not be used for car wash and good businesses. Check out the parking lot on decastro street.
  • Traveler (18/08/2022, 07:08) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Unfair

    Because the instruction by the deputy CIO to block the GIS officer's vehicle was probably illegal. There is a good case for a lawsuit.

    The Immigration officer's vehicle was also blocking the public's use of that area of the public parking lot. On top of that, the Immigration officer initially refused to follow the instructions of a police officer, and this indicates that the examples set by BVI government officers promote a lawless society.
    • Uncle (18/08/2022, 08:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

      The same police officers do not enforced the bloody traffic laws and totally disrespecting the laws of the Virgin Islands, chatting sh** about "using discretion". No where if the laws says anything about that. its "THE LAW"!!!

  • Liat 521 (18/08/2022, 07:24) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    As soon as the deputy in charge there is so much confusion, that should tell you a lot
  • 123 (18/08/2022, 08:44) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    As simple as it is I would have had both lmmigration officer demit office instantaniuslt
  • Reality check (18/08/2022, 08:45) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    The reality is that both Immigration and Labour need to be under one Minister, joined together so that the operations are seamless for the customers; one place, one time, one stamp! Yes to making all government employees park at the Festival grounds.
    Put the CIVIL back in the Civil Service and remind them everyday that they are our employees!!
  • Interesting Senario (18/08/2022, 09:02) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    I don't understand why the young man was given a ticket because when you call the police to deal with persons who park down the center of those same parking lots they tell you they cannot issue tickets in those parking lots because it's not the main road.
  • stupid (18/08/2022, 09:34) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shame on the Dep. Immigration Officer to asked her Officer to willfully block the lady’s car.
    He should know right from wrong and he should not have done it. That’s not an Immigration Directive so she could not have done anything to him if he didn’t do it.
    Remember most times little things create in to big things and sometimes cause people to lose their lives.
    The Police Officer should have charged both the Dep. and the male Immigration Officers.
    Got should a high position she should have had more sense than that. U don’t fight fire with fire.
  • To the Commissioner (18/08/2022, 09:54) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can the police please come and ticket the police (who works at headquarters on Main Street) who's parking in the Commercial Court spot DAILY? He even parks in the spot reserved for the Judge. That area is reserved and there are signs there, but I guess he cannot read. There's a huge parking lot across the street that he can utilize. That's why this is a lawless society because those in authority feel they are above the law and can do as they please.
  • What!! (18/08/2022, 09:55) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Passing there today two public parking spots have cones placed in them. These are PUBLIC parking spots unless there is a reserved parking sign.
    • @ WHAT!!!! (18/08/2022, 14:40) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      Move them!!!

      Let them try stop you!

      It is not designated parking. They want to play ignorant!
  • @Interesting Senario (18/08/2022, 09:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    You so right, I was here wondering the same thing. Person park in the middle, sometimes right in front of your car which is parked in a lined parking, they would block you in for long periods of time. When they return, see you there waiting, they jump in their car with no apology. They act as if they have that right to park anywhere and you have to wait because they came to Immigration or Labour to do their business. PWD can't put in no parking markings because it said to be public parking. So how come when you the public road Police give you a ticket?
  • WELP (18/08/2022, 11:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government busy approving buildings in Road Town with no parking. This should signify the fact that there are parking issues and the government need to get that sorted. More and more vehicles are on the road everyday. And more buildings going up and the spaces for parking are not adequate for the proposed island plans.
  • my two cents (18/08/2022, 11:51) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This need a March
  • Problem Parking (18/08/2022, 13:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Face it, Road Town is a parking nightmare, any way you slice it. And the fault lies within the confines of government. When Banco Pop's building was built on the corner of the Inner Harbour, the architect generously included 8 parking places in the design - but government required no parking in the plan - ZERO!!!

    When Town & Country planning told the owner of the Cutlass Building that she needed to allow the adjacent for parking for tenants of the structure, that owner went off and whined and cried to elected officials, and guess what, she had to provide no parking for tenants - ZERO!

    What's wrong with this picture?
    • Parking place (18/08/2022, 14:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      ..not only that but spare land was zoned for a car rental business . A new car rental has sprung up near Bolos , we really need a City plan and zoning regulations.
      • City Plan (19/08/2022, 07:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        Indeed, city planning and zoning regulations would be sensibe, but what are the chances of that? People bahn here just do whatever they want, especially if they’re from the right families.
  • Peter (18/08/2022, 18:13) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Two government employee MOO MOO's.
  • flow (18/08/2022, 21:31) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    This entire situation is disturbing to me, but not because of the parking incident . When I sat and reflected on what took place I can't help but think, What else has this woman used the strength of her position to do, who else has she tried to victimize, that couldn't speak up or were afraid to . As simple as this situation was I'm glad that both immigration officers were exposed and I hope this will be a future deterant from this type of low minded behaviour.
  • lord send help (18/08/2022, 22:47) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    lawd a shame, we just giving the uk amo to step in and take we place.

  • Inside look (19/08/2022, 06:22) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    AND THAT MY FRIENDS IS AN INSIDE LOOK AT WHAT GOES ON IN THE MINDS OF OUR EGOTISTICAL HIGHER UPS WHO FEEL THEIR POWER AND LET THEIR EGOS TAKE CONTROL. PEOPLE NEED TO STOP WITH THEIR POWER HUNGRY SELVES AND BE HUMBLE. SHAMEFULLY SAD!
  • So... (19/08/2022, 10:28) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    A parking garage in a near or central location or...no? okay..lemme just...yeah.
  • silly woman & Stupid Man (19/08/2022, 20:07) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Since they so intrested in parking send them down DMV to work. And put a traffic book in their orientation package, so that they dont mistake public parking for their own personal reserve


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