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Gov't “uncomfortable” with driver’s license policy for permit/contract workers

- Policy to be reviewed
A driver’s licence for work permit and contract workers cannot exceed the expiration of the presented documents. Photo: VINO
Hon. Vanterpool said Government is also uncomfortable with the policy and will be reviewing it. Photo: VINO
Hon. Vanterpool said Government is also uncomfortable with the policy and will be reviewing it. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The policy, which states that drivers' licenses for work permit and contract workers must have an expiration date that coincides with the expiration date of their work permits and contract documents and that it could only be renewed when their permits/contract documents have been renewed, is to be reviewed as Government is not comfortable with it.

This is according to Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool in response to a caller on NDP Radio last evening February 6, 2012.

According to the caller, “nobody seems to understand what’s really behind that...this is a good time for someone to really explain to the general public...People are really upset about it and it is hurting people.”

Hon. Vanterpool noted that the issue is something he is just getting a grasp of but that he has been in communication with the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, who has been advising him on the issue which came into effect in March 2011.

“I don’t know if it was a law or some order that was passed but we are looking into it. It is not something that we are comfortable with so we are going to be reviewing it and will come to the public about it in the not so distant future.”

The Minister further stated that the Premier has also asked about it and he has to furnish him with some answers shortly. “I don’t want to give an answer at this point except to say that we are reviewing the matter,” Hon. Vanterpool said.

The matter, Virgin Islands News Online understands, is of particular concern now for those affected by the policy since work permits have been taking longer than usual to be renewed and hence persons have been unable to renew their drivers' licenses.

It is not clear why the policy was instituted in the first place but in March 2011 Government Information Service (GIS) issued a press release which stated that the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 218) now mandates that persons wishing to apply or renew a driver’s licence must present a valid passport, Belonger’s card, work permit or contract documentation to complete the licensing process.

It also quoted the Commissioner of Department of Motor Vehicles Lorna Christopher as saying, “A driver’s licence for work permit and contract workers will not exceed the expiration of the presented documents.”

41 Responses to “Gov't “uncomfortable” with driver’s license policy for permit/contract workers”

  • sick and tired (07/02/2012, 07:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This new government is just sickening. Let look at the well developed country we all love called the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. You cannot obtain a drivers licence without the proper documentation which will definitely expire when your time in their country expires. So why do we have to be so accomodating to those who come here to work. I don't see why this Government looks out for the needs and interest of the EXPATS before they look out for the needs of the LOCALS. But then again like I have previously said, SAME Government DIFFERENT face. But this FACE ten times worst than the previous one. GOD see for us!!!! Them just sickening.
    • Crank Shaft (07/02/2012, 11:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      JACKA$$! You cannot compare BVI to the USA because in the US they have one interlinked system where all information, Labour, Immigration etc. can be accessed. The BVI is not that equipped and DMV, Labour/Immigration are not in constant communication hence the problem. The issue is not really with the policy, but the fact that the policy was put in place without a proper process between the departments being put in place. Not because people are not from here they should be treated like dogs. They are humans as well! The problem is communication and putting certain informatoin public. Do you know how frustrating it is, whether you're a local or expat when each time you call the same department someone tells you something different? You can never get a proper across the board answer from them. The policy is DUMB! If the want to link the permit and licenses no problem. But at least put a proper procedure in place to ensure that it's a smooth process. Nobody wins when people have to be back and forth with the same thing. What if your permit is still with Labour for renewal but you haven't received it. You should park up your vehicle and catch a Taxi? Nobody is saying be accomodating, it's about simple common sense. DMV should be able to call Labour/Immigration and confirm certain details, not having people like a set of idiots back and forth all the time. I am local, but I feel the pain of these people. Imagine the poor employers, some of which are local businesses? Your employee has to take a full day off, back and forth doing nonsense just for a license and nobody to explain it properly. Fraser again, god bless we vote he party out! Mark is constantly cleaning his mess that he can't focus on moving forward. Now he has to clean up the taxi mess. what a ting.
      • billy b (07/02/2012, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        While Mark is at it, he should give us back our PV license plate rather than this yellow mess we got posted on our car.
    • Locally made (07/02/2012, 11:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Man you sound so bitter and with so much hate it's not even funny. We only want to refer to the US when it comes to certain things but Jah is in control.
      • Crank Shaft (07/02/2012, 12:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I don't care to refer to the US for a damn thing and I don't care what you think about me. Sometimes we need to use our simple common sense. All of us who know anything about the US know that they have central systems where they can pull up any information at any time. We don't have that in BVI. Further, the BVI weathered the so called recession because we are NOT like the US. Look at the US and its Territories, they're not doing so good. Why would we want to follow anything they do?
    • What? (07/02/2012, 13:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Maybe you should have your driver's licence dependent on your employment too. See how you like it then!
    • Expat (07/02/2012, 15:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sick and tired... We are sick.... Sick of being treated as if we are not humans like, sick of being ridicule, sick of the constant bashing.. If you do not need "Expats" in your country just come out and say please pack up and leave and stop bringing these ridiculous laws to frustrate us. My birthday is in November my work permit expires in January, so when I go to renew my licenses are they going to extend it base on the fact that my work permit may be extended or when January comes I have to go through the same process again. The policy serves no purpose than that it satisfied someone's ego to make foreigners see his intense dislike of them. I lose time from my job to go do work permit then a licenses. I drive my daughter to school everyday and constantly meet police on the street. What do I say to them when licenses department refuse to renew my licenses. You should get you head out the box with your foolishness. Licenses in no way gives rise to illegal aliens. If its a problem then start issuing permits for 3 years the same time it takes for your licenses to expire.
      • OK (07/02/2012, 16:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Please pack up and leave.
        • To Ok (07/02/2012, 18:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Realistically it is persons like you that the BVI would fare better to see leave.
        • Expat (07/02/2012, 21:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ Ok.. Thank you its always good to know that your fellow Caribbean people can be the one to brow beat you. I have not only invested my time but also my energy and goodwill. I have no problem leaving, I am also taking my BVIslander husband and children with me..
        • foreign (07/02/2012, 22:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          K.. at least u honest... u sayin what some r afraid 2.... will do... just need the bank to give me my 150.00 in savings and hold on to their $25000.00 loan for u to pay off
  • positive vision (07/02/2012, 07:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this one need to slow down on ,meaning put to the side of the table ,and thats my vision ,it good and bad at the same time .
    • positive vision (07/02/2012, 07:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      YOU HAVE SO MANY PERMIT DRIVERS OUT THERE ,AND IF NOT IN TIME HOW WILL DO THE DRIVING WORK WHEN YOU DONT HAVE WITH OUT PERMIT DRIVING FOR YOU ?
  • Not2Sure (07/02/2012, 08:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I never understood the policy. It led to a lot of foreign workers driving around with expired licences. If your license is expired, it means you have no insurance. If you have no insurance, and you hit and seriously injure somebody - who are they going to claim against?
    • my two cents (07/02/2012, 11:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have no issue with they reviewing the policy but while they at it they should also look at a offering longer driving licences like for 10 to 20 years
  • Village Girl (07/02/2012, 08:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will they just need to explain the background behind the policy that all before getting rid of it!
  • Sigh... (07/02/2012, 09:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please revisit! This is perhaps the dumbest rule that I have seen in the BVI since the "rasta law"!! What does one's work permit status have to do with a licence to drive?? Do we say to tourists visiting for a week or two that they can only have a permit for as long as the landing stamp in their passports? What the DMV is doing is creating more opportunity for unlicenced drivers on the road!
  • ReX FeRal (07/02/2012, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the correlation between the two? Of course you want to have proper ID on persons but denying/withholding a DL because someone doesnt have a valid WP is really backwards and really a hinderance to revenue collection.
  • Worker (07/02/2012, 10:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the most backward policy. It means that if my work permit takes a month as it usually does that are you telling me that I am grounded. Who is going to take my kids to school? how I am getting fro point A to B. Further, how about persons that are on their spouses time? Are the able to obtain a DL? This is ridiculous. In every country u go, once you satisfy the driving requirements in terms of age ect. you are granted a DL. This is just unbelievable, Mr Minister please get this thing change ASAP, otherwise there will be many illegal drivers on the roads.
    • the law (07/02/2012, 18:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is what will happen i agree two laws. the amount of money spent on doing 1 month and 3month DL is a waste of time
  • bvi (07/02/2012, 10:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's is the dumbest law/regulation that I have ever heard about. It doesnt apply to me since I am a BVIslander, but for heavens sake, what dummy came up with that law in the first place. Mr. Minister, please do the right thing and let the people driver's license coincide with their birth date like the rest of us. After all a driver's license does not give anyone belonger status in the BVI, it just lets them drive legally.
  • fa head (07/02/2012, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This will be another case where the NDP will rush and change and then pull back wid egg on dem faces trust me people!
  • Sigh (07/02/2012, 11:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I did not see a problem with linking the two. I am on a work permit.... but inorder for this to take effect better policies have to be put in place first. Sometimes our work permits take months to be approved. Which means we cant renew our drivers licence. That don"t make sense.... further more i find it hilarious if your license expired in January since this law was put in effect and you work permit expires in March they renew your drivers license till then.... Poor decisions. we have to take a whole day off as we are now going to pock wood pond to renew our licenses. Its just not effective until the work permit process has been brought to par.. As long as you can guarantee me I will get my work permit in time once approved fine pass this law but until then this does not make any sense! Thats my two cents!
  • Wellsah (07/02/2012, 15:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone read the head line which public this annoys? The expats have more say than the civil servants? Increments that we earned for last year performance are being cut by 50%, and now because expats have an issue with the money they have to pay and the duration for a driver's license the "Government" is reviewing its policy. People, do you understand that!! What the arse ayo think it is maan!!What a ting!!
    • Sigh (07/02/2012, 16:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its not about the money! The Work permit system is not functional to make this effective. When ppl start getting their work permit on time then this will be effective. 90% of the time we have to keep going to get a stamp in immigration to make us legal while we waiting on the labour department to complete work permits..... should we do the same to with the drivers license?... Come on we expats contribute more than the locals in work permit fees etc... Put yourself in our shoes and stop being small minded... It is not effective period... tell them come with something better!
  • bed time stories (07/02/2012, 17:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They going pull back on this too you wait
  • Music (07/02/2012, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its even worse if you are over 70, or on a residence permit, or on an alien land holders licence. Some folks would have to get their driving licence renewed TWICE in FOUR MONTHS! I tackled Mark about this and he said he would look into it, thank goodness.
  • the law (07/02/2012, 18:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE LAW: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this regulation, a person employed on a work permit or on contract in the Territory, may be issued with a drivers licence valid for no more than the period of the work permit or contract and, the licence shall be issued with such restrictions as the Minister considerers appropriate and, the restrictions shall be specified on the licence.”. This law prevents me from taking my children to school. I still have to pay my car loan, I am still working while awaiting my permit renewal which takes for ever. Why have a driver licence law for me as an expat and another one for Belonger and Bvilander. This is a double standard and discrimination and waste of tax payers money.
  • gone with the wind (07/02/2012, 20:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we back to square one with the the expats having more say and power than the locals and even the right of the government to make laws. We have lost our country...tears tears.......
    • from_here (07/02/2012, 21:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      U people act very racist... Like when white people use to hate on black... when whites did not want blacks in america... if only u could realize how much u all sound like supremist. i am amazed that we could treat our fellow caribbean people so poorly
      • Check (08/02/2012, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are Caribbean people the only people here on Work Permits? This law applies to UK, US, Canadian, Mexican, Phillipine, all citizens of any country that are here on Work Permits. It also applies to all races of people who are here on Work Permits. So stop your nonsense about fellow Caribbean
      • HISTORY LESSON (08/02/2012, 21:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        THE BLACK MAN COLD NEVER BE A RACIST HE HAS NO POWER AND THAT IS A FACT
    • Yep (08/02/2012, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Gone with the wind", Right you are. When you got Fraser Haters like Billy b, and crank shaft here from Platinum, what can you expect. Thre is absolutely nothing wrong with the law, the Labour Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles just need to get their acts together. Where do you expect to have a Phillipino coming to BVI getting a Work Permit, getting a 3 year Driver Licence, and after the first month on the job he gets fired or he quits, goes back to the Phillipines, and holding a 3 year BVI Driver Licence? You people are sick, you know how much damage he could do to the reputation of the BVI? That's why the BVI Licence suffers from lack of recognition overseas, because the authorities are too slack. The DMV needs to come up with a stamp or some other form of tempory licence, or extension while people wait for their Work Permit renewal instead of the Minister changing the law.
      • WOW!!! (09/02/2012, 10:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Yep says! Please tell me one instance where a DL was used to tarnish the reputation of a country or otherwise. The fact that you are issued a licence says that you can drive legally on the road because you have fulfilled all requirements. A DL says you know how to drive and that is all. Even if he had a lifetime DL from the BVI, immigration is the one responsible for whether the person is legally in the territory, the DL doesn't give the person any status other than "THEY CAN DRIVE". Stop over thinking this very simple matter. There is nothing wrong with giving out temporary licence when you know with a surety how long the individual will be on the island, but in the case of long term Work Permit holder or exempt WP individuals, this new regulation doesn't make sense. Every department wants to feel extra important, but the DMV policing "over stayers" is ridiculous. Why not just start letting your church or civic organization check passports and WP status before giving you membership. Doesn't make sense!!!! Let the immigration department do their job and DMV do theirs, two separate duties.
  • BBC (08/02/2012, 00:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes Mark this thing needs to be reviewed as work permit takes too long and we have lots of no belongers driving without valid driver licences and insurance which is bad for business.
  • LOL (08/02/2012, 06:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This wp holders racked up loans and unpaid rents government need to be looking at now
  • youch (08/02/2012, 17:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is nothing wrong with the law. These people were brought here to work. If they are not here to work then they are visitors and should be issued with a visitors license. If they are not visiting and came to the country specifically to find a job and they can't find work or is not working, then they are a liability to our country and should be sent home, they dont need to be issued an extended VI license, they need a ticket back home.
  • ABC (09/02/2012, 06:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    thank you Mark
  • Right Sed Fred (12/02/2012, 06:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    To much government in our lives misson. Bring back the ol sweet BVI. Dis damn licence ting is just schups. Just give damn work permit people licenses. No problem.


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