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