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Review of work permit processes has already begun– Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE

- Hon Smith reminds that new VIP administration is one of action
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE has said the new Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration of which she is a part is ‘all about action’. Photo: VINO/File
The long delays in work permit processing have been a concern for years, with many local businesses expressing frustration. Photo: VINO/File
The long delays in work permit processing have been a concern for years, with many local businesses expressing frustration. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the gallery at the Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on May 18, 2023. Photo: VINO
Members of the gallery at the Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on May 18, 2023. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Declaring that the new Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration of which she is a part is ‘all about action’, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL), OBE, has indicated that ahead of the start of the Fifth House of Assembly, work has already begun in areas such as the Trade Commission and work permit processing in the VI.

“This new administration is all about action. Action to improve our infrastructure, action to support our young people, action to bring our sister islands closer so that we can be one Virgin Islands, action to support children and young people and generally people with special needs. Madam Speaker, the real work has begun,” she added.

Hon Smith, while speaking at the Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on May 18, 2023, said she remains humbled and thankful to be well placed to carry out the promises she made ahead of being elected.

One of her main promises was to reform certain sectors. 

“The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade that I now lead is new, but the main areas within that ministry complement themselves, complement each other perfectly,” she added.

“So I have already started the process of reviewing our newly established Trade Commission and the work permit processes to make sure that they are fit for purpose.”

Too much red tape in Gov't - Hon Smith 

Hon Smith detailed that there were too many complaints about the red tape that exists in government and her intention is to make sure that that red tape is cut significantly.

Meanwhile, Hon Smith reminded that financial services contribute more than 60% of what the government spends and it is critically important to support the sector in significant ways.

“Without it, the standard of living in this territory will drop significantly. We must do everything, therefore, to actively support the sector so that it continues to provide skilled labour and the strong revenues to [the] government and to the economy in general.

"I believe that having a minister focused on the sector provides the drive that is needed for growth and development,” she said while adding that the VI must remain nimble and act on all opportunities.

32 Responses to “Review of work permit processes has already begun– Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE”

  • Same staff. Naah. (22/05/2023, 14:00) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    No progress...Hurdles and more hurdles..You need new staff Hon Minister to push and execute your agenda .
    • You Think? (22/05/2023, 22:23) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lorna don't need to worry about no new staff, that is for the permanent secretary (PS) to worry about. All Lorna has to do is to set a policy and issue an order to the PS to implement it. If the PS is willful, insubordinate or incompetent, then Lorna simply gets a new one. Once an example is set, then the BS will stop.
  • herbs power (22/05/2023, 14:16) Like (26) Dislike (49) Reply
    Delilah, besides being a cricket you give the country a premier we didn't want. This is a Frig
    • Well Ms. (22/05/2023, 22:30) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
      Remember there is an immigration matter that needs fixing and enforcing Urgently too. The two departments goes hand in hand! Tighten up our borders and start rotating workers. The world is filled with people seeking employment. Six years max for contracted labours…this little territory cannot sustain the whole world. You have to feed your children before providing for your neighbors’ children. It’s time to close the gates!!!
  • Real Macoy (22/05/2023, 14:16) Like (33) Dislike (5) Reply
    Woman of action. Sounds like she is ready to make a change in this slow jokey system that labor and Immigration department have. Too many people out their suffering daily.
    So sad indeed.
  • Future (22/05/2023, 14:56) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
    While you are speeding up the processing of work permit please do not put Bvislanders and Belongers on the bank bench. Remember BVISLANDERS and Belongers will one day become seniors, they have to work while they are young and contribute in the system or else all future Social Security checks will be going off Island and that will be detrimental to the Bvi economy.
    • Citizen (22/05/2023, 16:10) Like (5) Dislike (26) Reply
      She is doing the same thing Andrew did. Expats first, the continuation of giving away the country.
  • asura (22/05/2023, 14:58) Like (26) Dislike (11) Reply
    Lorna made the right choice we will always support her
    • traitor (22/05/2023, 16:04) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
      IN AYO CORNER
    • @asura (22/05/2023, 17:26) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
      Yes, yes and yes. She made the right choice. Who dosen’t think so can simply slither back in the swamp. I knew I made the right choice when I cast my vote for her Natalio and Luce. I will always support her.
  • MAKING IT EASIER (22/05/2023, 15:50) Like (10) Dislike (22) Reply
    MORE FILIPINOS COMING
    • @Making it Easier (22/05/2023, 17:34) Like (32) Dislike (7) Reply
      The Filipinos are the best nurses. It is in their blood and they take their profession very serious. Let them come. Do you see any Filipinos involved in the all the S..t and drama that is going on here? They respect and follow the laws in another man’s Country, can’t say that for others and you guys knows exactly what I am saying.
      • HMMM (22/05/2023, 21:41) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
        They might be the best nurses BUT HERE IS WHAT FILIPINOS ALSO BRING TO THE BVI

        1. Massive water wastage washing hair every day.

        2. A system of segregation. The ‘white collar’ Filipinos do not associate with the domestic Filipinos creating a cast system like BVI has never seen.

        3. Greed. Many come from working abroad in countries where the have to work 12 hours a day cleanhouse, washing car, washing dogs, and minding children in a household in order to get between $300 and $500. When they come BVI they want it all and FAST.

        4. Eye long. Domestic fillings will be sheeking with your good clothes and dishes and have the back before you even notice. Better get cameras.

        5. Slyness. Before the immigration said no switching employers until 5 years they had a system to find a local to Bring in family to the tune of a $3,500 plane ticket from Philippines then switch jobs in 1 year for a higher paying one.

        6. Them eye extra long. Some years ago there was a picture of a group of them cutting sugarcane from in front the sugarcane museum. They don’t understand the can’t jut pick people fruits. They also picking everyone young whelk, seaweed, lobster out of our water. As long as the can get it free they want that.

        7. Unionization. They are a very well oiled machine in telling one another who to befriend, who not to work for, what to demand from employers, and how to squeeze every possible benefit out of system.

        9. Many though no all are racist against blacks at least when they come first. They can’t understand how these niggxs get so much. Check out some of their tone of voice and service of store attendants to blacks versus whites, we’re going back 50 years with those who bring those bad attitudes.

        10. They are eroding the system of family. You see dem de like couples a lot of they spouses and family back home while the second family here appears to residents like it is legitimate.you check it out.

        11. Friendly. Better watch your husbands for a lotta dem ain’t easy at all.

        12. Can beat the system before we even consider what’s happening just look around and of course talk to employers who had more that 2 hired.

        13. Dem ain’t going back. They will tell you how nice BVI is. They won’t donate to causes but will born them children here for every benefit. Look out in 15 years for a Filipino government minister. Then is when full band wagons will come. They already like to tell people that they more than 600 strong in bvi.

        So whilst Filipinos come to bvi and many work hard and are friendly and get involved in sports and community activities like with anything else there is a down side. Only a few stay humble or were ever as humble as they seem.
        • WO (23/05/2023, 07:30) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
          Hhhhhm
          You are a pure example of racism.
          You should be jail
          • @wo (23/05/2023, 08:39) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
            I would agree, hmmm seems to be bias against Filipinos living on the Island. Perhaps if some of these damn locals would stop being so damn lazy things would not be as is.
        • @hmmm (23/05/2023, 07:50) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
          YEAH THEY WASH THEIR HAIR EVERY DAY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT NASTY AND BE REEKING LIKE MOST OF YOU THAT DOES NOT TAKE A BATH IN A WEEK. I WILL TAKE THE FILIPINOS ANY DAY OVER THE JAM DOWNS THAT IS COMING HERE WITH THE ATTITUDE THAT THEY CAN RUN THINGS AND DO WHAT THEY WANT IN ANOTHER MAN’S. country.
          • @hmmmm (23/05/2023, 09:38) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
            Im black and i wash my hair ever other day, some people feel more clean and it relax you when you do. maybe some of you need to wash her hair and stay out of people business and you will be relax and less stress around.
        • VOTER6BVI (23/05/2023, 10:14) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
          IT SEEMS TO ME THAT YOU ARE VERY HATEFUL.DO YOU SEE ANY FILIPINOES GET INTO ANY SHOOTING, FIGHTING, OR ROBBERY. I HAVE SOME THEM ARE MY NEIGHBORS AND THEY AS PEACEFUL AS CAN BE .
        • @hmmm (23/05/2023, 11:54) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply

          If you and I were in person and this came out your mouth, I would have clock you upside the head. I also live next to a Filipino family and they are great neighbors, no loud music, go to work and mind their business. When you do see them, they would always engage in a friendly conversation, nice seeing you or have a nice day and go on about their business. The question you should answer is DO YOU SEE OR HEAR THE FILIPINOS UP AND DOWN DISTURBING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR SLEEP AT NIGHTS WITH THE LOUD BIKES AND MUSIC BLARING FROM VEHICLES? DO YOU SEE THE FILIPINOS GUNNING EACH OTHER DOWN IN THE STREETS? DO YOU SEE THE FILIPINOS IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC ON THOSE DAMN SCOOTERS ENDANGERING PEOPLES LIVES? YOU NEED TO LEAVE THOSE PEOPLE ALONE AND SHUT THE @&^%$ UP FOR REAL. GO THROW OUT YOUR WORDS TO THE ONES THAT IS THE PROBLEM AND BRINGING THE PROBLEMS TO OUR SHORES. AND YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHO I AM TALKING ABOUT.

        • Sooo... (24/05/2023, 17:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          1. Massive water wastage washing hair every day.
          (What do you expect them to wash it with? oil? I mean most household have cistern, I am not sure what is the issue here)

          2. A system of segregation. The ‘white collar’ Filipinos do not associate with the domestic Filipinos creating a cast system like BVI has never seen.
          (isn't this common sense? you hang out with people who shares your interest)

          3. Greed. Many come from working abroad in countries where the have to work 12 hours a day cleanhouse, washing car, washing dogs, and minding children in a household in order to get between $300 and $500. When they come BVI they want it all and FAST.(Greed? Isn't the point of working to earn a living? Do you want them to rob a bank or something?)

          4. Eye long. Domestic fillings will be sheeking with your good clothes and dishes and have the back before you even notice. Better get cameras.(I don't understand this part. If you mean they are stealing, then yes they should be reported and go to jail. It should never be tolerated)

          5. Slyness. Before the immigration said no switching employers until 5 years they had a system to find a local to Bring in family to the tune of a $3,500 plane ticket from Philippines then switch jobs in 1 year for a higher paying one.
          (what is wrong with seeking for a higher paying job? I think it's stupid to work for free, but if that's how you roll, do you.)

          6. Them eye extra long. Some years ago there was a picture of a group of them cutting sugarcane from in front the sugarcane museum. They don’t understand the can’t jut pick people fruits. They also picking everyone young whelk, seaweed, lobster out of our water. As long as the can get it free they want that.
          (first of all sugarcane is a type of grass not fruit, and I agree if the land is private they should not pick those fruits or whatever without permission - it's called theft, but if there's no owner I don't see anything wrong with it.)

          7. Unionization. They are a very well oiled machine in telling one another who to befriend, who not to work for, what to demand from employers, and how to squeeze every possible benefit out of system.
          (isn't this a good thing? Wouldn't you warn your love one if they are interacting with a well known offender?)

          9. Many though no all are racist against blacks at least when they come first. They can’t understand how these niggxs get so much. Check out some of their tone of voice and service of store attendants to blacks versus whites, we’re going back 50 years with those who bring those bad attitudes.
          (I think you meant prejudice, being a racist means a feeling of "Superiority" and I'm sad to say this but I don't see those Filipinos being Superior in any other way besides their work ethic)

          10. They are eroding the system of family. You see dem de like couples a lot of they spouses and family back home while the second family here appears to residents like it is legitimate.you check it out.
          (Perhaps, who knows maybe they are Muslims who are we to judge. Different culture have different family system)

          11. Friendly. Better watch your husbands for a lotta dem ain’t easy at all.
          (I have no idea what you mean here)

          12. Can beat the system before we even consider what’s happening just look around and of course talk to employers who had more that 2 hired.
          (I'm lost with this statement as well)

          13. Dem ain’t going back. They will tell you how nice BVI is. They won’t donate to causes but will born them children here for every benefit. Look out in 15 years for a Filipino government minister. Then is when full band wagons will come. They already like to tell people that they more than 600 strong in bvi.
          (I think every expats on island and not just the Filipino have great contribution to this country, I know for a fact that the island would crumble overnight if all the xpats leave the island.

          So whilst Filipinos come to bvi and many work hard and are friendly and get involved in sports and community activities like with anything else there is a down side. Only a few stay humble or were ever as humble as they seem.
          (I agree everything has it's own downside, just like our current society. But despite all of this I know there's still hope, if we can implement "Kindness through understanding" the world will be a better place.)
      • @ @makingiteasier (23/05/2023, 15:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Too much of a good thing is bad
        Spreading nationalities import is important
  • oh ho (22/05/2023, 16:09) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yes Lorna did the best thing. We young girls should follow her example. Do not f around and wait on no slow man.
    • @oh ho (22/05/2023, 18:14) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply

      Ding, Ding correct. She did the best thing. These are the days where women is standing on their own two feet. The days of depending, on a slow man, barefoot in the kitchen, shot gun weddings, marrying someone just because the man got the woman pregnant and both parents decide you got to marry the woman is a thing of the past. Suppose the man don’t have feelings for the woman vice versa. We women is no longer @%…… around waiting on any slow A.. men.

  • Real Macoy (22/05/2023, 17:07) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    If the young Tolians take their jobs serious they wouldn't have a problem applying and getting a job. Most of them called in sick very often, as well as not being professional on the job. They need to take their jobs more serious. The Phillipenos and some other Caribbean people appears to be more serious with their jobs. Of course minimum wage needs to increase in order for one to take their jobs more serious, but still customer service is one of the things needed to keep a business really going.
    • @Real Macoy (22/05/2023, 20:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Customer service is the worst at some of these businesses. Some of the workers is very unprofessional. Yes, I am in favor of minimum wage being increased. I would that Filipinos, Africans and some other Caribbean people take their jobs seriously.
  • Mik (22/05/2023, 17:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets wait and see
  • Dancing with the Stars (22/05/2023, 17:23) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am pleased with the initiatives taken by the Deputy Premier Mrs. Lorna Smith to resolve the back log of work permits. With her experience and work ethics, I am confident that she will perform exceptionally well. Despite all of the negatives that have been said, the government will perform efficiently in the best interest of the people. The Public Servants must be prepared to work for the elected government and leave their political hats at home until they return to their respective homes.
  • BVIslander (22/05/2023, 18:36) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yes look into that work permit section to much people coming in to eat the bread of locals especially in marine sector an we have people right here to do the work , why do we have a marine college an culinary college
  • Captain (22/05/2023, 20:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them charter company trying over run the bvi with imported captains an she chefs what happen to our young men an woman who already qualified to do this job in the bvi Lorna you got to be in our corner for this one thank you in advance
  • we or outsiders (23/05/2023, 09:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who Lorna looking out for?
  • One important point… (23/05/2023, 13:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lorna- yes financial services contribute a lot but please don’t forget that the majority of the workforce is in tourism, retail, services, etc. pls don’t forget this sector of the economy.
  • Hmm (23/05/2023, 14:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Close da Gate. Take a break


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