Shoddy driver's test arrangement at VG - Residents allege
Over a month ago the issue of the alleged poor arrangements as it relates to the various processes that would allow a person to become eligible for a driver's licence was raised by concerned residents of Virgin Gorda with Virgin Islands News Online. Yesterday again our phone lines were flooded with similar calls of complaints.
Residents are claiming that for approximately a year now the DMV had ceased regular operation of the traffic department on the sister island specific to the dealing with drivers' road training, practical tests and appointments.
One resident, who chose to be identified by the name 'Fineman', said residents of Virgin Gorda are being unfairly treated and discriminated against by the DMV. He explained that the department had stopped the daily activities of drivers training which was being done by a resident officer.
"For whatever reason they stop this officer from doing the procedures. Mind you this man lives here and its over ten years he used to be doing the tests and the training, now for what reason they stop him and bring people all the way from Tola (Tortola) to do the same work," said Fineman.
He further stated while he has no problems with the department using other officers to perform the duties his concern is that the scheduling process has been very scanty and shoddy.
"Now you stop the Officer here from doing it and you said that you come all the way from Tola (Tortola) every two weeks to do the driver’s test but sometimes a whole month will pass and nobody coming." The resident added that when an officer goes they only accommodate a very small number of persons to do the training and the test.
Another person said that since the shift in the system there has allegedly been a high level of discrimination with who gets on the list to do the test. "If they say five persons they dealing with on a date they does come with three of their friends names and only two is left to get to do the test."
They have been alleging that while the resident Officer continues to be employed by the department, he is only allowed to do a few cone tests and put on a couple of stickers. "These officers that come from Tortola would tell the man to come and sit at the back of the room when they facilitating the test but he don't go and he right he is not no scapegoat. Is over ten years now he doing that job and they doing that nonsense to he now."
Contacted when the issues were initially brought to the attention of this news site, Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (CMV) Ms Lorna Christopher had said she needed some time to investigate the matter, however, attempts to reach her yesterday, June 12, 2013 proved futile as she was said to be out of office for the day.
Most persons who have a problem with the system of acquiring a drivers' licence at Virgin Gorda had also said in most cases it takes months for them to get an appointment date and are of the opinion that the Heads and minister responsible are not aware of what's going on on the ground.
"When the traffic people doing these things it make it look like is the government messing up but most time unless we come to the media and skin them up is only then the bigger bosses does get to hear what going on," said Ms Ruth, a VG resident.
Each person with whom this newsite spoke to said they felt that the DMV needed to return to the previous system of drivers' training and test. "If you have a problem with the officer here, provide upgrade training, tighten your system to guard against malpractices, that is if that is the case, and let things go smooth again," said Fineman.
The residents feel they are being punished for the short comings of the DMV which to their minds is unjust. "Get yall house in order and don't punish we," a resident added.
Residents also expressed concerns about persons from Tortola going to VG to do the test or road training and vice versa.
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18 Responses to “Shoddy driver's test arrangement at VG - Residents allege”
i love it. well said!
im surprized that you guys actually got Ms L..... .....she always in a meeting...the entire dmv of the bvi needs to be looked into...it is one of the most unprofessional sectors...the young lady at the front desk at pock wood pond needs to be fired asap, as well as all the officers. they make it so difficult to get a licence mehn...i know alot of young people that were offered messenger jobs, which required a drivers licence...but could not get it because of issues such as
1) it drizzled rain in the morning so their test was postponed 2 months later
2) they have a thing of failing young people on their 1st try no matter what
3) the road test officers did not know their parnents (it is a fact, believe it or not, that many people get their licence because of who they know.
i know many young people who have given up on getting their licence and just drive any way...the ones who were supposed to get messenger jobs now sell drugs and steal...this is no joke
You will never get a response from .......She is the main problem with this whole issue. She keeps changing the rules, with nothing written in black and white, to suit herself and to spite people she dont like. She needs to retire from Govt and go and run her mother's business.
I am glad that people speak out against this injustice. If the department has a problem with Mr. Vanterpool then deal with him, don't have people can't go for their licence because of you all internal problem. This Dept don't seem as thou it has any leadership. It appears to me everyone doing what they want. Lets go back to it use to be. There should be road test at least three times a week in VG. A partner from Tola say his next appointment is in September. Since his appointment is all the way in September why the man can't do his test in VG? I am calling on Government to fix this problem in this Department on Virgin Gorda. R..... need to step up instead of acting like girl. Stop hurting the people of VG with you-all incompetency.
they always giving people a hard time c.. does pass his friends vehicles with dark tint and pi...k....g the same and they like to show off on people they are a set of f!!!!!!s.
I sick of this nonsense! Is best you drive on the road without your license cause to get it is too much headache.. the funny thing is if they don't like you you will never get through but if they do you can can get your license in like two weeks . The whole System is $h!#, both vg and tola. .
This is what happens when you put expatriates in these positions. They don't give a damm about how the people in VG is affected by their incompetency in managing a office. they don't have any customer skills and needs to be transfered to work at Balsam Ghut. they need to learn how to speak to customers. Them is the one that is conspiring against Mr. Van..... The man is a people person and they jealous of the man. them is the one carrying news to Mr. R. on the man. Gi...move out our way before we have to move you spiritually.