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VI to review visa requirements for Caribbean nationals—Dr Smith

On June 21, 2018, an announcement by Premier Smith that government intended to implement a 'visa-free' policy, for Chinese Nationals wishing to visit the Territory, sparked outrage among sections of residents. Photo: Internet Source
The review of the Government policy was made public by Premier, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), during the 6th Sitting of the third session of the third House of Assembly. Photo: VINO/File
The review of the Government policy was made public by Premier, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), during the 6th Sitting of the third session of the third House of Assembly. Photo: VINO/File
The announcement was had, as a result of questioning by Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
The announcement was had, as a result of questioning by Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has committed to review the visa travel requirements for Caribbean Nationals, desirous of entering the Territory.

This, after the backlash following his announcement of a waiver for Chinese Nationals, while several CARICOM—of which the VI is an Associate Member—Nationals are made to obtain a visa in order to visit the Territory.

The review of the Government policy was made public by Premier, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), during the 6th Sitting of the third session of the third House of Assembly (HoA) on July 24, 2018.

The announcement by the Dr Smith was had, as a result of questioning by Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Probing

His probing came in light of the decision taken by the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration, to extend visa-free travel privileges to Chinese Nationals.

Hon Fahie, in his question posed in the House of Assembly said, “would the Premier and Minister of Finance, please inform this Honourable House if the same visa programme that the Government recently extended to Chinese citizens, will be extended to our Caribbean brothers and sisters who also need a visa to enter the Territory?”

Dr Smith, in response, stated that “the visa requirements for Caribbean territories will be reviewed.”

Outcry

On June 21, 2018, an announcement by Premier Smith that government intended to implement a 'visa-free' policy, for Chinese Nationals wishing to visit the Territory, sparked outrage among sections of residents.

This, since the NDP Government had not made such considerations for similar a courtesy to be extended CARICOM members Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guyana. Their nationals require a visa to travel to the VI.

Under the Treaty of Chaguaramus establishing CARICOM—of which the VI is an Associate Member—nationals are granted an automatic six months stay upon entry, visa-free.

Residents had lamented the move, saying that it was in line with the ruling NDP’s track record of discrimination against Caribbean Nationals.

The Opposition Leader is on record saying, he “understands each administration has the right to adjust immigration policies, however, why not for our brothers and sisters from the Caribbean who has been here with us for years.”

 

 

9 Responses to “VI to review visa requirements for Caribbean nationals—Dr Smith”

  • Real (30/07/2018, 16:16) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    good move in the meantime Guyana legislator are drafting LEGISLATION TO INSTITUTE VISA REQUIRMENT FOR SOME CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES SINCE IT WILL BECOME AN OIL RICH NATION .THIS WAS RECOMMENTED FOR THE GUYANESE NATION FROM EXPERTS WHO WERE HIRED TO ADVICE THE GOVT ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH THE NEWLY FOUND WEALTH
  • Eagle Eye (30/07/2018, 17:20) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    From time you is a politician or christian your life style is outside reality.sad to say
  • island man (30/07/2018, 18:14) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    Andrew Fahie have my vote, The Caribbean region unconfirm sources, were already making preparation to ignore the BVI request for any assistance in the event of natural disasters. Also to black mail the BVI from getting any assistance from the CDB (CARICOM moneys)
    Andrew is a wise man.
    Chinese above your neighbors is indeed a slap in the face. Do you know how much Jamaicans that were here after the hurricane restoring electronification;
    • The Hooded Claw (31/07/2018, 04:12) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
      We are not fooled by Andrews demagoguery. All of A sudden he cares about down island people when he can't accept that Myron who is a born BVIslander has a soverign right to be premier. GTFOH
      Only now he realize the value of the island man? Okay!
      • . (01/08/2018, 12:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        No such thing as a "born BVIslander." Doesn't matter where you are born, Once your parent is a BVIslander, you are too.
  • The Real Judge (30/07/2018, 22:23) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Government can't be so silly to lift the Visa restriction that they have in place against such countries like Jamaica, Santo Domingo and Haiti. This place would become a crime destination with many more unsolved murders. A lot of these people are deported from USA and the UK and would be able to come here and set up their crime store. This call for review the visa restriction is a backward step in terms of our National Security. We can't afford to let votes sell out the country to these criminals. Its time to put St. Kitts on a visa restriction aswell. This country has been exporting criminals into our country and killing people. How could we be in our right minds when we even thinking about reviewing the visa restriction. I would support that you grant Visa exemptions to all those people that have been living here for five years or more. I support that.
    • To the real judge (31/07/2018, 16:55) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agreed while at it they also need visa restrictions for Trinidad because most recent crimes are done by Trinidad nationals. Yes I’m speaking about unsolved murders. Those trini boys!
  • Interesting (31/07/2018, 09:48) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    The quick sand thickens as BVIslanders continue to suffer because of political gimmicks. Lord I Pray you have mercy upon us!
  • Kow tow (02/08/2018, 04:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be careful what you ask for. Chinese strategy seems to be to gain access to lands and natural wealth on a global scale. Soon be a Chinese world


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