Local News
Important Travel Advisory: Same Passport with ESTA should be used for Departure and Re-entry to Avoid Denial
The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a crucial reminder for individuals traveling with an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). It has been discovered that some ESTA Visa Waiver applications were denied due to an issue with inaccurate recording of re-entry into the Territory.
Failure to properly log re-entry has resulted in the incorrect indication that certain travelers never left the United States (U.S.). After extensive investigation and discussions with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it has been revealed that individuals who entered the U.S. with a United Kingdom (U.K.) passport and returned to the Territory using a different passport, such as a Virgin Islands Passport, may be flagged for overstaying in the U.S. This can have serious implications for their future eligibility for an ESTA Waiver.
To avoid such complications, it is absolutely crucial for travelers with a valid ESTA and a U.K. passport to use the same U.K. passport for both departure from and re-entry into the Territory. This ensures accurate recording of both arrival and departure.
Additionally, it is important to note that departures from the U.S. mainland to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) or Puerto Rico are not considered official departures from the U.S. An official departure from the U.S. is only recorded when completing an international flight or voyage to a non-U.S. Territory or State.
Travelers who have faced challenges or are currently experiencing issues with their ESTA are strongly urged to contact the Office of the Deputy Governor at dgo@gov.vg. It is essential to provide details such as the traveler’s name, date of travel, and a brief description of the experience.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is fully committed to working closely with travelers and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure accurate recording of entrance into the Territory. This commitment aligns with both Virgin Islands and United States Customs and Immigration protocols. Stay informed and travel wisely to avoid any complications with your ESTA.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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