Local News
Temporary Suspension of Work Permit Exemptions Granted by Minister’s Discretion
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade has announced the temporary suspension of the acceptance of new applications for work permit exemptions by Minister’s discretion, effective immediately.
The decision comes amidst ongoing efforts to review and streamline work permit processes.
While the Ministry has clarified that renewal applications for work permit exemptions by Minister’s discretion will still be accepted, in a statement officials emphasised the need for clarity and transparency in the application process, stating that they are currently developing guidelines to establish clear criteria for eligibility under the Minister’s Discretion category.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process for all applicants seeking work permit exemptions,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry. “By temporarily suspending the acceptance of new applications, we aim to review and refine our procedures to better serve the needs of the community while upholding the integrity of our labor market.”
The Ministry has confirmed that applications will still be accepted in categories such as “By Marriage” for persons married to BVIslanders or Belongers living in the Territory, and “By Education” for individuals who have attended significant schooling in the BVI.
For those with questions or in need of additional information, the Ministry can be contacted at 468-211.
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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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