Uncategorized
New Immigration Bill Aims to Clarify Residence and Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, took its first steps towards implementation with its first reading during the Tenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. The revised Belonger and Residence Status Policy was also tabled.
The move comes amidst a broader overhaul of immigration policies aimed at streamlining processes and providing clarity on residence and Belonger status.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott emphasised the importance of the amendments, stating, “The provisions in the Bill address the periods of being ordinarily resident in the Territory to be considered for the grants of residence and Belonger status. Moreover, it enshrines the policy directives resulting from the wide consultation, which preceded the completion and adoption of the policy. Persons are encouraged to pay keen attention to the amendments to the principal Act.”
The impetus behind this legislative push stems from Recommendation B33 of the Commission of Inquiry, which highlighted the necessity for clear and published guidance regarding applications for residence and Belonger status. The bill seeks to offer clarity regarding the length of tenure required in the territory for the grant of such statuses.
Key provisions within the bill include delineating the length of time necessary for eligibility for Residence and Belonger status, establishing guidelines and criteria for awarding status by Cabinet, and outlining the process for determining quotas and an appeals process. Additionally, the bill addresses the paths to residence status for children and those born in the BVI to Non-Belonger parents.
Moreover, the bill sets out the responsibilities of various entities to gather and analyse crucial data on population, demographic trends, labor market conditions, and housing availability. It defines categories of residence certificates and the eligibility criteria and qualifications for such certificates.
Crucially, the bill ensures transparency in quota-setting activities through stakeholder consultations. It also assesses the potential economic and social impact of residence or Belonger certificates, underscoring the government’s commitment to holistic development.
The Board of Immigration will play a pivotal role in recommending annual immigration quotas for residence or Belonger certificates to Cabinet, aligning with quota-setting objectives and the territory’s capacity.
As the Virgin Islands government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering national political, economic, and social development, the new Immigration and Passport Act and its amendments signal a proactive step towards a more coherent and inclusive immigration framework.
Citizens and residents alike are urged to familiarize themselves with these significant legislative changes.
Uncategorized
Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
Uncategorized
Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
Uncategorized
Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Large Quantity of Drugs Seized At Port Purcell
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Police Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
-
Education6 days ago
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
-
Local News6 days ago
RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
-
Business6 days ago
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations