Local News
Department of Immigration Earns ‘Most Improved’ Title
The Department of Immigration has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Most Improved Department’ by the RATEUS platform, as highlighted in the latest edition of the Public Service Customer Service Newsletter.
The RATEUS platform, a comprehensive tool for evaluating government service delivery, has recognized the Department of Immigration for its significant strides in efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge expressed her pride in the department’s progress, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Department of Immigration’s staff in serving our community with excellence. It is encouraging for staff members to know that their efforts to streamline processes, improve customer service, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism have not gone unnoticed. As we continue to enhance our services, we expect to see even higher levels of satisfaction among the community.”
Several key initiatives have contributed to the Department of Immigration’s commendable progress:
- Enhanced Service Delivery: The department has implemented innovative strategies to streamline immigration processes, reduce wait times, and improve overall service for residents and visitors.
- Transparency and Accountability: New measures have been introduced to ensure that immigration operations are conducted with integrity and fairness, enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Customer Satisfaction: A strong focus on improving the customer experience through better communication, responsiveness, and accessibility has led to increased client satisfaction.
- Training and Development: Significant investment in staff training and development has equipped employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional service.
Director of Customer Service Kedimone Rubaine lauded the department’s efforts, saying, “The Department of Immigration’s commitment to improving their delivery of customer service is not only admirable but reflects the Government’s strategic customer service plan. I encourage the public to continue to rate their service at the Department to keep these hard-working officers accountable while celebrating their improvement.”
Public Service Transformation Manager Kishann Cupid Braithwaite also praised the department, stating, “The improvement shown by this department is transformation in action. Enhancing the Public Service through customer service is a key priority, and the commitment shown by the officers of the Department of Immigration is a great example of how the Public Service will continually transform for the better.”
The Department of Immigration remains dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands, playing a vital role in the government’s mission to facilitate lawful immigration and ensure border security.
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Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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