Local News

New Visa Waiver Rules to Simplify Student Vacation Travel to the Territory

Published

9 months ago

June 12, 2024

Editor

The Department of Immigration has introduced new requirements for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme, aiming to streamline travel for children of parents residing in the Territory during the summer and Christmas holidays. This initiative is set to simplify procedures for young visitors during the peak vacation months of June to August and December.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge highlighted the department’s commitment to efficient immigration services, stating, “As part of our commitment to providing efficient immigration services, we are outlining the necessary procedures for parents wishing to utilise this programme for their children’s legitimate travel.”

Parents planning to use the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme must adhere to the new requirements and submit the necessary documents to the Department of Immigration two weeks prior to the intended arrival for approval. The programme is designed for children no older than 17 years, currently enrolled in primary or secondary schools in their home countries. The requirements include:

A written request from the residing parent for their child’s entry.
Proposed travel itinerary with a departure date no later than August 31 or January 2.
Copy of the parent(s)’ passport bio page residing in the Territory.
Copy of the parent(s)’ immigration entry permit.
Accommodation verification, such as a lease or a letter from the landlord indicating the rented space and details of all residents within the space (multi-family homes should be noted).
An official letter from the child’s current school, indicating closure and reopening dates.
The child’s birth certificate (original or certified copy).

Requests for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme can be submitted via email to immigrationinfo@gov.vg or in person at the Department of Immigration Headquarters two weeks prior to the proposed travel date.

Parents are encouraged to submit requests in a timely manner to allow the dedicated team to review and provide responses and instructions before travel.

Mrs. Demming-Hodge expressed optimism about the revamped programme, stating, “The revamp of the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme will further streamline the entry processes for parents seeking to have their children visit during the summer and Christmas vacation months.”

She added, “As the department continues to transform its processes to increase customer satisfaction, we also continue to enhance our ability to mitigate the very significant risk of irregular migration that may be facilitated by legal travel into the Territory.”

The Department of Immigration remains committed to providing excellent service to all travelers visiting the Virgin Islands. The updated Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme underscores the department’s dedication to facilitating smooth and efficient travel experiences for families.

For further information or inquiries regarding the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme, individuals can contact the Department of Immigration via telephone at 468-4705 or via email at immigrationinfo@gov.vg.

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.

Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:

Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
Barbados – Team Bimstars
Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss

The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.

Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.

Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!

For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.

LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.

The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.

Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.

The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.