Local News
Cabinet Approves Belonger Status and Permanent Residence Policy
10-Year Requirement For Residence Status And Additional 10 Years For Belonger Status
Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved the Belonger Status and Permanent Residence Policy in a move aimed at addressing immigration concerns.
This policy tackles aspects of immigration, including eligibility criteria, guidelines for awarding status, quotas, and pathways for children born in the BVI to non-belonger parents. Premier and Minister responsible for Immigration Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley underscored the policy’s focus on striking a balance between growth, integration, and stability. He emphasized that while recognising immigrants’ contributions, the policy also safeguards the interests and heritage of Virgin Islanders.
Under the new policy, applicants must have been ordinarily resident in the Territory for a minimum of 10 years to be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. Additionally, applicants seeking Belonger Status by tenure must have been ordinarily resident for at least 20 years while holding a Certificate of Residence Status for a minimum of ten years.
The rationale behind the 10-year requirement for Residence Status and an additional 10 years for Belonger Status is deeply rooted in the territory’s values of cultural assimilation and economic contribution. This phased approach allows individuals ample time to integrate, contribute to, and understand the Virgin Islands community, ensuring that residents and Belongers are deeply invested in the territory’s culture, history, and customs.
“The new Immigration Policy proposes planning and decision-making processes that will inform the sustainable management of statuses granted,” Premier Wheatley stated. The approval followed careful analysis, considering factors such as labor market needs, population density, and investment fostering, to ensure balanced growth.
Importantly, tenure alone is not sufficient to determine eligibility for Permanent Residence or Belonger Status. The character and skills of an applicant, among other factors, must also be considered in the decision-making process.
Residents awarded Residence Status will need to renew their certificates every five years, ensuring ongoing compliance with local laws and regulations. This renewal process allows the Board of Immigration to monitor residents’ adherence to legal standards, assess their integration and contribution to the community, and evaluate their progress towards meeting the criteria for Belonger Status.
This strategic approach aligns with the government’s commitment to enhance administrative policies and procedures, as Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Joseph Smith Abbott highlighted. Extensive public consultations, integral to the policy formulation, reflect the government’s dedication to governance, aligning with the Public Service Transformation Plan.
“This policy marks a significant step forward in our journey towards development and prosperity for all in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Smith Abbott remarked.
The policy is now accessible on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ website, and further discussions will be held on the “Table Talk” program. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to fostering progress through policies and programs.
Education
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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