B.V.I. Monday, October 5 – Premier and Minister for Immigration Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has identified homeland security and border control as essential watchwords for governments today.
Honourable O’Neal made the comments on Friday as he distributed Certificates of Residence to 35 persons during a ceremony organised by the Department of Immigration. “I want you to continue to be good citizens, because of what is happening in the world today, we cannot take too many chances,” the Premier stated.
He added, “When we see an indication that there might be trouble, we have to uproot it because national security is one of the most important subjects for any government; the security of the people, the security of the visitors, the security of those who come in to live among us, the security of family and friends and in that respect the present Government of the Virgin islands is not prepared to play games with our national security and we expect you and all the citizens who have joined us to be that way.”
The Premier reminded persons that although the applications for residency are processed by the Department and Board of Immigration, it is Cabinet that grants final approval and as such the granting of a Certificate of Residence is not to be taken lightly.
He also encouraged the new residents to become more familiar with the BVI and to continue to be good citizens. “If you are coming to take up your abode amongst us, we would expect you to respect the country, learn about it and continue to do your best to push the country ahead,” he said.
Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Dennis Jennings told the recipients their new status is “a privilege, not a right”.
He explained the benefits of being a resident including not having to apply to the Department of Immigration for extensions of time and to the Labour Department for work permits; the ability to permanently reside in the Territory providing they remain law abiding and exemption from having to apply for a British visa.
Mr. Jennings also encouraged the new residents who already have children under the age of 18 or those who plan to start families to request that their Certificate of Residence be endorsed to include their child or children. To maintain their residency status, these children will have to submit their application prior to their 18th birthday.
Addressing concerns about the length of time it takes to process applications, the Chief Immigration Officer said “The department works as expeditiously as it can to ensure that these applications are done timely.”
Noting that identity theft is a real threat, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Guy Hill cautioned the recipients to safeguard their certificates. “In my department, we have intercepted many people who have fake residence and belonger cards, fake BVI passports. There are also persons who if they get hold of your certificate, they will duplicate it and sell it for quadruple of what you paid for it so my advice to you is to secure your documents.”
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams noted that although persons may have migrated for different reasons, they have made a common decision to make the BVI their home. Congratulating them on achieving this significant milestone, Mrs. Adams urged them to be good ambassadors of the Territory.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mrs. Chandrowtie Ballie described it as a great pleasure to accept the status of residency. “All of us are privileged and now that we are permanent residents, we must strive even more to be exemplary members of this Territory,” she said. Mrs. Ballie called on fellow recipients to build up the Territory “meaningfully and unselfishly” while continuing to uphold the laws of the land.
Certificates of Residence are granted to persons who meet the requirements as stipulated in Section 18 of the Immigration and Passport Act (Cap 130) and related Government policies.
British Virgin Islands News