ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, June 21st 2011 - Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE presented 64 people from 14 countries with certificates of residence in the Virgin Islands in a brief ceremony at the Road Town Methodist Church Hall.
The ceremony was held yesterday by the Immigration Department in collaboration with the Premier’s Office. –
In congratulating and welcoming the new permanent residents, Premier O’Neal, who is also the minister with responsibility for immigration, said, “I believe today is a happy day for some people. No more hassle with immigration.”
He encouraged them to continue obeying the laws of the Territory while participating and integrating in the community to help further enrich and improve the standard of living for all.
“You have more obligations now. You have to help us keep this place clean and tidy. We expect that you are going to set an example. We expect you to be good citizens. We expect you to be involved in community activity,” Premier O’Neal said.
Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Guy Hill said the newly earned status means the privilege of permanent residency; no work permits and no entry permits into the Territory are required.
Responding on behalf of the new residents, Rev. Stanley Bernard, a teacher at the Elmore Stoutt High School said, “Our love of this country grows stronger...living here gives us a comparison to measure all that the BVI brings,” adding that the Territory is a successful multi-cultural society where people live together in harmony.
Rev. Bernard added that making the BVI a permanent home is for positive reasons. “We have consciously decided to embrace the BVI and what it stands for. This is a big decision... This is our home.”
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Ms. Sandra Ward chaired the ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Immigration Rev. Michael Anthony gave the invocation and member of the Board of Immigration Mrs. Rosalia Gardner gave the vote of thanks.
Certificates of residence are granted by the Cabinet, after consultation with the Board of Immigration, in accordance with the Section 18 of the Immigration and Passport Ordinance (Cap 130) and policy guidelines. Certificates are granted to persons who have lived continuously in the Territory for over 20 years; is of good character, and who qualify after the normal screening process.
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British Virgin Islands News