B.V.I. Friday, February 20 – Premier and Minister for Immigration Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE today welcomed the latest group of persons to receive Certificates of Belonger Status, urging them to honour their civic responsibilities by leading positive lifestyles and setting good examples for others.
Noting that Government has placed great confidence and trust in them, the Premier urged that they continue to hold the Territory in high esteem and to maintain involvement in their respective communities.
“You represent various cultures and nationalities, so we encourage you to continue your involvement in the church, the community, sports, cultural events or volunteer programmes,” Honourable O’Neal said.
He encouraged the new belongers not to view today as the end of the road but rather the start of their contribution to a better BVI. “You should be constantly cognizant of your civic responsibilities. You have a spiritual, moral, and social responsibility to lead positive lifestyles and set good examples for your children and other residents of our Territory,” he told those gathered.
Recognising that most of the new belongers attained their status through marriage, which requires couples to be married for a minimum of five years, the Premier cautioned that people should not abuse the privilege.
“The marriage institution is a sacred one and is one that should not be entered into lightly or certainly not for ulterior motives such as obtaining belonger status,” he said.
Honourable O’Neal also sounded a clear warning that Government stands ready to further amend the Immigration and Passport Ordinance if it is determined that people are using marriage for the sole purpose of obtaining belonger status.
Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams, who chaired today’s ceremony, also extended words of welcome to the new belongers calling on them to work for the common good of the Territory.
“Obviously you have resided within this Territory for many years and you have weighed the pros and cons of whether or not you wanted to make the BVI your home and by virtue of the fact that you are sitting here today, you have decided that this is the best place for you to be settled,” Mrs. Adams stated.
Delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Acting Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Ernest Potter urged the new belongers not to take their new status lightly and he impressed upon them the need to be law abiding.
“It should be the priority of everyone to ensure that the peace and tranquillity of these islands be maintained at all times as it is very critical to the sustainability of our two economic pillars, tourism and the financial services,” Mr. Potter said. He also urged them not to turn a blind eye to societal ills but to recognise that they now have a stake in the game and it is their duty to cooperate with law enforcement where necessary.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Gregory Smith applauded the Government and people of the BVI for welcoming the new belongers. Noting that more would be expected from them as belongers, Mr. Smith pledged to “continue to make positive contributions to this Territory.” He added, “now that we have a sense of belonging we will be more determined to assist in whatever way possible to help maintain the peace and tranquillity of these beautiful islands.”
Belonger status is granted to persons who meet the requirements as stipulated in Section 16 of the Immigration and Passport Act (Cap 130). Persons can qualify by marriage or if they are holders of Certificates of Residence Status.
British Virgin Islands News