BVI WelcomesSome, Restricts Others
Even as the British Virgin Islands welcomedtwo dozen persons into its fold as new citizens, this countrywas contemplating giving the stiff arm to certain Caribbean immigrants.
Just over one week ago His Excellency, GovernorFrank Savage, presented certificates of naturalization to 24 personsin a ceremony held at the Legislative Council Chambers, but thatcomes after BVI Leader, Hon Ralph O'Neal, on 7 January publiclymused on the idea of visa restrictions for nationals from Jamaica,St Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba.
"There is no visa requirement for themyet. I don't know if that would happen some other time,"Mr O'Neal told the press.
There is currently a visa requirement fornationals of Santo Domingo, Haiti and Guyana.
Chief Minister O'Neal explained that visarequirements are generally imposed in order to control the flowof immigrants. He used as an example a recent incident where alady from Virgin Gorda flew to St. Barths, was not allowed toremain even in the airport but was sent back home because shedid not have a visa.
The 24 persons received BVI citizenshipunder the British Nationality Act (1981).
This push and pull approach by the BVI immigrationpolicy-makers highlights a struggle by that small British OverseasTerritory to control the flow of immigrants while satisfying itslabour needs.