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Expats must get work permit to work @ Festival booths- VI Gov’t

All employers operating on the Festival Grounds during the upcoming Virgin Islands (VI) Emancipation Festival are reminded they are to apply for and obtain a work permit for any non-Belonger/non-BVIslander they desire to employ. Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will be observed from July 28 to August 11, 2023 and the official opening of the 2023 Irene Penn O'Neal Festiville is on July 31, 2023. Photo: Facebook
The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will be observed from July 28 to August 11, 2023 and the official opening of the 2023 Irene Penn O'Neal Festiville is on July 31, 2023. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- All employers operating on the Festival Grounds during the upcoming Virgin Islands (VI) Emancipation Festival are reminded they are to apply for and obtain a work permit for any non-Belonger/non-BVIslander they desire to employ.

The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will be observed from July 28 to August 11, 2023 and the official opening of the 2023 Irene Penn O'Neal Festiville is on July 31, 2023.

According to a bulletin from Government Information Service (GIS), employers of Festival booths are encouraged to submit applications within 5 to10 days in advance of commencement of work.

Violation of 2010 Labour Code

It said failure to do so will render persons in direct violation of section 171 of the 2010 Labour Code.

According to Section 174 of the Labour Code, a person who fails to comply with section 171 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding eight thousand dollars, and any work permit granted to him or her shall be cancelled.

Additionally, the Labour Commissioner may request the assistance of the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Immigration Officer or Comptroller of Customs or any other government agency for “purposes of enforcing this Part.”

For more information regarding Work Permit Applications persons can contact the Department of Labour and Workforce Development by telephone at 468-4708 or 468-4780.

64 Responses to “Expats must get work permit to work @ Festival booths- VI Gov’t”

  • Blank stare (06/07/2023, 16:10) Like (30) Dislike (15) Reply
    "insert eye roll here"
    • :) (06/07/2023, 16:57) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      ????
    • Madussa (06/07/2023, 18:30) Like (43) Dislike (4) Reply
      Why roll your eyes? It has always been that people need a work permit to work and get paid here. Just any old body can't put up a stand without the government knowing who they are and what kind of business they want to conduct. There are laws in every country, yet you all think you can come here and do as you damn, please. We who are from here must also have a temporary trade license to erect a booth to work at these functions, so why shouldn't they?
      • BUSY BEE (07/07/2023, 12:48) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
        @Madussa
        ????
        Eyeroll because the BVI is wildly successful bureaucratising everything to death. Eyeroll because the economic stagnation lead by the Trade and Labour, together with HM Customs, are all part of the problem, not the solution. And eyeroll because something as simple as a few nights of an open festival booth are mired in such redtape and BS.
  • Mufeng (06/07/2023, 16:14) Like (67) Dislike (26) Reply
    It's simply. All expats. Keep out of the BVI Emancipation Festival celebration including the overseas entertainers. Do not support them.
    • @Mufeng (06/07/2023, 17:26) Like (27) Dislike (13) Reply
      I am in agreement with your comment 1000%. Yes, all expats, for real, stay away from their pan drop.
    • @Mufeng (06/07/2023, 17:35) Like (33) Dislike (26) Reply
      Enough is enough about the way they treat the expats in this place. The expats is only good enough when time come for numbers and when benefits. Remember when they were running around like scared barn yard fowls
      when they thought England was taking over, they were begging the expats to step out with them for numbers.
    • @Mufeng (06/07/2023, 21:56) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      I do agree with Madussa on this one , besides The Bvi is already supporting persons with jobs etc. So what's your point?
    • Expat (06/07/2023, 22:14) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      I agree but Locals does not support their culture. Only Expat and their children played last year... Did you see the one mart crew? Please take your time and go to sleep lazy people
      • @onemart (06/07/2023, 23:44) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
        Mark was helped by the Government sooooo many times so therefore it's fitting to help the expats
      • Yes (08/07/2023, 10:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Just from the stupidness that you write, I can see that you’re ugly
    • To Mufeng (07/07/2023, 09:34) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      And turn down easy money? Yeah right. That would defeat the purpose for coming here.
  • Festival (06/07/2023, 16:16) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Those persons with Residency have to get a work permit to work in the festival village too?
    • @Festival (06/07/2023, 16:48) Like (46) Dislike (5) Reply
      In the BVI you will always be an expat regardless to whatever status you attained.
      • Betty Boop (06/07/2023, 20:50) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
        When we are talking about expats have to this and that ( not only for festival) are other groups of expats included or are we only focused on one particular group of expats?
    • @Festival (06/07/2023, 16:48) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      In the BVI you will always be an expat regardless to whatever status you attained.
    • @Festival (06/07/2023, 17:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      yes residents do not have a right to work
  • Mike Larry (06/07/2023, 16:20) Like (33) Dislike (14) Reply
    This is stupid. The people want to cook a lil chicken foot soup and a little crab from in the swamp. Dem booth is the best at village but no Virgin Islander going catch no brown crab or cook no chicken foot soup so wa we suppose to do? Work permit take too long. Free things up.
    • @MikeLarry (06/07/2023, 17:01) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
      Enough of the sarcasm! Every culture should be respected. Some Cultures will scorn you if you eat a T-bone steak while they eat rat meat. Some B.V. Islanders know about to going to Josiahs Bay to catch red crabs to consume ( cannot remember the correct name). Chicken foot is a big thing in some countries.
    • @Mike Larry (06/07/2023, 22:02) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
      Let them Cook it at their yard parties as usual.
  • .... (06/07/2023, 16:24) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Them working for tips came in on wuk up permit
    • Question. (06/07/2023, 17:00) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Dies one need a work permit to go and help a friend in her Bar. ? "HELP".
  • Boot Owners Suggestion (06/07/2023, 16:29) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Whoever is in charge of organizing the Festival line up, you all have destroyed the revenue that vendors and Boot owners use to make. Since last year things have gotten worse since you all start to open the village on a monday. You all have taken away the most important three days that help to make back your money, which is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.. Most people comes out on the weekend so it would have been best to open the village with gospel night on Thursday 27th July,2023 and start the real opening of the village on the 28th July,2023 just like the good old days. We now lost three days of festival and now paying more money, da mek sense? Please bring back Coney Island so that the teenagers can have some propper entertainment . We should be going forward not backwards.
  • RedStorm (06/07/2023, 16:55) Like (15) Dislike (19) Reply
    Why? Would the expat wants to work in the village? It is not their festival,nor is it their culture, stay away,way,way way.it is only for the Natives. There should be no hiring of expat to cook or serve any food or drinks. This is not their culture. Owners of those booths need to find Tolians to this do these jobs, so many people who are not working,can now get some money.
    • @ RedStorm (07/07/2023, 07:19) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      Here’s an idea: require attendees to bring proof of their “native” status to show at the gate. Don’t have a birth certificate that says you bahn here, no entry. Can’t run a booth there either.
  • asking for a friend.. (06/07/2023, 17:06) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Will this be enforced as well as scooter and traffic violators? How about non payment of taxes and nhi by local business owners? How well will this enforcement be compared to the speedy trial law? Thought so.
  • BoothPolice (06/07/2023, 17:20) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why the fuss? Every expat knows that to work in the BVI like any other person they must obtain a work permit. The process is too long though. I think it should be fast forward where there is a need to temporarily hire a person who already has a permit and who wishes to obtain one for the sole purpose of temporary employment at a booth. On the other hand, given the state of crimes on the Island, the services of the Police, Customs and the Immigration Department could be better utilized other places than having them going around from booth to booth looking to enforce "this part"
  • Hotmess (06/07/2023, 17:26) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Stripes. They want money. Island people boycott them tail and stay home
  • See (06/07/2023, 17:52) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    Moronic. Don't support the festival. The best bartenders won't be there .
    • @see (06/07/2023, 22:11) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Since the best bartenders wont be there according to you I guess they are missed from where-ever
  • Citizen (06/07/2023, 18:02) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    It have so much illegal expats working in bars and on construction sites even putting on jams so what if a work permit holder work for 2 weeks in the . It’s just like a vacation money, why tax that too.
    • @ Citizen (07/07/2023, 05:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      These working conditions mostly done behind of Government backs , they cannot allow this infront of their faces??
  • akon (06/07/2023, 18:20) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Keep off poor people, I'm sure it will be black people in the boots working. Y'all speak so much about slavery and keeping it up y'all sell out selfs. Stupid leaders elected.
    • akon (07/07/2023, 06:39) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I’m assuming that you know expats doesn’t just mean white people…
  • Razón (06/07/2023, 20:32) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Only the stupid and idiots expats will go and support them
  • Caribbean (06/07/2023, 22:20) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    Am sorry but the BVI has lost its culture over 20 years ago. However, all expat must have a work permit. Hope to see BVislands in the festival parade as am asking all expat and their children to stand by the side. or if possible do not go to the festival. Take your family to the beach and let the Locals do their thing ....
    • Dirk & Sowande. Disapoiinting. (07/07/2023, 06:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      They are expect haters and xpat users. When Britain almost take over the BVI he Sowande running to the Caribbean leaders for support and help,..They destroying the festival.. .I will again suggest, Get a committee from cooperate BVI to run Festival.. it will be bigger, better ling reaching more Int'l Take Politics out of it..
  • son of the soil (06/07/2023, 22:40) Like (19) Dislike (16) Reply
    IF AYO CANT FOLLOW OUR RULES, PLEASE LEAVE, SIMPLE!...WHEN BVISLANDERS GO TO AYO COUNTRY THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW AYO RULES, SO RESPECT OURS.
    • @ Caribbean (07/07/2023, 05:34) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      You can purchase a oneway ticket as well ..with your out of order self.
      Your Culture may be booming but why people have left ...like yourself?
    • @son of the soil (07/07/2023, 06:49) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
      There are BVIslanders who have gone to other caribbean islands and can't get jobs. Yet we gave those jobs to persons from other islands. They talk bad about the BVI but trust me they wont leave. The BVI is paradise!
    • @ son of the soil (07/07/2023, 07:31) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
      Ever hear the aphorism about people living in glass houses not throwing stones? Belongers here from here at all levels are quite happy to not follow the rules at all. The former Premier is still in Flroida for that reason, along withe Ports Commissioner ane her son. The CoI report was pretty clear about substantial evidence of malfeasance in the government for decades. Were they following the rules? Next time you go pay your property taxes, take a look at the list of those who have not followed the rules and paid up. There’s not a single scooter rider here that follows the rules. What about locals running drug boats? Are they following the rules?
  • 911 (07/07/2023, 00:35) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
    why some comes here and think they should do whatever they want. Set of them up in here on work permits and running from job to job. as a matter of fact some have their own companies

    some of them full of chat and have such bull to speak about this place and for thy kingdom come can’t get them go back we’re them from

    This little place is wonderful black, white and chinese leave they big countries and now call these little place home……thank God for that US Dollar
  • Wait (07/07/2023, 02:18) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    So if my employee working in my booth I need an extra work permit?
    Waht$kun+€űćķəŕý is this?
  • saying (07/07/2023, 07:00) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    You cannot compare other islands to here and talk about following rules because in the islands they treat you with respect and welcome you.
  • Facilitate (07/07/2023, 07:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It’s not that auneasonable of an issue given BVI labor laws. So, for temporary events like this, streamline the process for one time use.
  • independent next in 30 years (07/07/2023, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    comment SMH Stop complaining like that law new, all country have rules the ****. Expats acting like slave trade still running.
  • Yes (07/07/2023, 11:10) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    All of you bloggers who is against the work permit believes that they have the same right as someone born in the BVI, do you think that people from the BVI can go in your country demanding this and that. You want the same rights as someone born in BVI, go back to where you came from.
  • Disinterested (07/07/2023, 11:21) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    The VI has a shortage of skilled, semi-skilled and non-skilled labor. Consquently, labor is imported in accordance with Immingration and Labour laws, ie, non-locals/ belonger requiring to work in the VI must first obtain a work permit. Among other things including labor and immigration management, work permit are required for health, safety and security. There are consequences for working in the territory without a work permit. Requiring a work permit is not uniquely a VI thing; it is used in other regional countries,etc. Moreover, there are a 120 plus different nationalities residing in the VI. And each of those home countries have their laws and regulations that visitors and those wanting to take up residence must adhere to. Nevertheless, if and when the VI is implementing some of the same laws and regulations similar to those in the homecountry(s) of the @20 plus nationalities, they are up in arms crying that the VI laws are unfair, unreasonable, racist, etc the whole 9 yards. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!! Give me an F’ing break. The VI needs workers but whoever don’t want to follow or adhere to simple and reasonable rules perhaps can stay home in their home countries where are no rules for immigrants. I got some cheap mineral rich land Fallen Jerusalem for sale, if you believe that lie. People make the dog sick whining about things that are commonplace elsewhere.
    • Quiet Rebel (07/07/2023, 14:16) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Disinterested, got you and feel the vibe. All these mother s... nts want to come to the BVI and do what they like and there must not be any rules. Really! Nonetheless, we cannot and should not use the broad brush to target all of them. , for the majority of people come and just want to work and take care of their families. It is the few that wants things their way ant to damn with rules, call down the country and people, etc, but a division of marines could not get them out of the BVI. Listen to them, the few, everything is better in their home countries, for there are no rules, or anybody can come no questions asks, etc, but they don’t want to go back to the better places. Why would you want to stay in a hell hole instead of going back to paradise. It always takes a few bad apples to spoil the whole barrel. They just using the BVI to go north.
    • Undercover Observer (08/07/2023, 09:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Disinterested and Quiet Rebel, real talk. There are few places on earth, if any, without immigration and labour rules. . Yet immigrants come to the BVI and bal, whine, bellyache, etc, at reasonable immigration and labour rules. They yell because they get an active listening ear from weak, inexperienced, etc, politicians who don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground or pullet from fowl. Here is a word to the weaklings. Set the reasonable bar for labour and immigration rules and go do the people wuk. The VI is a small dot in the Caribbean Sea and cannot adopt the same immigration and naturalization, and labor laws as big countries like the US, Canada, Europe, etc. What country , if any, in Europe has automatic birthright citizenship? The VI has a small population ( locals are already a minority in the BVI) consequently, immigration and naturalization laws must be gradually structured to prevent social upheavals in the short-term, further disenfranchising locals, making them second class citizens in their own country with the help of their supposed own people who seem to be only about self-interest or pure ignorance or both and more. Moreover, work permits must be temporary and maximum effort should exerted in qualifying locals to fill those positions. Other regional countries do it so why is it so foreign to the BVI? Many immigrants thickly and publicly lambasts the BVI and its people as backwards, etc, biting the hand that feeds them. If the country is so bad and backwards why stay? Why not catch the first thing flying back to paradise from the hell hole? Dah mek sence to stay in hell hole? Or ah yu jus pretending, sending false flags.
  • Hmm (07/07/2023, 11:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea I could never go to another country and expect to work off the chart. It would not sit right and lead to deportation in some countries. All that empty space should be left to high school graduates, associate degree holders working on their entrepreneurship goals and more local investment. Many people leave because for lack of opportunity. It is troubling seeing cashiers from other countries when friends are getting the short end on bad jobs.
  • akon (07/07/2023, 13:39) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Tortola is EXPENSIVE. We all need CLOTHES FOOD etc in this coming festival season and it ain't CHEAP. Can they spend EC here? Its just for the festival, anyone who come here should be allow to work for festival without a work permit. Sad set of black sell out leaders. Grab Grab Grab.
  • Bree (07/07/2023, 13:47) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why are some of you, up in the air about this? If I recall this is a requirement for workers every year. Why post all these negative comments about the citizen of the country. If you don't like it, don't participate and if you don't like the laws of the country and people you are free to leave. No need to continue to bash the place like this.
  • free (07/07/2023, 15:44) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    All you want everything free in our territory then you go western union and money gram and export all you make including your landlords rent them some of you have the heart to tell the landlord you not working. Tricks will never stop
  • Yes (07/07/2023, 16:22) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    @akon You are one STUPID PERSON, can we go in your country and do the same? If it’s too EXPENSIVE for you stay home we won’t miss you.
  • PT09 (07/07/2023, 16:24) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @akon You are one STUPID PERSON, can we go in your country and do the same? If it’s too EXPENSIVE stay home we won’t miss you.
  • Optimist (07/07/2023, 17:03) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    " United we stand , divided we shall fall". Why all of these hateful comments? I pray earth hurry up and come to an end"
  • Where the fun? (07/07/2023, 20:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope they having rides this year
  • Pure bulshiiiittt (07/07/2023, 21:32) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Work permit, for 4,5 days work, just to make the money to paid boot rent, what you think is this, boyyyy do better, no much people interested to spend money to get a 3 days work,
  • 2 CHOICES (07/07/2023, 21:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    NOW I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY AFETR BEING LABELED ( ISLAND PEOPLE / EXPATS ) SOME AH U WANT TO BE IN THEIR CULTURAL FESTIVAL ???? / YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF CHOICES , YOU EITHER ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THE COUNTRY OR STAND ON THE SIDE AND LOOK ON OR STAY AWAY / NOW SOME PRETENDERS SAY WE ARE THEIR CARIBBEAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS / BUT ACCORDING TO SOME BLOGGERS , THE OPPOSITE IS CORRECT , AND YOU ALL ARE GIVING THEM AN EXCUSE TO FLEX OFF THEMSELVES ON YOU , WHICH SOME WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPOSE SOME OF WHAT LURKS WITHIN / I DONT THINK THEY KNOW ABOUT OUR AFRICAN DECENDANTS , OR THEY WOULD KNOW OF KNOWN ALL BLACK PEOPLE CAME DOWN ON THE SLAVE SHIP AND WAS DISTRIBUTED EVERYWHERE , SO WE ARE RELATED , LIKE IT OR NOT , IF COMBINE ALL CARIBBEAN CULTURES IN THE FESTIVEL , IT WILL BE
    WILL BE A GOOD IDEA WHERE WE ALL CAN RESPECT , LEARN , AND ENJOY EACHOTHERS DISHES ETC AND CELEBATE TOGETHER IN PEACE , LOVE AND UNITY , AND IT WILL BE GOOD FOR TOURISM , BUT THEY DON'T SEE IT THAT WAY , SO LEAVE THE PEOPLE'S FESTIVAL ALONE , (
    ITS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD , WE ALL CAME INTO THIS WORLD WITH TWO EMPTY HANDS AND WE WILL LEAVE WITH 2 EMPTY HANDS ????
  • @ 2 CHOICES (08/07/2023, 07:24) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    well U have broken it down for those idiots who love to create drama , and everywhere go you will find them SO why why you have to bring your dirtypical habits with you to awaken those idiots that they have here and you already know they will respond with the venom of ignorance ???? you are only creating an atmosphere of hostility for those decent intelligent loving and caring Caribbean brothers and sisters who come in peace and respect to try and make an honest living and already knows the natives always have the first preference , and as you said ( leave the people's culture alone we already have drugs , guns and murders to deal with , why add ???? to it ( and for those who hollering out about our culture - should take a look at the once popular
    cultural center , it's like wild kingdom now ' and that's just one example of (
    our so called culture ) where is the pride ????????????????????????????????????????????????


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