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Gov't considering integrating Immigration & Customs- Premier Wheatley

- said plan is to strengthen border security
The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively considering the integration of His Majesty's Customs and the Immigration Department into a unified Virgin Islands Joint Border Control Force. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Government is actively exploring the integration of Customs and Immigration into a Joint Border Control Force, aimed at strengthening border security, improving efficiency, and enhancing service delivery. Photo: YouTube
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Government is actively exploring the integration of Customs and Immigration into a Joint Border Control Force, aimed at strengthening border security, improving efficiency, and enhancing service delivery. Photo: YouTube
The planned integration of the HM Customs and Immigration Department comes amid confirmed reports that a recommendation has been made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Andrew J. Cooke to merge the Immigration and Customs Departments of the Virgin Islands and place it under the control of the Office of the Governor. Photo: policeprofessional.com
The planned integration of the HM Customs and Immigration Department comes amid confirmed reports that a recommendation has been made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Andrew J. Cooke to merge the Immigration and Customs Departments of the Virgin Islands and place it under the control of the Office of the Governor. Photo: policeprofessional.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively considering the integration of His Majesty's Customs and the Immigration Department into a unified Virgin Islands Joint Border Control Force, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) confirmed during a sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Dr Wheatley was at the time responding to a question from Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL) regarding the potential merger of Customs, Police, and Immigration, to which Premier Wheatley categorically stated, “...at this time there are no plans to merge the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force with His Majesty's Customs and Immigration Department."

He disclosed, however, that the Government is actively exploring the integration of Customs and Immigration into a Joint Border Control Force, aimed at strengthening border security, improving efficiency, and enhancing service delivery. This consideration, he said, aligns with ongoing reforms following the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

Law Enforcement Review Report

Qualifying the position Premier Wheatley indicated that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services is currently drafting Volume II of the Law Enforcement Review, which is expected to provide key recommendations on the restructuring of law enforcement agencies, including Customs and Immigration.

"The completed report has not yet been handed over to the Governor and the Premier, but I eagerly await its delivery.”
According to Dr Wheatley, the Government's interest in border security integration was heavily influenced by a study visit to the Cayman Islands in June 2024, where a delegation of officials from Customs, Immigration, and the Ministry of Finance examined that jurisdiction's Customs and Border Control model.

"It was evident that integrating border security functions yields numerous benefits," Premier Wheatley said, identifying key advantages such as improved operational efficiency, enhanced enforcement capabilities and overall, a more seamless experience for travellers and businesses.

'First line of defence'

"The Customs and Immigration Departments serve as the first line of defence in protecting our borders and safeguarding national security; While these agencies have functioned effectively within their individual mandates, the Government recognises that a more coordinated, intelligence-driven approach is necessary."

The planned integration of the two departments comes amid confirmed reports that a recommendation has been made to merge the Immigration and Customs Departments of the Virgin Islands and place it under the control of the Office of the Governor.

The recommendation was reportedly made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Andrew J. Cooke.

Premier Wheatley has firmly rejected this recommendation, describing it as a regressive step towards colonial rule.

12 Responses to “Gov't considering integrating Immigration & Customs- Premier Wheatley”

  • tom (18/02/2025, 13:01) Like (1) Dislike (16) Reply
    Bad idea the white master looking power
  • A honest employee (18/02/2025, 13:10) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sounds awesome but but but how can this work when the same heads of customs is still working in the department and don’t want to see the officers strive and exceed in their positions all they looking at is their pension and retirement plans and just run down the department 10000000 and walk out at 65 all they care about is saving their houses mortgage and make sure no other officer can qualified to build a house
  • Yes (18/02/2025, 13:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Makes sense in doing this, one UNIT
  • Progress (18/02/2025, 13:25) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    okay now we talking

    watch customs and immigration finally get in the news for doing work

  • 2024 (18/02/2025, 15:10) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    looking for action and not so much conversation. Purchase 2 proper vessels for immigration & customs that they can stay out to sea for couple days(boats similar to the US Cost Guard) need Fire & Rescue equipment in the various villages; in certain emergencies thing have to come all the way Road Town…use some of travel expenses to develop the place|
    • @ 2024 (18/02/2025, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
      You forgot to mention a custom/ police helicopter ????.
      • @2024 (18/02/2025, 23:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        remember when police had its own plane. we need crime fighting tool for our law enforcement agencies: make those departments more efficient for the benefit of our country
  • Sampson (18/02/2025, 15:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who will head this up? I know someone who can but won't mention here. They are local and incorruptible.
  • BuzzBvi (18/02/2025, 15:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who is that whispering in his ear?
  • Whats the problem. (18/02/2025, 15:34) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    I see no problem with it...We always say together we are stronger. I fully support the initiative
  • Duly noted (18/02/2025, 20:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Long overdue. Next will be to merg The Water and Sewerage Department with BVIEC. Public Works Department with TCPD and The Department of Waste Management. BVIHSA with The Environmental Health Department
  • Onward (19/02/2025, 08:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a great idea, too often departments work in isolation, look at what is happening with the electronic ED card. Immigration did the electronic card and customs still have people filling out a form.


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