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State-of-the-art detention facility for Immigration Department coming

The Immigration Department of the Virgin Islands (VI) has announced plans for a state-of-the-art detention facility that reflects a modern and progressive approach towards management and human rights. Photo: VINO/File
Immigration Department currently houses detainees at Hotel Castle Maria in McNamara. Photo: VINO/File
Immigration Department currently houses detainees at Hotel Castle Maria in McNamara. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Immigration Department of the Virgin Islands (VI) has announced plans for a state-of-the-art detention facility that reflects a modern and progressive approach towards management and human rights.

As such, the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible consulting firms to provide consultancy services for the project.

The consultant, the RDA said, will be selected through the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, and submissions will be assessed based on technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar projects, and financial capability.

Prioritising security & dignity

The move, according to the Immigration Department, is in light of its critical role in national security by operating a fair but firm immigration control system such as in regulating and facilitating the movement of people through Territory's borders.

The initiative, it said, will prioritise both security and dignity, ensuring that individuals in custody are treated humanely and that their basic needs are met with a design that aligns with international standards for humane treatment.

Immigration Department currently houses detainees at Hotel Castle Maria in McNamara.

7 Responses to “State-of-the-art detention facility for Immigration Department coming”

  • Me (17/01/2025, 10:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    As of now what's the bill owed. How much escapes were found?
    • Rebuild.. (17/01/2025, 12:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rebuild the ASPS school with that money, as well as a junior gigh school... THINK WITH SENSE PLEASE MR. PREMIER!!!
  • Tink we chupid (17/01/2025, 11:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    A prison for the murderers and other criminals for whom therr is no space at Balsum would be more sensible and with extra room ,a wing for the illegal immigrants you conveniently rarely apprehend or deport when found.
    Why a whole building modern state of the art bsla blah for illegal immigrants housed briefly until they are shipped out..
  • NB (17/01/2025, 13:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ummm ayo serious in this place? State of the art? Listen me aint get water in 5 days now to even wash what the good lord give me praparly. Basic need wataa. And dont ask about my car, it going zig zag zig zig on the road even after the mechanic and auto shop took all my money i had for groceries. Ayo aint easy messon. People suffering, majority living in survival mode and ayo wondering wah could cause the crime surge
  • hmm (17/01/2025, 13:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so everything falling apart and we about to spend a fortune on a facility to house people who not even supposed to be here. Might as well you expand the prison and put them up there.
  • local boy (17/01/2025, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem don't pay dem bill. Foolishness bout state of the art. Billing it next a prison is in violation of the United Nations Charter on Human Rights. Setta A$$es
  • Folishess (17/01/2025, 16:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Instead of focusing on improving the efficiency of processing work permits and conditional permits, the department has chosen to allocate their resources elsewhere. I understand that only about four individuals are working in the section responsible for conditional work permits, which explains why the process takes up to six months. The approval process was designed to take place within 3 weeks to give people up to 3 months to get a job.

    To streamline the process, the department should consider hiring more staff. It is challenging for individuals transitioning between jobs to wait four months or more for a conditional permit approval. Even if applicants have savings, they still need to eat, pay rent and bills during this extended waiting period.
    Increasing the workforce would not only alleviate the financial strain on applicants but also benefit potential employers. The government needs to address this issue urgently. People who meet the requirements shouldn't have to wait for months to receive approval, regardless of where they are from
    Every time you inquire about the status, you are either told to wait for a call or informed that no one is available in the department. This lack of responsiveness and transparency adds to the frustration of the already lengthy process.


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