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‘Use of technology’ being explored to strengthen border security- Premier
This is according to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in response to a question by Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) at the Tenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on May 2, 2024.
Collaboration
Honourable Skelton wanted to know “what measures, if any, are in place to strengthen border security and prevent illegal immigration, trafficking, and the smuggling of contraband into the country.”
According to Premier Wheatley, it is a part of the government’s mandate to make sure the borders of the VI are as strong as possible.
He also said it is a regular part of the Department of Immigration’s duties to engage with their counterparts, especially in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), St Marteen, Antigua and most recently Puerto Rico, to exchange information about such matters as illegal migration.
Technology
“Madam Speaker, we spoke a little about collaboration with our neighbours, which is very important. As you know, we have very porous borders and we sometimes have vessels move in between on the different islands, whether it be St Marteen or US Virgin Islands...and we do have a challenge that we have to address, in terms of our border management.
“We are exploring the use of technology, like the use of radar, things like satellite technology, and of course, we do have plans to strengthen our Immigration and Customs by being able to combine them into one border agency. We certainly will have to enhance the assets that we have on the water..that will require some level of investment.”
Premier Wheatley said other areas will be strengthened once what is written in the Law Enforcement Review are addressed.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, we certainly will have to employ technology, given the vastness of our marine borders and we will have to invest in more assets on the water,” Premier Wheatley stated.
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18 Responses to “‘Use of technology’ being explored to strengthen border security- Premier”
You cannot prevent illegal immigration, you can deter it for a moment. Revisit questions before asking stuff.
SOPHISTICATED BARGES " OH , HE HAD TURNED GHOST , THEN , AND NONE OF THE OTHER GOVERNMENT MINISTERS SAID ,THAT WE ARE SQUANDERING OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY ,NOT EVEN THOSE WHO SAT IN THE STREET WITH THEIR FAKE PROTEST
Roman Empire 27 BC , BVI just hasn’t caught up!
To go for independence without the ability to protect ourselves is ridiculous. I know the UK wants us to be vulnerable but you politicians have to do better.
What data is gathered from those eyes in the sky, and how is it used?
If public servants have to divulge their interests then the police & security force should do that same!
We do not know what the hell they are doing but they always pose to be saints.
If spy into your house, you have a right to call police or sue. We have foreign mystery agents spying into people's home & flying drone 24/7 willy nilly and its all gravy until the abuse of power is realized. People get kidnapped in other countries by the authorities.
still waiting to see customs in the news for an over sea drugs bust and not police.
are afraid of retaliation? BVI ought to have its ass kicked anyway. Permanently.