VI 'considering' lifting visa restrictions for Guyanese travelling to VI- Hon Lorna G. Smith

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The Virgin Islands (VI) is currently considering lifting its visa restriction for Guyanese traveling to the Virgin Islands, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith has said. Photo: Newsroom

Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade of the British Virgin Islands, the Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, 2nd from left, with Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) the Honourable Mark Phillips, who was performing the functions of President. Left is Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson and right is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Petrona N. Davies. Photo: Department of Information-Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, SA - The Virgin Islands (VI) is currently considering lifting its visa restriction for Guyanese traveling to the VI, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) has said.

Hon Smith was at the time speaking to Guyanese media while on a visit to the country as part of a government and business delegation exploring investment opportunities and other projects in the South American Nation.

“I have been authorised to say that the BVI is considering lifting that [visa] requirement and I expect it to happen very soon," Hon Smith said during an interview with the Newsroom.

She added, “If we are serious about doing business with Guyana and a partnership with Guyana, that is the first thing that has to be lifted.”

Visa removed for Guyanese travelling the UK

Hon Smith added that she is sure the lifting of the visa restriction is something that will happen in short order, flowing from the removal of the visa requirement last year by the United Kingdom (UK).

Guyanese make up the third largest foreign population in the VI and have been supporting the country’s development since the 1960s when Smith reflected on being taught by Guyanese tutors as a child.

Since arriving in Guyana on Monday, July 31, 2023, Hon Smith and her delegation have engaged a number of government and business stakeholders locally on collaboration and investment opportunities between Guyana and the VI.

58 Responses to “VI 'considering' lifting visa restrictions for Guyanese travelling to VI- Hon Lorna G. Smith”

Oil Money (03/08/2023, 17:34) Like (38) Dislike (7) Reply
Every country now wants to be friends with Guyana. What if they did not find oil, would they be so accommodating?
- Comment (03/08/2023, 21:27) Like (23) Dislike (15) Reply
  Is this a wise move? We have yet to fix our immigration issues and this woman is making this move? Why was there visa restrictions in the first place? This woman is all about foreign interest she needs to go!
  - Citizen (04/08/2023, 11:54) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    The restriction was put in place by a former Chief Minister (now deceased) because he was not treated appropriately by the immigration officers in Guyana when he visited the country years ago. So the old folks say.
    - Caution (05/08/2023, 10:10) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do you remember when the man from Guyana killed the Woman from Steven's Corner and the Guyanese, called a meeting at the then Pub, and swung him out of here, well that was the same time.
      Ever since that i hated those ASS OR CITATIONS( associations) setting up here.
    - Native Tongue (05/08/2023, 22:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      At citizen......That’s a dam lie. A lie from hell.
  - Lolllooo (04/08/2023, 21:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What ever was the reason for implementating the visa, as it is now Guyana is one of the fastest growing economy, and so Guyanese do not need to come here, u all need to stop being prejudice, God make land, man make boundaries.
- Banco Say (03/08/2023, 22:04) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
  "They only want know ya when ya on stage, set of fakes"
  
  Hate people from other Caribbean territories until...
- Hmm (04/08/2023, 07:08) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
  After Irma Guyana send so much products here, I'm not sure how true it is but I hear that those rice and sugar that was Shared to people in 2017 Christmas in decastro street were from Guyana.
- Positive (04/08/2023, 21:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
  If there is one place in this world knows what it is to be hospitable, and accommodating, that place is Guyana. Oil or no oil
H.mmm (03/08/2023, 17:44) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
Hope the ask for help to fix BVI roads.
- Yes@hmm (04/08/2023, 07:09) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
  First thing they need from Guyana is to fix BVI roads.
Not so fast...Take it slow (03/08/2023, 17:57) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
Great thinking Hon. However, I think we should we should star first by lifting Visa restrictions for children of residents under the age of 18 from all country with a Maximum visit time 8 weeks at any period.. We don't want to flock up the place with working age adults coming to over flood the work market...
Hmm (03/08/2023, 18:10) Like (16) Dislike (23) Reply
Let the young Indian Hens come in!!
- @hmm (04/08/2023, 07:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
  You haven't seen the amerindians have you?
... (03/08/2023, 18:44) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
it's about time they lift it.
mrs (03/08/2023, 19:00) Like (48) Dislike (45) Reply
I am a Guyanese but I am worried about this . Please carefully think this through. Yes it may make it easier to do business but alot of bad elements will want to cone in here and do the same crime that goes on in Guyana. Security and the peacefulness is what I treasure in the BVI. I can walk on the road any time of night and not feel afraid. I can go to the ATM and not be looking over my shoulder for someone to choke and rob me.

So please please Mrs Smith and company. Don't just lift this visa as those checks and balances by the British Embassy is for a purpose.
- action (03/08/2023, 21:34) Like (26) Dislike (23) Reply
  @mrs who are you trying to fool, you no Damm gtown person. We know you are local blasted liar. That is why the next hurricane gine wipe you all out and save every expat. Remember this is hurricane season, don't stop lying.
- You for real (04/08/2023, 13:28) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
  As a Guyanese, you should be ashamed to write such ignorance. Stop looking for yourself only. You are too negative.
- TJ (04/08/2023, 16:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  You got to be a jack to be saying things like this about ur country. You have to be one of these racial ones.
- omg (04/08/2023, 21:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
  Mrs, u r such an ass, if u are really a Guyanese u r soooo selfish, and I am sure u do not need a visa, so u don't care about others, u take a good look around the BVI, Guyanese r the best behaved people here, and y do u think only certain people can obtain a bvi visa? Just as how u could have gotten one, anyone can, so what u said there tells that u r one of those prejudice Guyanese..
Citizen (03/08/2023, 19:29) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
Wait a minute! We don't have to open up ourselves soon quickly. We ate already outnumbered.. You don't see who are in all the security positions? Hon. We are in your corner but not so fast. Please slow down. Our best friends, the USA, would nit do it for us, and we have more to gain from them.
…. (03/08/2023, 19:32) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
More people hurting for work…more work permits back up more…clean house before you invite more
- Hmm (07/08/2023, 22:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  We not coming
@mrs (03/08/2023, 19:47) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
You obviously don't have your eyes open to see that crime is on a rise worldwide...guyanese are not the only ones that commit crime in other countries. And you have no love for your country & it's people. And ummm,Mrs.Lorna Smith is more educated & qualified enough to need advice from the comments here...she's good and she knows exactly what she's doing. Toodles!!!
@Mrs. (03/08/2023, 20:12) Like (12) Dislike (20) Reply
I am a Tortola of how much generation and I totally agree with you. We have to start closing our front doors. But not letting every Tom, Dick and Harry in this country with ease. Hon. SMITH we in your corner, but don't strangle us. We have enough problems in her as it is. Look around who are the security for this country. They get in and then you see Mother, father, sister, brother and the whole country following. Enough is enough Man.
- @mrs (04/08/2023, 07:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
  I guess you are talking about everyone because all other countries doing same check those from the phillipines.
Guyanese (03/08/2023, 20:13) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
Don’t need to come here anymore, we can go England now… you know we more British than yall by far.
Tadow (03/08/2023, 20:39) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
I am a Virgin Islander and if I was the Guyana Government I would poke big rocks in ayo, run ayo out of Guyana. This remind of a woman who do not want a man until one day he strike it rich. False pretenders
Hmmmmm (03/08/2023, 20:58) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
(Mrs) you really think this through before you took the time to say something like that hmmmm people like you is why this world is like this. Hurry come Guyana don’t worry we will make sure that you have the best time.
Ayo (03/08/2023, 21:12) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
Tink ayo fetchin smart. Cozy up to Guyana now right? I hope fat boy Ali put visa restrictions on ayo. Set a vindictive MS's
- You for real (04/08/2023, 13:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  Ali wasn't even there to greet the VI delegation. I was made to understand that the VI delegation was late for their appointment with the VP of Guyana and he refused to see them. Understanding Guyana's political landscape, we all know that the VP is the one that runs the country.
- Visa (07/08/2023, 22:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  Visa fuh ayo now pay bak time
the way it is (03/08/2023, 21:35) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
@Mrs. I read you loud and clear. I echo the same sentiments but it is left up to Lorna who the people put in the corner and the other top notch officials to take heed and act responsibly land not just off their emotions and self pity. And yes, the scripture says, “ who hath ears to hear let them hear”.
Yes (03/08/2023, 21:48) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
Open the gate and let them all come in by the hundreds. When will we learn..when?
Get Ready (04/08/2023, 00:25) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
Here they comes by the plane full
For the US Dallar
- Choko (04/08/2023, 06:47) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
  The US dollar is not yours. Remember that. Plus they will be working for it.
WOW (04/08/2023, 01:34) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
This woman speaks as if she is a government all by herself.
... (04/08/2023, 02:17) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
This is absolutely a move I could see Dr. Smith making for the NDP and I think it's a bad idea to rush it. Those checks are important just like they stopped allowing Jamaicans to come freely after a few crimes, this should be thought out a bit more. There are wonderful people in Galana but there are bad elements there also so don't whore out the bvi just because they have oil now.
son of the soil (04/08/2023, 03:30) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
Not so fast Mrs. Deputy Premier. We have enough problems right now. Visas are in order. When we allow all kind to rush in to this little country then our situation get worse with crime. You see what is happening there. The incident that took those school girls lives speak volumes. This country is already overcrowded. The economy cannot take care of more people. You are not even waiting for the Cencus to know how many people live here. This is a mistake. Your first was who can pick up work permits. Please slow down. Discuss your thoughts with residents before making decisions.
- @ son (04/08/2023, 07:06) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
  Everytime you see here school kids fighting so what's your point?? What does the fire set by a female child have to do with visa?
Island love & live (04/08/2023, 04:17) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
Not a good idea Lorna what’s your benefits
lodger (04/08/2023, 06:11) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
Lorna is a shining star for the BVI, she made the best decision to join the VIP, Ronnie, Frazer and Myron them still living in the dark ages.
Ridic (04/08/2023, 06:34) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
Nobody lifting nothing for us in the bvi ....but yall lifting everything...lorna ur time has come to an end
Hmm (04/08/2023, 07:03) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
Yes good move. We can get so much products from Guyana, like rice, sugar, fish, lumber, white sand, rum which pussers been using for years now, tons of vegetables, tons of fruits, foodstuff some supermarket already have garam massala, curry powder, casreep, chewmin just to name a few. Even bottle sodas. Guyana used to manufacture plastic products I'm not sure if they still do, we can get those too.
Check Face book. (04/08/2023, 07:15) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
I was trying to upload a facebook activity happening in Guyana on here but I am not that Skill. 'two set of Guyanese arguing, Indian on one side and black on the other side, black calling Indian racist and Indians calling blacks monkey'. Hon Minister you almost look like an Indian Guyanese. But be very careful with the gate you want to open. I have no Issues with Kids coming to spend time here with their parents. Think your plan through carefully..
- HMMM (04/08/2023, 09:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  That's two different ethnic group but what I see here is same even in these blogs I see them talking about down island people and imagine down island is your same ethnic group of people and they talked about Caucasians too.
smh (04/08/2023, 08:17) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
Why are people confusing a visa with a work permit. Smh Ignorance is bliss
hmm (04/08/2023, 08:37) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
BVI is so behind. All of the UK territories and even the main land lifted Visa entry requirements for Guyanese. Check all the nurses, teachers etc heading Anguilla, Cayman, Bermuda. BVI now playing catch up.
Nah Nah No!!! (04/08/2023, 10:47) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
Lorna please don't sink us. We are already out numbered!! We are a small country. We are over crowded Please do do it.
Yasss (04/08/2023, 12:49) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
Bout time. Get rid of import duties on banks beer, all chutney products, chick peas, potatoes, curry powders and lets make sure we get a good mix of chutney music next festival plzzzzzzz. Thank you in advance.
Lb (04/08/2023, 12:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
What business though????
NO!! (04/08/2023, 15:23) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
Lorna you really in your own corner. Did the People of the The British Virgin Islands sanctioned this! Virgin islanders are already out numbered. You Better Go Sidown! PLEASE!!
Make up your minds (04/08/2023, 17:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Do you all want to cash in on that oil money or not?
Dummies (04/08/2023, 19:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
Trying to understand us. what does removing visa restriction have to do with over crowding a country and employment burden?. Do we not have immigration and labour laws and restrictions. people who have their families living here and are desirous of visiting during their vacation and school break should at least be able to. The mother country took that bold step to remove the visa restrictions to that nations. All caricom nationals are free to travel around the region without visa restrictions. what is the issue. Find out from the mother country what mechanism they have in place before they removed the visa restrictions and be guided. The Hon Deputy Premier is a wise person, it is one of the strategies while negotiating with any country that has a fast growing economy. let us look at the big picture and get out of our narrow mind set. long live these Virgin Islands.
Flood gstes (04/08/2023, 20:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
Guyana found oil or black gold and everybody that look down on Guyana now opening up the flood gates,.Bunch of opportunists. Even the UK of which Guysna was a former colony had visa requirement on Guyanese. But as soon as oil was found, visa lifted. Bunch of opportunists and hypocrites. Guyana if it makes good of its windfall could be among the empowered. And Guyanese all over the world could be heading home.
wellsa (05/08/2023, 17:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
This small island has to much drama. If you going to lift for Guyanese it's best you lift it for Jamaicans as well.
disappointed (05/08/2023, 17:54) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
Miss Lorna Smith , I am so disappointed in your actions. You came into our homes begged for our votes to put you in government to effectively make great changes to this country in where we we’re lacking leadership. We supported a Lorna in our corner but its seems as if you have no intention of protecting this little country and its Citizens. We are suffering from so much mismanagement and all I have heard from you is nothing. Just trips and conferences. What it is in God’s name does happen to you all when elected? I am so disappointed in you.
WOW (06/08/2023, 07:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
This woman is a failure

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VI 'considering' lifting visa restrictions for Guyanese travelling to VI- Hon Lorna G. Smith

58 Responses to “VI 'considering' lifting visa restrictions for Guyanese travelling to VI- Hon Lorna G. Smith”

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