VI to review visa requirements for Caribbean nationals—Dr Smith
This, after the backlash following his announcement of a waiver for Chinese Nationals, while several CARICOM—of which the VI is an Associate Member—Nationals are made to obtain a visa in order to visit the Territory.
The review of the Government policy was made public by Premier, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), during the 6th Sitting of the third session of the third House of Assembly (HoA) on July 24, 2018.
The announcement by the Dr Smith was had, as a result of questioning by Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1).
Probing
His probing came in light of the decision taken by the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration, to extend visa-free travel privileges to Chinese Nationals.
Hon Fahie, in his question posed in the House of Assembly said, “would the Premier and Minister of Finance, please inform this Honourable House if the same visa programme that the Government recently extended to Chinese citizens, will be extended to our Caribbean brothers and sisters who also need a visa to enter the Territory?”
Dr Smith, in response, stated that “the visa requirements for Caribbean territories will be reviewed.”
Outcry
On June 21, 2018, an announcement by Premier Smith that government intended to implement a 'visa-free' policy, for Chinese Nationals wishing to visit the Territory, sparked outrage among sections of residents.
This, since the NDP Government had not made such considerations for similar a courtesy to be extended CARICOM members Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guyana. Their nationals require a visa to travel to the VI.
Under the Treaty of Chaguaramus establishing CARICOM—of which the VI is an Associate Member—nationals are granted an automatic six months stay upon entry, visa-free.
Residents had lamented the move, saying that it was in line with the ruling NDP’s track record of discrimination against Caribbean Nationals.
The Opposition Leader is on record saying, he “understands each administration has the right to adjust immigration policies, however, why not for our brothers and sisters from the Caribbean who has been here with us for years.”
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9 Responses to “VI to review visa requirements for Caribbean nationals—Dr Smith”
Andrew is a wise man.
Chinese above your neighbors is indeed a slap in the face. Do you know how much Jamaicans that were here after the hurricane restoring electronification;
Only now he realize the value of the island man? Okay!