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VI & UN Refugee agency strengthen ties as C’bean irregular migration rises

The Virgin Islands and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have pledged to strengthen engagement between the two, as the Caribbean region is seeing a steady rise in irregular migration, alongside an increase in asylum cases and the number of refugees across the subregion. Photo: Provided
A release on the engagement stated that among other things, they discussed the economic, social and legal issues involved in addressing the plight of irregular migrants who have been displaced or are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries. Photo: Internet Source
A release on the engagement stated that among other things, they discussed the economic, social and legal issues involved in addressing the plight of irregular migrants who have been displaced or are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries. Photo: Internet Source
WASHINGTON DC, USA - The Virgin Islands and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have pledged to strengthen engagement between the two, as the Caribbean region is seeing a steady rise in irregular migration, alongside an increase in asylum cases and the number of refugees across the subregion.

BVI Special Envoy Mr. E. Benito Wheatley and UNHCR Regional Representative for the United States of America (USA) and the Caribbean Mr. Matthew Reynolds held discussions on the challenges posed to the Caribbean by irregular migration during a courtesy call at the UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) USA office in Washington, DC.

A release on the engagement stated that among other things, they discussed the economic, social and legal issues involved in addressing the plight of irregular migrants who have been displaced or are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries, including the availability of additional financial resources by Caribbean governments to effectively respond.

Protection for asylum seekers

UNHCR Protection Associate for the Caribbean Ms. Samantha Bipat provided an update on the state of play of asylum seekers and refugees across the subregion and emphasised the need for greater social protection, especially for women and children.

Mr. Matthew affirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the BVI as a host country of a refugee population.

"The British Virgin Islands welcomes UNHCR's deepening engagement with the Government on irregular migration, asylum case management, and refugee matters, and looks forward to discussing further the assistance the UN’s refugee agency can provide to support the Government’s ongoing efforts regarding refugees currently on-island,” Mr Wheatley said.

The UNHCR MCO-USA office covers the USA and 18 Caribbean countries and territories, including the British Virgin Islands.

13 Responses to “VI & UN Refugee agency strengthen ties as C’bean irregular migration rises”

  • Ming kunf (19/06/2024, 20:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    As the BVI seeks to accept refugee camps, the members of the legislative chamber and the people know that paying taxes they are getting into by accepting or signing that agreement.
    To a regulator and his descendants, the government agrees to cover all of his economic situation for life, health, shelter, education and they will not be able to deport him and deny him anything he needs, among all that is the tax money of the small population.
  • resident (19/06/2024, 20:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are good legal arguments to say the UK Human Rights Act applies here. If it does, BVI will be like UK and hosting thousands for years, like the UK.
  • jack (19/06/2024, 23:16) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Bvi on the move as usual
  • Interested (20/06/2024, 06:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mat The Lord have mercy on us, We are here struggling to take care of ourselves amid the economic woes the territory is facing.How will we take care of illegal migrants,You can call them all sorts of fancy names,but that is what they are.The Uk is now arranging to sent theirs to Ruwanda,where will we send ours ?
  • eh (20/06/2024, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is THIS anATTEMPT at a SICK JOKE
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (20/06/2024, 11:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't you all see the plan? Europe don't want them in Europe. Send them to the Islands of the Caribbean and the British Virgin Islands.

    Oh, this is watch you get when you voted for incapable leader that himself needs sensible leadership.

    I put to you that the minority of us that voted in the last two general election are innocent of this mental, political brain blindness of our current Premier.

    Sign: Native Senior Citizen Of The British Virgin Islands

    Signature: NSCOTB.V.I
  • Nippy Jost (20/06/2024, 11:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The news on Monday, June 10, 2024 gave reports that some government department could not cover the payment of their electricity bill. Does the government know what a Refugee Camp is? Do the BVI population know what Refugee Camps are? Attention Citizens, let's not let ourselves be caught as idiots
  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (20/06/2024, 11:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Allowing these asylum claims is functional equivalent of importing poverty, which is idiotic. Stop it!
  • Taintso (20/06/2024, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This has got to be a cruel joke!!!
  • joke (20/06/2024, 17:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UN and UK are not to be trusted, we are way too small of an island to accept refugees, we need to look after our own, also we have way to many immigrants as it is. Wacht out as the UN which is highly corrupt will bribe our politicians to take mostly criminals into our country, DO NOT ALLOW IT.
  • FEO GOMEZ (21/06/2024, 08:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Benito got to be the corniest colonized pagan bootlicker just look at his face lol. Happy to meet and please the devils.
  • Breakstone (21/06/2024, 11:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The poor, convicts,,criminals,, mentally ill.all the unwanted and dysfunctional of varied cultures and backgrpunds....these 2 Wheatley bros[ unconscionableturds of Paradise. Fyah bun dem


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