In alignment with our mandate, the Immigration Department prides itself with serving the people of the Virgin Islands with dignity and respect, while upholding our reputation to effectively secure the Territory’s borders by guarding against illegal migration, smuggling, and human trafficking. 

Today I assented to the Immigration and Passport (Validation) Act, 2023 and the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2023. This legislation, which was passed by the House of Assembly on Monday, validates the Residency and Belonger status of individuals following the concerns raised in the recent Audit Report and Addendum on the Fast Track Residency and Belonger Status Programme.

As people in the BVI are aware, the House of Assembly convened yesterday following the findings of the Audit Report and Addendum on the Fast Track Residency and Belongership Programme.

Democracy is a sacred trust. We all have a responsibility to protect and uphold democracy. It provides the legitimacy on which Government rests.

After consultation with the Premier and further to discussions yesterday in Cabinet, I wish to inform you that I intend to exercise my power under Section 85 of the Constitution to recall the House of Assembly.

In consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, I have invited the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to observe the upcoming General Election on 24 April. The CPA team will be in the BVI from 17-27 April. This will be the fourth election in the BVI that the CPA have observed since 2011.

On 30^th March 2023, the minutes of Cabinet of the Virgin Islands was published via the Department of Information and Public Relations.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 1 st March, 2023 at the Premier's Conference Room, Cutlass Tower.

On 13 February I published my second Quarterly Review of progress made under the Framework for Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations. This was published here in the BVI and also sent to Lord Goldsmith, the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories. I’ve now received his response to my Quarterly Review and I am publishing it today for everyone to see.

THE CABINET OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS - POST MEETING STATEMENT

CABINET DECISION
3rd, 15th and 22nd February, 2023

Cabinet Meeting – 3rd February, 2023

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on