The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. D. Orlando Smith, has announced that his government will revise the residency and belonger policies of the British Overseas Territory in 2018 to address “many long-standing and newly emerging issues in this area”. The initial timeline for the changes was intended to be the end of 2017, however the severe hurricane damage to the islands’ infrastructure over the summer shifted the government’s focus and possibly brought the need for reform into sharper focus. The changes will undoubtedly be welcomed by the expatriate population on the island who will be encouraged to stay or return to the islands in light of the exodus that occurred in the weeks and months following the storm. Dr. Smith noted that there are what he termed “deficiencies” in the current residency and belongership policies that need to be redressed and specifically made note of the contributions to the territory that expatriates have made. “Many of you… have made significant contributions to the development of the BVI. You are part of the BVI family and we are very grateful for your contributions.” No details on the proposed changes are available yet, but the government will consult with the public before the revisions are finalised.
