British Virgin Islands: Communications and Works Minister, Mark Vanterpool, assured the public during the NDP radio program on Monday, that the work permit and license debacle has reached the earshot of legislators and is being looked into, according to a BVInews.com report.
The new policy came into being based on Road Traffic Act (Cap. 218) which now mandates that persons wishing to apply or renew a driver’s license must present a valid passport, Belonger’s card, work permit or contract documentation to complete the licensing process.
Chief Licensing Officer, Lorna Christopher, announced the new policy in March 2011, and said, “A driver’s license for work permit and contract workers will not exceed the expiration of the presented documents.”
The Road Traffic (motor vehicle registration and operation, driver and vehicle licensing) (Amendment) (#2) regulation, 2011 became effective on February 28, 2011.
The BVInews.com report said that following a call pertaining to the much discussed problem, the minister stated: “It is something that I am just getting a grasp of. I didn’t know about it before, I have been speaking to the commissioner and she has been advising me. It is a law that was passed last year March. I don’t know if it was a law or some order that was passed but we are looking to it.” The minister said public input will be sought in the decision-making of the policy.
In the meantime there continues to be great public outcry regarding this policy as it is stated to be causing great inconvenience to persons awaiting the renewal of their work permits. It was argued that these persons are finding it difficult to carryout everyday task because of their inability to drive.
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