PREMIER ANNOUNES REINTRODUCTION OF SUMMER VISA PROGRAMME

Friday July 30, 2010

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has announced Government’s decision to reintroduce the Summer Visa Programme for the August Holiday period.

Honourable O’Neal said that Cabinet approved the decision that has worked well in the past under the supervision of the Immigration Department and it should continue in that same manner.

Under this arrangement, children from the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti and Jamaica who are under the age of 18, enrolled in school and whose parents reside in the Territory may apply for visas through the Office of the Registrar-General upon entry to the Territory. Honourable O’Neal said this would add to their joy for the summer holidays.

The Premier remarks were part of a statement bidding the Territory a safe and joyous August Holiday season aired via radio earlier this week. In his remarks, the Premier encouraged persons to rest, enjoy and celebrate all that is being prepared for the August Emancipation Festival Week.

“The celebration of our emancipation goes back a long way and it has been enhanced each year. We must never let that spirit of being freed from slavery die. We must keep it, nurture it and cherish it because it was obtained at a great price,” Honourable O’Neal said.

The Premier encouraged all to exercise good behaviour, keep up the tradition and drive safely to minimize or prevent accidents.

The Premier spoke of the addition of the new restrooms which will prove beneficial for all and noted that the naming of the festival village after Ms. Corrine Brewley was truly deserved.

The temporary easing of the Territory’s visa policy through the Summer Visa Programme was first introduced in 2008. The Summer Visa Programme will remain in effect until September 15, by which date, it is mandatory that all children who entered the Territory under the programme will have returned to their country of residence.