TORTOLA — The matter of BVI bands performing in the USVI has been a thorny issue for sometime, and there’s slow progress in getting the situation rectified.
Every year BVI bands and artists complain about not being able to perform the US territory. The issue was put to Premier Dr. Orlando Smith during a press conference last week, especially in light of the USVI and BVI celebrating Friendship Day every year, yet there seems to be no progress where that is concerned.
“Part of the difficulty we have with the USVI and the BVI is that some of the areas of government are governed by the United States Federal Government, like the immigration and customs for example, whereas here it is local government. So that is causing some of the complications,” the Premier told reporters.
He added, “And so if there are regulations established by the federal government, then St. Thomas etc., they will have to apply to the federal government for them to maybe be able to change those regulations. But we have been making slow progress.”
Premier Smith said the other issue is the recent change of government, so the BVI has now re-engaged the new government.
“And there was a change of government recently, so we have now re-engaged with the new government in St. Thomas to continue working on the matter.”
The 42nd celebration of BVI-USVI Friendship Day will be held in the BVI on October 24 under the theme, “The Greater Virgin Islands: the Identity and ingenuity of Our People”.
Feature Image: Showtime Band, BVI.
Tags: bvi entertainers, us virgin islands
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