Acting Governor Orders Deportation of Joseph
Acting Governor R. Dancia Penn has issued a deportation order for Frank Joseph under Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 40, made on August 6 and published in the Official Gazette on August 7, 2026. The order cites a conviction for indecent assault and states that, after consultation with the Chief Immigration Officer, Joseph's presence in the Territory is deemed undesirable under the Immigration and Passport Act.
Dancia Penn has signed an order for the deportation of Frank Joseph, according to Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 40, made on August 6 and published in the Official Gazette on August 7, 2026. The Deportation Order states that it has come to the Governor's attention that Joseph "has been convicted of the offence of indecent assault on a woman, contrary to section 138(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, Revised Edition 2013." Citing section 40(1)(c) of the Immigration and Passport Act, Revised Edition 2013, the Acting Governor, after consultation with the Chief Immigration Officer, found that Joseph's continued presence in the Territory would be undesirable and not conducive to the public good.
The statutory instrument does not disclose Mr. The order is an administrative measure made under the Territory's immigration law and was formally recorded through the published Statutory Instrument and the Official Gazette notice. For BVI residents, the order highlights the operation of immigration and public-protection powers available to the Governor and immigration authorities.
Under the cited provisions, non-belongers convicted of certain offences may be subject to removal if authorities conclude that their presence is harmful to public order or safety. The publication of the instrument makes the decision part of the public record, though details about the individual's background were withheld from the notice.
The Gazette publication does not outline any immediate timeline for removal, nor does it set out any decisions on appeals or other legal remedies that the subject may pursue. In similar cases, affected persons may seek legal advice on potential challenges, but such steps and their outcomes vary with the circumstances and the courts' assessments.
Local residents and community groups concerned about safety are reminded that criminal matters are handled through the justice system and, when appropriate, by immigration enforcement. Anyone seeking further information about this particular order should consult the Official Gazette notice or contact the Immigration Department for official guidance.
The publication of Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 40 reflects a formal exercise of immigration powers following a criminal conviction and underscores authorities' stated priority of protecting public welfare within the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: VINO