Governor Orders Deportation of Cathy Richards
Angela U. Burns has described the deportation order against former media personality Cathy O. Richards as a sobering lesson for the Virgin Islands community. Richards, convicted of uttering forged documents relating to work permit renewals, was ordered deported by Governor Daniel Pruce. A public petition asking the Governor to reconsider the order has gathered hundreds of signatures.
The deportation order issued against former local media personality Cathy O. Richards serves as a critical lesson for everyone in the Virgin Islands, according to remarks shared by Angela U. Richards, a Guyanese national, was convicted in July 2025 of uttering forged documents. The charges originated from work permit renewal applications submitted to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development back in 2021.
Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Governor Daniel Pruce issued an official order in October 2026 for her deportation from the Territory. Speaking during a video broadcast on AUB Media House, Mrs. Burns expressed her emotional reaction to the development while emphasizing the paramount importance of respecting the law.
Having relocated to the Virgin Islands from Montserrat in the 1990s following the volcanic crisis there, Mrs. Burns reflected on the immigrant experience and the legal responsibilities placed on expatriate workers. Burns noted that she felt moved to speak on the overall situation rather than condoning any wrongdoing.
She emphasized that the legal processes governing non-belongers and expatriates seeking employment in the Territory must be adhered to without exception, stating firmly that no one can circumvent the law. While acknowledging that legal consequences must follow violations, she expressed personal sympathy and noted that everyone makes mistakes.
Burns also offered words of spiritual encouragement, expressing faith that Ms. Richards would find new opportunities and provision beyond the British Virgin Islands despite the abrupt conclusion to her ten years living and working in the Territory. The deportation order has prompted noticeable discussion across the wider Virgin Islands community.
An online petition launched on Change.org by Enrique Callwood, which calls on Governor Pruce to reconsider his decision regarding Ms. Richards, has already garnered hundreds of verified signatures from members of the public.
Primary source: VINO