Please Help Latoya Richards
PLEASE HELP LATOYA RICHARDS — A MOTHER FIGHTING TO BE WITH HER DAUGHTER I am writing this on behalf of my friend, Latoya Richards, who is currently being held in immigration detention in Tortola. Latoya lived in Tortola for over 13 years, and her daughter was born there. At one point, Latoya traveled to the United States in search of better opportunities.
PLEASE HELP LATOYA RICHARDS — A MOTHER FIGHTING TO BE WITH HER DAUGHTER I am writing this on behalf of my friend, Latoya Richards, who is currently being held in immigration detention in Tortola. Latoya lived in Tortola for over 13 years, and her daughter was born there. At one point, Latoya traveled to the United States in search of better opportunities.
During that time, she left her daughter in the care of the child’s father while continuing to contribute to her daughter’s care and well-being. Unfortunately, the relationship between Latoya and her daughter’s father became difficult, and Latoya began experiencing challenges maintaining a relationship with her child.
Because she loves her daughter and wanted to be present in her life, Latoya made the decision to leave the United States and return to Tortola so she could spend quality time with her daughter and pursue custody through the proper legal process. Her custody matter is currently before the court, with an important court date scheduled for October.
Latoya has been trying to do things the right way. She has valid work authorization in Tortola and was employed at One Mart Supermarket, working and making an honest living while fighting through the courts for the opportunity to be present in her daughter’s life. Now, while her custody case is still pending, Latoya is being held in immigration detention.
I am respectfully appealing to the Ministers, immigration officials, community leaders, advocates, attorneys, and anyone else who may be in a position to help to please look into Latoya’s situation. This is a mother who returned to Tortola because she wanted to fight legally for a relationship with her child.
With her custody hearing approaching in October, we are asking that her circumstances be reviewed with fairness, compassion, dignity, and humanity, and that she be given every right and opportunity available to her under the law. Tortola has been home to many people from throughout the Caribbean who have lived, worked, raised families, contributed to the community, and helped build the country.
Regardless of where someone was born, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Please help us bring attention to Latoya Richards’ situation. If you are a government official, immigration representative, attorney, advocate, community leader, or anyone who believes you may be able to assist Latoya, please send me a private message.
We are simply asking for someone to hear her story and help this hardworking mother receive a fair opportunity to fight for her daughter and her future. Every share could help this message reach the right person.
Primary source: The Real BVI Community Board (Facebook)