By Admin. Updated 11:18 a.m., Thursday, November 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Passports and Immigration Department is appealing to residents to report suspected immigration irregularities in their communities, including individuals they believe may have entered St Vincent and the Grenadines illegally through the country’s numerous islands and waterways.
Senior Immigration Officer Kurt Noel made the appeal during an appearance on WEFM’s morning programme on Thursday, November 5, as the department marks 20 years since the establishment of the Immigration Department as an independent entity, separate from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
Noel, who appeared alongside Immigration Officer Tajah Williams, said the department cannot effectively carry out its border enforcement responsibilities without the cooperation of the public.
He specifically encouraged residents to contact immigration authorities when they encounter unfamiliar individuals in their communities or observe activities that raise questions about someone’s presence in the country.
Noel pointed to people speaking with foreign accents as one example of situations that may prompt members of the public to make enquiries about an individual’s immigration status.
“Sometimes you see someone here somewhat on a foreign accent and probably you want to know whether or not they are legal here, because we have a lot of islands and waterways that persons can get in easily, right, without notice,” he said.
He stressed that members of the public should notify the department of suspected irregularities, adding that immigration officers would investigate information received.
“Immigration is not immigration on its own. We need the public assistance as well to combat some of these situations,” Noel said.
He further described immigration officers as the first line of policing at the country’s borders, explaining that travellers must first clear immigration before proceeding through other border-control processes, including customs.
Noel said the department’s work involves maintaining the checks and balances necessary to regulate the entry of visitors and other travellers into St Vincent and the Grenadines.
He also called on residents to report suspicious activities involving people they do not recognise in their neighbourhoods, while emphasising that the country’s borders are a national responsibility and not solely the concern of immigration officers.
The appeal comes as the department commemorates two decades since its separation from the mainstream Police Force in 2006, an institutional change outlined in the Government’s 2006 Budget Address.
The department’s responsibilities include processing ordinary, official and diplomatic passports, clearing vessels and administering entry permits and extensions.
Noel’s appeal places renewed attention on the role of public cooperation in border management, particularly given the country’s geographical make-up and the challenges of monitoring movement across its many islands and waterways.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
