Guyanese journalist deported after forgery conviction in BVI

Cathy O. Richards, a journalist from Guyana, has been ordered to leave the British Virgin Islands after being convicted of uttering forged documents in July 2025. Governor Daniel Pruce issued the deportation order in October 2026.

The conviction arose from work permit renewal applications that Ms Richards submitted to the Department of Labour and Workforce Development in 2021.

Angela U. Burns, a veteran Caribbean broadcaster who runs AUB Media House, responded to the deportation in a video posted to YouTube. While expressing sadness about the situation, Mrs Burns said the case should serve as a warning. "I'm not speaking in solidarity with Cathy or supporting any wrong that she may have done," she said. "I just want to wish her well, pray for her, and just say it's a lesson for all of us because one minute you're here and the next minute you're not."

Mrs Burns, who herself relocated from Montserrat to the Virgin Islands during the 1990s after a volcanic eruption there, acknowledged that work permit procedures exist for a reason and must be followed. "We cannot circumvent the law," she said.

She offered encouragement to Ms Richards, telling her that God would provide beyond the territory. "He's going to use it for your good and for his glory if you allow him," Mrs Burns said.

A petition launched by Enrique Callwood on change.org seeking reconsideration of the deportation order had accumulated 367 verified signatures by November 9, 2026.