Local News
Deputy Premier Calls for Temporary Suspension of Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith, OBE, the Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, presented a bill to suspend the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2020, during her recent address to the House of Assembly. The Act, which was enacted on June 8, 2020, aimed to establish the Virgin Islands Trade Commission with the responsibility of overseeing various aspects of trade, investment, and consumer affairs in the British Virgin Islands.
The Deputy Premier, who assumed her role as Minister responsible for trade in April 2023, expressed concerns about the Commission’s early-stage development, casting doubt on its viability and efficiency. She stated, “Given the circumstances, a careful evaluation of the Act’s implementation became imperative.”
One of the significant concerns revolved around the dilemma faced by employees of the Trade Department, who were given only six months, from November 2022 to May 2023, to decide whether to transition to the Commission. This decision was complicated by the fact that the Commission had not yet become fully operational.
The critical juncture occurred when Deputy Premier Smith attended the orientation of the Commission’s Board on May 15, nearly six months after the Act had come into effect. She expressed her reservations about the Commission’s implementation at this meeting.
The suspension of the Act was further justified by the Deputy Premier’s concerns about the financial implications of maintaining the Commission. A budget of $1.5 million, in addition to business licensing revenues of approximately $960,000, was projected to fund the Commission’s core administrative costs. It was estimated that a 154% increase in trade licensing fees would be necessary to achieve financial independence in the Commission’s second year.
Deputy Premier Smith also raised concerns about the Business Licensing Act of 2022, which had even higher annual licensing fees, potentially resulting in increased costs for businesses and consumers. This concern was particularly noteworthy as many members of the House were advocating for financial subsidies to support local businesses.
In her address, Deputy Premier Smith assured that the underlying policies intended to strengthen trade-related public functions within the central government would remain unchanged. She emphasized the importance of the Trade Department being well-resourced, accountable to the Government and the public, and aligned with the Government’s priorities.
The Deputy Premier proposed a comprehensive plan that included a review of the department’s structure and operations, the development of a strategic plan, allocation of resources, and the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms for the Trade Department. These measures aimed to streamline and automate business processes, support local entrepreneurs, and promote investment and fair trade practices.
While the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act of 2020 is not being repealed, the bill presented by Deputy Premier Smith seeks to temporarily suspend its operations. This suspension will allow for a period of reflection, reform, and revitalization in the trade sector, better aligning it with the needs and aspirations of the Virgin Islands and its people.
The Deputy Premier concluded her address by urging the House to support the bill, emphasising the importance of thoughtful reform for the Virgin Islands’ trade sector.
The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
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