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.
Crime/Police
Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.
Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”
Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.
“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”
The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.
“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”
Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.
“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”
While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.
“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”
In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”
Local News
BVI Electricity Corporation Unveils Transparent Billing System, Detailing Fuel Costs

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has introduced a revised electricity bill format that provides customers with a clearer breakdown of fuel-related charges, in a move toward greater financial transparency, The new bill, set to be distributed starting this month, was unveiled at a press conference held at BVIEC’s Long Bush headquarters on Thursday.
The redesigned bill includes additional details aimed at helping customers better understand how fuel costs contribute to their electricity charges. It now displays the cost of fuel per gallon as a surcharge, reflecting the base cost that influences energy pricing. It also shows the BVIEC fuel subsidy per gallon, which represents the amount the corporation offsets to reduce the financial burden on consumers. The customer fuel surcharge per gallon, or net surcharge, reveals the final fuel-related charge customers pay after subsidies are applied.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Neil Smith, BVIEC’s General Manager. “Customers deserve to know not only what they’re being charged but also how BVIEC is working to support them, particularly in an era of fluctuating energy prices.”
Chief Financial Officer Carmen Sully echoed this sentiment, emphasizing BVIEC’s longstanding efforts to cushion customers from rising fuel costs. She explained that each month, BVIEC makes a substantial financial contribution to help mitigate high energy prices. By including this information in the bill, the corporation is not just offering transparency but also highlighting the value it provides to every household and business in the territory.
Beyond improved visibility into costs, the updated billing system reflects a broader modernization effort in how customer charges are processed and presented.
The new bill format will be implemented for all BVIEC customers beginning in April 2025.
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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.
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