Local News

Deputy Premier Calls for Temporary Suspension of Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Editor

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.

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Local News

Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2025

Editor

Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a final-seconds shot was ruled a 3-pointer instead of a 4-pointer.

The decision stems from a play with three seconds remaining in regulation. The shot was initially scored as three points by officials. However, after the match, video footage showed the shooter’s feet were behind the 4-point line.

“There was a controversial call involving a shot initially ruled a 3-pointer on the court,” tournament organisers stated. “After the game, video footage surfaced showing that the shot was, in fact, a 4-pointer.”

Despite the post-game evidence, the tournament’s existing rules do not permit video review or reversal of calls. “Unfortunately, King of the Courts does not utilise video review for officiating decisions, and the tournament director does not intervene in referee rulings made during the game,” the statement said.

“Under the current rules, the decision made on the court stands and cannot be changed post-game,” organisers confirmed.

Referees involved in the game have issued apologies to Team USVI. “Our referees have performed commendably throughout the tournament and have personally expressed their apologies to Team USVI for what transpired.”

In the same statement, King of the Courts referenced the challenges faced in basketball officiating. “Even in leagues like the NBA, where video review is available, controversial calls still occur.”

Organisers also stated they will review procedures going forward. “We will explore potential solutions to better address situations like this and ensure continued fairness and transparency in the competition.”

As a result of Team USVI’s withdrawal, St. Kitts — which finished third in its group — will play in the third-place match.

Crime/Police

Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2025

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.

Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.

“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.

The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.

Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”

The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.

For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Contact information for tips: