BVICCHA to meet with gov’t for Business Solutions Forum

Matters relating to labour, immigration, accessing the BVI, and the local workforce are some issues on the agenda for an upcoming business solutions forum being put on by central government.

This is according to a government-commissioned media release which indicated that members of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) are invited to be candid about these and other subject matters when they meet with government at Maria’s by the Sea hotel in Road Town from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday.

“I want our industry stakeholders to be empowered to share their expert opinions on how Government services affecting various sectors can be improved,” Premier Andrew Fahie said.

He stated that the set-up is a part of the government’s commitment towards good governance, transparency and accountability through engaging with industry stakeholders.

The BVICCHA is also expected to present on the issues and indicate possible solutions, the aforementioned added.

“Issues on workforce training and development will be discussed to see how best BVIslanders and Belongers can be prepared for work and entrepreneurial opportunities. Also on the agenda is a discussion of Immigration and Labour matters on clearing immigration and labour processes and related policies, legislation, services and other issues,” the release stated.

It continued: “Insurance matters, the yachting sector, infrastructure, tourism, access to the Territory, environment and development, and doing business in the Virgin Islands is also down for discussion. The Chamber will be responsible for inviting private sector spokespersons and other stakeholders representing the various sectors to be discussed.”

Plans, programmes, solutions

In the meantime, Premier Fahie said his administration use this forum to inform the local business community of its various plans and programmes.

He said: “We the government will share our plans to better facilitate the needs of the business community to enable them to drive economic recovery, diversification, growth and development and we will then listen to the business sector to understand the changes they need for success. We will conclude with a plan of action on the issues raised during the forum.”

Other key public servants and other statutory boards will also be present during the upcoming forum to “facilitate resolutions to issues”.