BVI News

Gov’t introducing new ‘fee’ to send money abroad, says Premier

Western Union and MoneyGram are popular money-transfer agencies in the BVI.

Persons living in the British Virgin Islands will soon be required to pay an additional tax to send their money out of the territory.

Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie made that announcement while speaking in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 31.

He said: “We believe that people could send their monies where they want but we are going to put on a little fee soon to encourage people to send money out if they want or leave it here.”

The Premier further said legislation will soon be brought before the House of Assembly to facilitate this new money-transfer tax.

Proceeds of the fee

Finance Minister said 100 percent of the proceeds from this fee will go towards various local sectors and initiatives.

“I don’t remember the full break-up but … 20 percent is going to go towards education, 20 percent going towards infrastructure, 20 percent is going to go towards entrepreneurship, and I think 20 percent is going towards the consolidated funds,” Fahie explained.

“So, if you send your money, it’s a win — we’d win more first-time homeowners and landowners. And if you keep it in here, it’s [also] a win. But I will be bringing it to the public soon. We like to create scenarios where you have a win-win. But this is when we get the economy moving a little more swift,” the Premier added.

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175 Comments

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  1. again. says:

    rip off the poor who came to bvi, working hard to send money back home. Make it not worthwhile staying, they will move bak home as no incentive to be here.

    Like 95
    Dislike 37
    • . says:

      Good. Go.

      Like 24
      Dislike 63
    • Theft says:

      First you steal a third of their pay. Now you are going to tax the money they send home to their families. You Belongers should be ashamed of your racist selves. You are too lazy and too uneducated to work so you bring in expats and rob them. Karma is a wonderful thing. You didn’t learn from the last storm. Maybe you will learn from the next

      Like 107
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    • Fahie says:

      Fahie found another source to line his pocket. No winder he needs body guards. All gangsters need protection

      Like 52
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      • Justine says:

        But dem bodyguard with orders to shoot to kill have to send their money back to wherever they come from. So that means Andy now gots to pay them 10% more of our money to cover their tax to send home their salary. How dis makes sense?

        Like 18
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    • Seems says:

      as of 4:00 pm, either a malfunction occured or skillful censorship in the form of non functionality of the thumbs up down feature on most comments.

      Like 8
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    • Albion says:

      The Government needs to be wary of the law of unintended consequences. If they introduce new taxes which apply to transferring money out of the BVI, you can expect that an awful lot of people and businesses will stop keeping cash in the BVI.

      That will be bad on many levels, but if their deposits start dropping then it is going to give the banks even more reason to close up their BVI branches in the same way that they have done in other Caribbean countries.

      Like 23
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      • The Nation says:

        This is the same thing I was thinking…SAME THING…and it will most definitely affect the offshore industry that they are so desperately trying to save. Hmmmm. Has this been properly thought through?????

        Like 17
        Dislike 4
    • Bob says:

      But look rent is killing the little that you working for is just for rent an food an next to nothing for your family an on top of that more taxes God en sleep it’s just a matter of time all this will end

    • Lucian says:

      @again: LIAT still flying..Bye bye birdie

      Like 1
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    • hmmm says:

      y’all just need a second card on your account. Send that back to the family to use.. no need to send money anywhere. They just use an account in your name in your home country. Job done.

      Like 10
    • Rubber Duck says:

      It seems like a tax on the poor.

      Bank transfers are not taxed. Credit card payments are not taxed.

      Seems like It’s a knee jerk reaction to some complaining merchants who want the money in their hands.

      Every country that tries to control free exchange lives to regret it.

      Scrap this now.

    • UGEN says:

      This is callous and serious.

    • UGEN says:

      This is a callous policy against the expats.
      God will intervene in this bid in Jesus name. Amen.

  2. Father Time says:

    Let me be the first to say that this is nonsense. It surely does not seem like a win for the expats (who this is obviously targeting) who send monies home to their families.

    Like 80
    Dislike 17
    • Abe says:

      This is a joke. How are they going to control it? Is Fahie saying that all money transferred out of the BVI will be taxed? Does that include profits on my business, payments for tuition, payments for supplies. What is the tax? How are they going to prevent someone from carrying his salary in his pocket, or writing a check against his account? Lmao…

      Like 27
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  3. What??? says:

    What in the world? This is crazy!

    Like 33
    Dislike 9
  4. Closing the Loop Holes says:

    I agree with this move!

    A lot of our brothers and sisters from the other Caribbean Islands have found loop holes in our laws. Mainly the construction guys.

    A lot of them get paid via cash. They are not paying Social Security, Taxes and NHI but every Friday they go to Money-Gram and Western Union sending out most of their monies.

    Like 65
    Dislike 69
    • Correction says:

      Does “construction workers” have any control over the payment of social security and NHI? In my opinion they don’t have any control over that. It’s who paying them supposed to take that out AND PAY. The boss take out wa they have to take out before the workers get paycheck/cashWa nonsense you tlkn?

      Like 78
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    • Hmmm says:

      Money they earned with the sweat of their brows?
      Really!! People choose what to do with their had earned money.
      This is not a wise move Premier, I don’t agree with this move.

      Like 43
      Dislike 10
    • Well what next.. we soon have to pay extra to eat. says:

      Well you have a point there..but for some one like me.. I have a mother that I support every month.
      That a must for me to take care of her.
      Now I have to find extra…hmm. what a shame.

      Well God always hear the cry of the poor.

      Like 32
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      • Fat gurl says:

        The governor need to look in to this cause this is nonsense. WE NEED TO HAVE A BY- ELECTION cause our government is making some bad move that is killing our people coming Andrew Fahie

        Like 10
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    • Watching! says:

      Jesus soon come

      Like 12
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    • SMH says:

      Again, I see you all have problems with Caribbean People, but open your eyes the Caucasians are buying the best of your lands, taking the best positions on your jobs, and all eyes close…black people are still enslaved in their minds smh

      Like 35
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    • slow says:

      what happen to the bosses that taking out money from ur pay check and not paying the gov. it?????????

  5. Tru Dat! says:

    #Bitcoin solves that problem (and a whole lot more)

    Like 9
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  6. Retired says:

    This currency export tax appears illegal to me. I believe that only the printer/issuer of a legal paper currency can impose a tax on that currency.

    The legal currency in the BVI is the US dollar so only the USA could impose this tax. If the legal currency was Eastern Caribbean(EC) dollars and the BVI was a member state then the currency export tax would be legal. It appears that anyone exporting currency would have to exchange their US dollars for EC dollars and then send the EC dollars abroad.

    Like 11
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    • @Retired says:

      Stop talking NONSENSE! The Government can tax any operator of any service as long as they’re doing it in a reasonable manner. If the Government charges $3.00 per money transfer so what? You are paying a fee to the money agent to send the money but it’s illegal to pay a fee to Government, who via the FSC are the ones licensing the transfer agents? Think before you speak son.

      Like 45
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      • Retired says:

        Sorry you are wrong. Please read the Latin phrases on the back of the US $1 bill. The USA is composed of one state out of many states which is a new order of the ages where Providence favors their undertakings. So if the BVI government were to collect a tax on US dollars through ANY agent then the BVI government(The Queen) would have to pay the collected amount to the US Treasury. It would be a lose-lose disaster for the BVI. Of course the transfer agents can charge any fee they want because they are usually a company(MoneyGram,ScotiaBank) NOT a government.

        Like 9
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        • true says:

          you are correct Retired but this will not be a tax it’s a fee so nothing about TAX mentioned.

          Like 2
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        • Lawyer says:

          That’s US law. Our jurisdiction is the BVI. US law does not apply here.

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          • Where's the chief says:

            The BVI and Turks & Caicos are the only UK Overseas Territory that have the US dollar for its legal currency. It’s been over 35 years since the Sean Murphy/Cyril Romney money laundering scandal in the early 80’s in the BVI. Since that time the surveillance of US dollar transaction in the Caribbean by the USA has vastly improved. So if the BVI wants to lose the privilege of having the US dollar as its legal currency then let the VIP commence this proposed ‘US dollar export fee’ and see what happens. The Premier’s next trip to Miami may be ‘extended’ while he and his bodyguards are guests of the Secret Service at one of the many south Florida US government facilities. Who knows maybe the Premier will get to share a room with Michael Misick from the Turks & Caicos.

            Like 2
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      • Justice says:

        It is unfair expats pay before they get it and then you want to tax it again for choosing to send their share to their home land this is down right steeling and God will judge the bvi further it the government proceed ahead and implement this scheme.

        • Just my opinion says:

          We expats need to come together. We need to stop supporting certain activities such as their Festival, stop participating in the their parade, keep our money in our pockets and support our own and let them support their own.

  7. LOL says:

    What a smart man! Give them status and tax their a**es right behind it.

    Like 23
    Dislike 14
    • Stupid says:

      He ent smart, I see him as foolish as the expats will turn to drugs and crimes. If Andrew with this I see the BVI becoming another Haiti in the future. Do you see the already roadside venders and garage all over the place. If he wants to follow the Bahamas then fix the dawn roads properly let the islands look civilised.

      Like 17
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      • @Stupid says:

        If they have to turn to drugs and crime in another person’s country then it is time to go home. Do you think the U.S or U.K would tolerate that nonsense. Better yet try that in your own country. Why are you demanding things from another country and not your own. All of you who have to come here to make a living should be upset with your government for neglecting your needs making you have to go abroad for a better life. The entitlement and hateful speech from some expats to BVIslanders is just too much. Imagi

    • Smh wow says:

      Wicked person.. im guessing you’re also a Godly person.

      Like 8
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  8. Idea says:

    So, in other words, it is a tax on expats?

    Like 45
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  9. yesproblem says:

    It’s my money. You have already taxed it.

    Like 44
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  10. Time says:

    Excellent. This Government is on the move.

    Like 19
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  11. Newsflash says:

    He will learn. There’s human money transfers going on so let he stop there about tax. You’re late to the party Hon. Fahie.

    Like 4
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    • Moses says:

      Andy, when are you going to introduce the transparency law you promised us? Was this an empty campaign promise? Are you now trying to prevent transparency?

      Like 6
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  12. Citizen says:

    Andrew you are a Wolf in sheep clothing and I guarantee this will be the only 4 years you will serve. How could you think of such wickedness. Anyhow God is watching you. First you play the game of residence and belingership now this. Andrew Frahe: God go punish you. Just watch and wait for his judgement.

    Like 35
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  13. Hmmm says:

    This should have been done a long time ago. Only thing I would say is ensure the money goes to specific purposes so it doesn’t disappear

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  14. Resident says:

    Pure Nonsense!!
    First, we pay payroll tax, then SS, then NHI and still on top of that, an additional tax to send money home to family?

    Second, when you come to work, you can’t bring your family, after leaving wife and kids back home, you people have a problem if we send our money home, so in other words, keep the money here and left our family to beg!

    Third, please help me to understand why should we keep our money here? Buying land is nearly impossible, from all the insults on how outsiders taking the locals land, opening a business is also nearly to impossible for outsiders, buying a property is the same scenario, so I am just confused what the government and the local ppl want the expats to do with their money…..

    Like 70
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    • Wide Eyed says:

      All he is saying is you can send it or leave it, but if you are sending it, it will be taxed. You all want to come and rape the country make a better life for yourselves back in your home country and not contribute to the country that you used to do so. That is financially raping us. Every day there are long lines sending money out of the country. you want to do that for free too! no mehnnnn.

      Like 26
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      • Resident says:

        @ Wide Eyed
        To start with, everyone wants to make a better life for themselves and their families, it’s one of the main reasons why we all go to work everyday!

        I understand your point with helping to build the country, most expats I believe would love to do this and invest in making BVI their home, however, you still have not provided a logic concept of why the expats should choose to keep their money here. You claim that expats are raping the country financially, this itself is an overstatement, have you forgotten that the locals are complaining about the expats taking over everything (land, business, investment opportunities) and strict guidelines have been implements before outsider even get approve if they choose to buy or invest? If you don’t have options available to better the country, don’t just come up with problems bring along solutions as well.

        Like 58
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      • Stwpz says:

        There always a fee to send money from bvi or any other country it was never free,the govt will just be charging more .y’all government to greedy, that’s why bad things always happen there but y’all blind to see tortola nation ways want to clean. Y’all need prays

        Like 8
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      • @wideeye says:

        So taxing their salary, NHI and SS, not giving back to the Country? I mean, what else you looking for? It look like yall want the whole darn paycheck!!!!!

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      • SMH says:

        How does one rape a Country, when the Country has already taken Payroll Tax, SS and NHI and also Work Permit….How can you charge someone who has already paid all these to the Gov’t and still be charged a fee for sending money out to their family..

        This is terrible

        Like 24
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      • Expats says:

        You are a good for mothing low minded person all you people want is for people to come here and you take all the have god is watching you leaving your money here for what when you all design this place so expats can not do nothing remotely the bible says be careful(how u treat foreigner’s)and the this the sam premier every time he speaks god god be careful

        Like 7
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    • Resident 2 says:

      You made the decision to leave your home to come here for a better life. BVI has to make decisions for the benefit of THIS ISLAND STATE. If I go to another Caribbean country of my own will, I am obligated to abide by their laws; current and those they may impose. If I am no longer able to abide by the rules of that country then I have to decide whether to stay or leave. You can’t expect the BVI to cater to any one group. I have lived in other parts of the world and had to abide by their laws. The BVI isn’t here to cater to you so stop it!

      Like 26
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      • Resident says:

        You couldn’t have said it any better “BVI isn’t here to cater to you” So then, why complain about expat sending their money away and financially raping the country? Did you check the statistics for 2018 transfer of money out of the BVI?? It’s in the millions, imagine what the BVI would have been like if they were catering…

        Like 17
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      • Well, well says:

        Big mistake

        Like 7
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      • SMH says:

        Once again you are blasting the Caribbean Countries and not the huge countries like Europe , Asia and America. Don’t forget we all came to the Caribbean on slave ships and we were all separated to various Islands. Yet you seem to be in favor of the Slave Masters family rather than your own blood line.

        Continue I say

        Like 6
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      • Lol says:

        No problem our children will soon be the majority you will know then, where the BVI stands

        Like 1
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    • The Truth says:

      How about buying a car from bumming rides every day?

      Like 9
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      • Ok says:

        I catch ride everyday. Not bum. And I choose to because I am not going to take someone else’s money and buy a vehicle. I will get one when I can afford it with MY OWN MONEY. I bet you took a loan. But its okay once you LOOK well off.

        Like 19
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        • New Economy says:

          We don’t need a car. We gots island Uber and self driving cars on the way. No smart man need to own his own car in the future.

        • The Truth says:

          Well that’s good to know that we are here to sacrifice so you can get around. Since it’s all about “looking good”.

        • Leech mentality says:

          Catch rides everyday at the expense of others. While they have to maintain and pay gas. Meanwhile most don’t offer a cent out of courtesy. Most that took out the loans can afford to pay back. Another perspective to consider, everyone like to be a burden on others.

    • give it to them says:

      Work it and give it tp them
      Don’t eat or live. Be a robot for them.

  15. pure assishness says:

    The people already paid taxes on their money, what foolishness is this ? If i was them i would’ve transfer via a bank transfer.

    Like 19
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  16. Finaly says:

    It’s about time!…. This money leaving our economy so tax it hard too.

    Like 15
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  17. vip heckler says:

    These fools gonna also affect the locals sending money out too

    Like 20
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  18. To Tell the truth says:

    This has been needed for far too long. We need to have the question answered in the house on how much money is exported from the BVI annually through these means.

    It can be broken down over the last five years so we can see the trends etc. Then we can make an informed decision on how much we should tax it and not if we should.

    We constantly complain about the amount of money that is budgeted in the BVI or even spent in the BVI but our infrastructure and services are not reflecting this. If more money stays in the country the banks “may” lend more, businesses may benefit more and also the opportunity for growth in the BVI is better.

    We have to be mindful and astute in our development or we would have to make unwise policies. Would we like it if a future government has to implement a policy that only BVIslanders should be able to work in the BVI….. of course not but at the same time we cannot allow all or most of the money from the BVI to leave the BVI or else that same money would be used against the BVI someday.

    Honorable Fahie you are making decisions today that will prove to be wise down the road. Don’t be deterred or distracted, as building a sustainable country takes strength, fortitude and balls.

    Like 17
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    • Limejuice says:

      This is double taxation and taxation without representation!… Remember the US revolution?
      How big will the fee be?
      Will it be based on the amount of money transferred or will it be just a nominal small fee, say $2? If it is applied to all transfers, as it must, then when If I, as a belonger, send money to my relatives being educated, I will have to pay the fee. If I, a visitor, have to send money to a relative stranded on their way down here or travelling some other place, that will have the fee attached.
      They would probably have pulled the cash down on a credit card, which will already have had a fee charged because the ATM is not their home bank! That’s money that would have been spent here. This fee is aimed at service industry and construction workers, nearly all of whom are Indentured Servants (In Bondage by UN standards) The BVI is repeating the past.

    • @To Tell The Truth says:

      The one thing I noticed about most Governments in the Caribbean is they believe the answer to more revenue in the treasury is to impose new or additional fees/taxes. Now I am not in a position to advice the BVI Government, however, the one question I have always asked is; why not invest in revenue collection? How are you going to ensure these fees are collected and paid to the Accountant General IN FULL? Same question for payroll and accommodation taxes. How much money has the Government lost in uncollected taxes over the years?

  19. Lee says:

    I don’t see what all the fuss is about. When you are sending money out of the Territory whether, through MoneyGram or Western Union, they all charge to send the money overseas. However, what I see happening is that the Premier may collaborate with these two companies and put on an extra percentage on what they already charging to send money overseas and that extra percentage goes to the government.

    Like 14
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  20. Nahman says:

    Expats, let us stop supporting these events that is taking our money, now that fees and more fee coming down on us, let’s start with the festival, every one of you expats stay home, let’s see how the festival turn out, only test run, then we will decide the next move.

    Like 36
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    • Local says:

      Save yourself the trouble and go home.

      Like 17
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      • SMH says:

        I bet you would not say that after Hurricane IRMA. They are the ones who stayed to help rebuild your Country, you all left . Now things are looking good you all have a voice a gain.

        God don’t sleep

        Like 26
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        • Night Vision says:

          There was a foreign exodus after Irma. People sent their children away and Who could go home went home.

          Then foreigners come back to “rebuild”, meanwhile they send money OUT of the country.

          People came to work and make something for themselves not rebuild.

          The volunteers came to rebuild.

          Like 13
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          • thoughtul sailor says:

            Absolutely false. Many foreigners stayed. The first industry to get back on its feet was the Tourism Industry which is largely made up of foreigners. Likewise for the Yacht Charter Industry, which held the first event to “open” the BVI, after Irma. An inconvenient truth.

            Like 13
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  21. Interested. says:

    This publication don’t usually print my post. Let’s see what they do this time. They call us down island people as a derogatory term. Yet they know that we are smart. Who are the local owners of western union and money gram. Who will get hurt in the end not the down island people no we smart it is the up island people who they are hurting. Go open an account. Send card back home. Put the money on the account and let your family access it from home free free free. Don’t even give western union a penny. Now don’t print if you like.

    Like 37
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  22. OMG says:

    Communism

  23. Entrepreneur says:

    20% for entrepreneurs and some of these people sending $ are entrepreneurs doing business overseas…

  24. Jammie says:

    This is nonsense,nhi social security pkus taxing money we are sending yo our family.in my country i can buy land for 5g usd ..here thats 1 mnth rent for some people.now what can i owned nothing i cant buy a house .kmt

    Like 6
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  25. Online Now says:

    Will this apply to all money sent out of the territory or just via Moneygram and Western Union?
    Will it affect bank transfers for purchasing goods overseas? How’s it going to work?

  26. its about time says:

    Tax it Yes best thing ever! Them will make noise to do them permit and immigration with the wait but they don’t make noise stand in long a** line out there by the Chinese restaurant in hot sun..

    Like 8
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  27. vip heckler says:

    I will quote the premier words “This is reverse robin hood which is robbing from the poor to give to the rich”

    Like 16
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  28. Only saying says:

    People seem to think only expats use Money Gram and Western Union but I see a good amount of locals using them to to send money abroad.

    Like 22
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  29. BA says:

    Hello we work for it’s not yours what goes up must come down

    Like 8
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  30. Bvislander, USA says:

    Mr.Premier, I am with you on this. Anyone in the USA that sends money anywhere VIA Western Union or Money Gram pays a tax fee. Fifty dollars you pay a Five dollars fee.Any amount over ONE hundred dollars you pay Eleven dollars and Ninety five cents fee. The tax fees is used to help cover the cost of fixing roads, bridges and inferstructure. If you purchase a lottery ticket, you pay a tax fee that goes to the State to help cover Education in public schools. Each school gets twelve to fifteen hundred per month per child from the State to cover school lunch and other needs for the child.

    Like 23
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  31. when says:

    When will fahie implement something similar for locals who hide their money abroad (and if you think it’s not going on you’re mistaken)

    Like 7
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  32. Observer says:

    Your party was doing so good, now yall starting oryo nonsense. How implementing transfer fees could benefit the sender. You just ripping off poor people. Why dont you cancell your bodyguard service an inject that projected monies into infrastructure. The old NDP would have never done this. Shame on you Mr Fahie an your administration.

    Like 10
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    • Had Enough says:

      From the moment Omar Hodge come on live radio/tv and said it’s ok to put your hand in the cookie jar that has paved the way for every politician taking taxpayers money to line their own pockets. We need more investigation into their bank accounts Mr. Governor, time for you to step up action protocol get the Scotland Yard here.

      We have had enough, nip it in the bud before it goes any further.

      Like 5
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  33. Nothing Wrong says:

    Check your country and you will be very surprised. Come back and post it here. This is just something that should have been done long ago.

    Like 8
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  34. TSK TSK TSK says:

    SOON THEY WILL WANT THE CLOTHES ON OUR BACKS

    Like 11
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  35. Technical says:

    Have no fear people! Download the Western Union or Money Gram App. Create an account, link it to your banks, send your money! I do it all the time. Saves you time from standing in those long lines. We are living in a technological world. Use PayPal, Cash App.

    Like 22
    • There you go says:

      I have Pay PAL, Cash App and Western Union Apps. These days of modern Tech no one realy stand on lines to pay bills or send money to anyone anymore.

      Like 13
  36. Righty then says:

    I really don’t get how the Government of the BVI can justify this. First it cost expat more to love and work in the BVI. The have to Rent Work Permit fees NHI Payroll taxes if they make that much, Social Security, and all these fees has jumped significantly over the years. They look at the number of people sending money out but I have seen person sending 20.00 to family because that’s all they have.

    They worked hard for what they were paid are you going to implement an unfair tax just out of spite? Shame shame shame

    Like 9
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  37. Ausar says:

    Honourable Premier, I hope this bill is not intended as punishment for persons from the Eastern Caribbean.

    After all, Western Union and Money Gram are not the sole arbiters of the transfer of monies.

    Online banking institutions and brick and mortar, on-island banks, also conduct transfers.

    Is it because the rich and Belongers, many of whom transfer tens of millions, utilizes online and on-island institutions for banking, these institutions are not among those receiving such orders?

    Lets be fair, Premier, and institute taxes ACROSS THE BOARD for ALL businesses, in the territory AND THOSE ONLINE, conducting tranfers of monies!

    Like 10
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  38. So You Wanna Generate Revenue says:

    So after spending countless dollars on bodyguards, countless dollars on your “consultant,” countless dollars on legal fees for the bs district 4 saga, countless dollars on a new car, and the list goes on about the amount of people your govt. fired since y’all take office, you think it fit to personally target expats? People are taking notes for next election.

    Like 9
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  39. Anonymous says:

    These men and women that leave there homes to come to the bvi to work for u guys is because u got a bunch a lazy a** women and men that only think of them selves,leave the people who come to do ur work and still getting under paid to send home the little they can ,rent ,food they are paying up there what more taxes u wanna give ehh

    Like 9
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    • Facts says:

      Don’t forget the expats has to also pay $50 just to turn in their work permit and still have to pay for the work permit and Immigration. God don’t like ugly and the people of the British virgin islands need to change before something worst that Irma hits again.

      Like 7
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      • Smh says:

        We on Virgin Gorda also paying $75.00 annually for a work permit card that we have not received since the Hurricanes…

  40. IamHated says:

    TBH, i really don’t mind having all this taxes imposed. As long as the road gets a permanent fixed (not just some half-ass work).

    Speaking of taxes, here’s an idea.. Churches and other religious sector should be taxed as well, so that the Church’s burden can be lessen (how?) simple, they can use those tax money as well for the people, like what the church does. It’s a win-win!

  41. NDP pt2 says:

    Taking advantage of the expats, hmm this you say going to help bvi Islanders or citizens be home or land owners yea right if them selling drugs or family pass it down. I’m 26yrs old and been living America after storm I guess what I own a house and new car with low mortgage payments, the price of a house in the bvi is half that for land alone.

  42. Interesting says:

    Y’all weren’t complaining when y’all were getting your Belonger Status. You want your cake and still eat it too.

    Like 3
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    • SMH says:

      After 20 years????…you all are a set of heartless and cruele people. The Caucasions will soon take your lands from you.

      Wait and see

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  43. No Population Segment Privildges. says:

    Every foreigner, Black and white, wants to dictate to governance of this country.

    Which, from the tone of these comments, suggest that this country should mandate for, and that those laws must be in their favor, for the expat and foreigner and not country, its economy and citizens..

    If a given law is not deemed in the foreigner’s interest, then it is a bad law. It must be realized that, this country has the inalienable right to set laws and guidelines to protect its economic, political and national sovereignty, and that not every law will be geared, nor should not be expected to be aimed at creating comfort and wealth thereof, nor towards the appeasement of the foreigner.

    If one has a problem with that, then one should leave to a country that tailors all of its laws to suit the foreigner and or expat, at the expense of the country, its economy, sovereignty and its people.

    One is left with the distinct impression that some, if not most, is of the impression that they have first preference, are entitled and must be treated accordingly.

    Well, when one goes to UK, EU, Leeward Isles, USA, SA or any other country, one has to abide by and respect the laws of the country. Why is the exception and entitlement notion so strong in the BVI?

    Like 16
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    • Sovereignty... says:

      I agree with you to a certain point. But the BVI is not an independent nation and will never be because you all are myopic in your thinking. Please do me a favor and get your meaning correct.

  44. LW says:

    Its funny how the locals slaughter the expats and even more so because we want to send money home. If we where not here your territory would not be in the position its in now! If we all leave just imagine the state of the place

    Like 5
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    • @LW says:

      Absolute small minded, unknowledgeable rubbish.

      Come with me back here: 1900’s, 10’s, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. Where were you?

      This case a d discussion is closed.

      We wellcome the contributions of all since 1960, but you portray the distinct impression that the expat is responsible for our development. That is not an accurate assumption.

      Like 6
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      • lets see says:

        Back then, your forefathers used to work the ground and raise animals, do you see much of that going on lately. The younger generation don’t want to get their hands dirty. So who picks up the slack? Think about that.

    • Oh No! says:

      Imagine the state of the place!

      Family, accountability in the community, unity.

      Decrease in crime.

  45. Just Sayin. says:

    In the Leewards, most of the exported monies go into savings accounts, credit unions, houses, homes and businesses development. A percentage goes directly to family sustainability.

    For the European and American, most of their exported monies goes directly into other investments. Further, their methods of financial export is not the same as the Leewardd Islander You will never see one of them stand in those lines that has become a staple site in our territory from monday to saturday..

    Government will need trained experts to track and tax those heavy, sneaky don’t play by the rules players.

    Like 6
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  46. Hodgie says:

    I use Money Gram to send my grand child school money every two weeks. You want to tax her education money. Looking for a response soon.

    Like 8
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  47. The Nation says:

    Well say Premier…I thought the burdens of the expats were being eased under your administration but it seems that the oppression continues…tax the foreigner…it’s not enough that he have to pay high apartment rent, work on minimum wage to support a family and pay increased work permit fees every year while belongers land and house tax is $10 and some dont even want to pay that…and the belonger landlord support to be paying payroll tax on the rent they collect but they not paying…Mr. Premier I wonder what the forefathers of the BVI saying and thinking to see them had to go to Panama and Dominican Republic and St. Thomas and the Eastern Caribbean to support the BVI when the BVI was on Grant Aid and long long before that…it has been for many years for BVI to return the favour that the surroundings islands did for it and this is what we doing…GOD IS WATCHING…GOD IS WATCHING… Premier don’t be a SAUL listening to “the people” “the people”…be fair to the ‘strangers’ in this land.

    Like 10
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  48. CIVIL SERVE says:

    THE COST OF LAND REGISTRY TRANSFERS AND LAND TRANSACTIONS NEED TO BE INCREASED. $2.50 TO TRANSFER LAND IN THIS TERRITORY IS A JOKE! MEANWHILE BELONGERS ARE DEFRAUDING THEIR OWN TERRITORY AND GOVERNMENT BY CLAIMING THEY TRANSFER THE LAND TO THEIR RELATIVE AS A GIFT WHEN THE LANDS ARE BEING SOLD TO THE RELATIVE- THE WHOLE OF BVI IS RELATED SO EVERYBODY IS A RELATIVE OF EVERYBODY!

  49. INTERCESSORS STAY ON THE WALL says:

    Please, please…the Premier need prayers…on a serious note…please pray for the Premier

    • Totally fooled says:

      He needs Jesus. Let him continue to fool you all. He is doing a marvelous job at it. He deliberately uses God in every line as a means to control the minds of our people. It’s the very same way that religion was used to keep our ancestors enslaved. If we can’t see this then we need the prayers more than Andrew.

  50. Not thought through says:

    Presumably, the only legislation to create a tax, would have to include all money sent from the BVI overseas, by any individual or business, and by any method.
    Last time I checked, I don’t think that the BVI has a particularly booming manufacturing or agricultural industry. I don’t see any car factories, TV Factories, white goods factories, oil reserves, etc, or anyone farming significant quantities of food to support 30000 plus peolple. We are predominantly a Service economy. Almost everything purchased on this Island is shipped in from overseas whether we like it or not, and therefore is paid for by the BVI retailer by sending money overseas. Therefore the costs paid by the BVI retailer to get goods on Island will increase, the Government will also take more Import Duty, and prices of all goods in the shops go up again !
    How does this benefit either Belongers or Expats?
    Sorry VIP, but you need to create prosperity by concentrating on things that create value, not just simply inventing new taxes to move money from one place to another. A government cannot create money, it can only redistribute it or create an environment where other people can add value.This is not one of your better ideas to redistribute the money.

    Like 15
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  51. Eric Williams says:

    Wow!!
    This is a Trumpian move. Reverse racism on this emancipation day. This draconian legislation is directed primarily towards the people from other islands who work hard for their money and build the BVI ECONOMY. I hope the people reject this racist Fahie.

    Like 6
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  52. Pour nonsense says:

    So the rich get richer and the poor, get poorer another way to tell us to get out of the BVI. Another warning is on its way God is not sleeping Premier

    Like 6
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  53. WTH says:

    So they try the residencey thing them ain’t get enough money now this is the next scheme…….more scheme to be continue

    Like 3
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  54. Anonymous says:

    When they run all the expats who will live in the apartments cockroaches??

    Like 8
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  55. NYC says:

    Come on people, the Premier is doing the right thing and this is a good move for the Country. You guys don’t have to pay Local,State and Federal taxes like we have to. We also pay 8 cents on the dollar. You guys go to the store, if the item is 99cents, you pay 99cents,we go to the store, we have to pay 1.08.

    Like 7
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    • @NYC says:

      No sir…we dont pay that!!! We pay $5.00 for what you pay $1.08 because the tax already worked into the price and we have no price controls or watchdogs so we pay exhorbitant prices

  56. Blah says:

    Good idea. There are positive and negative impacts of people emigrating to the BVI. The other taxes is part of the benefits let this one cover the negative impacts to the BVI. Work permit fees alone does not cover the negative impacts. A high number of people emigrating to the BVI results in more garbage, more pollution due to more vehicles etc, more traffic congestion, reduced resources, higher number of local unemployment, eradication of local culture, BVIslanders are a minority in the BVI in less than 100 years of it’s modern existence. There is no other Caribbean territory where the natives is a minority. This is not to diminish the contributions of expats making a living in the BVI but just to highlight why this isn’t a bad idea.

    Like 11
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  57. From BVI says:

    I live in the Mid West and I send my Mother who still lives in the BVI 900.00 every month to cover her bills and food VIA Western Union and I pay 76.00 in fees and taxes on the 900.00 each month.

    Like 8
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  58. Yesss says:

    Yess Tax them island a**

    Like 1
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  59. I fully agree with this move. says:

    I honestly dont see why ppl are making this a big issue. I am not a local either, but where I come from you have to pay a fee for sending money abroad. Its money that will no longer be circulated in this countries economy. Ppl need to understand that they made a choice to move to a new place to make a better life for them and their families. But all choices comes with consequences. You cant have your cake and eat it too. Plus I know many locals who use western union/money gram To send money abroad. I do it almost everyweek for my boss. If its gonna be a small fee like say $3 or$2, I do t see how that will make much of a difference to small man pocket. If you’re struggling that much in another man’s country then either go home or seek a better place to reside. BVI isnt the only place that expats can move to. It’s the same as when locals move to the USA and choose to suffer and live on the streets or in shelters because they have too much pride to admit that they are suffering in another man’s country. BVI owes no expat anything. We dont not co.e here and work for free. We get paid. You guys are also contributing to the divide. Stop it!! We are all God’s children. How about taking care of the economies of your birth place and the place you make your wages? We can do both you know. I surely take care of both places.

    Like 10
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  60. Goblin says:

    It always happen wen a minister get into finance they be having weird dreams and ideas how to control more money only now you’ll start seeing the true colors and really wonder if when they say their for the people if they had really meant it to heart set a political papa Ganda Rip Off,Lies, only looking out for themselves and the ones closer to them set a jokers but every dog has its day and no amount of money gonna make u slimmer.

    Like 4
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  61. Anonymous says:

    Some a unno running off u mouth talking bout would be better for de country wah u a talk bout better,how?when so much government officials still crying dem can’t tell when last dem get a raise Customs Immigration Teachers Etc for years working under poor salary Pensioners who toil this soil all dem years give back for you and me and at de month de check dem getting can’t even buy food wah u a talk bout better for country ? You sure u mean better for de country or Better for certain people.

    Like 4
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  62. Bvi is NOT AMERICAN or America says:

    For all those people saying America doing it to justify this….America is different to us…what might work for your neighbor might kill you

    Like 3
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  63. Warning says:

    No wonder we had that earthquake…might have been at the very same time they were discussing this ridiculous policy…Irma wasn’t enough…

    Like 2
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  64. island man says:

    The expats do not own a house or land here if they do their money will stay here because it will be their home. The banks here are not giving any interest to your savings Mr. Fahie should look at that too.

  65. island man says:

    Looks like you have to pay the bank here to keep your money for u because you are not getting interest. If you keep it your apt. You might be charged for money lsundering. The expat have no other choice but to send it home.

  66. El jefe says:

    they are such idiots, they make life more unsustainable in bvi and that insensitive to sending money illegally, God showed their fury and they are not even tolerant.

    Like 2
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  67. El jefe says:

    They don’t give you a way to make papers, so you can leave your money on the island but they don’t want you to take it either lo️

    Like 1
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  68. Kweenie says:

    I hope the fee also includes bank wire transfers. We see our brothers and sisters in lines to make the transfers but we don’t see the other (wealthier) half sitting behind their computers hitting the send button to send out hundreds of millions out each year via bank wire transfers. The BVI stand to earn waaaaay more by adding taxes to their transactions. So please senators don’t be biased.

    Include ALL MONEY TRANSFERS

    You can only send so much via money gram and western union. As a bvislander who depended on such transfers after hurricane Irma i see the importance of not restricting these persons in their plight to take care of their families back home. Missing 1 transfer means their family will be unable to shop at the weekend market to provision their children meals, school fees will be unpaid, children will have to miss school because there will be no money for transportation.

    Like 6
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  69. Anonymous says:

    Oh my goodness

    I am indeed surprise to see the total disrespect written here about our premier and its people, words like lazy and uneducated. You see it is our fault because rather than giving the jobs to local who are highly qualified they rather give it to persons from other islands. You see this practice is coming back to haunt us. If you cannot abide by the laws of our county then leave. Please stop disrespecting us NOW. Be aware our people are very much qualified for jobs. check our record.

    Like 7
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    • nonsence says:

      are you for real the Caucasians are the one who have the jobs all the locals wanted and they are still getting the jobs that the local really wanted. so do not put the blame on the other islands people who are here toiling in the rain and sun to make BVI more beautiful.

      Like 1
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    • Because the bvi need people from the other island here why they send for them so short your mouth says:

      Bob

  70. Bandit says:

    All these people who are complaining probably came from countries that have VAT. Which they have to pay on everything with exception to few products. But they are on here raiding hell.

    Like 6
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  71. Hate says:

    The hate is real here, plus the envy, jealousy and red eyed..

    Like 1
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  72. Ok says:

    So why they didn’t do a town hall meeting on this morning

  73. Concerned Citizen says:

    Does this means that persons sending monies abroad via Wire transfer will be taxed as well.In essence it is still considered moving money out of the territory.The way around this is to set up a bank account and PayPal account and send money directly with PayPal.The only drawback is,is that you’ll have to wait 3 days before the money reaches your account.

  74. Smh says:

    Wow, imagine living abroad to study and your parents sending you money but they have to send you less because they’re being charged to send you money their own child. Wow… Disgraceful!

    Like 5
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  75. Smh says:

    Wicked son off ah b***h alot is ah poor man cum try help his self and his family alyo taxs people fu dat may the good lord be wid alyo

    Like 1
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  76. Just saying says:

    I’m an expat and when I came here I was granted a work permit that expires every year I guess that goes for most expats we all came intentionally to mwork make a money and go back home so why the fusss now to stay n owned land we normally brag about where we came from and pulling down the ppl them place now I just can’t understand we island pp. Here is where we own our living so if the country down n the primier finding ways to build it bck I don’t see the need for the insultive comments some of u if u don’t have anything sensable to say shut up n stop making it bad for us is the ppl them place they have to defend it.

    Like 6
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  77. Expat says:

    WOW!!!!, this is an act of war. You work for your money they monitor your income and kill you with work permit fee now this what more most we pay just to provide for our families. This is madness, just remember God don’t sleep and don’t like evil. What happen social security payee tax and Nhi isn’t enough deduction. You making it hard on the people watch and see the mess you are about to create. Lord be with the good people of this nation when you ready to deliver your children from the hands of the wicked. Bank next forcing the banks to raise wire fee which is a next killer. Doctors say high blood pressure is a secret killer but so is the BVI Government and law maker straight outa the pits of h**l. What is next i say WOW

    Like 2
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  78. Quiet Warrior says:

    There are approx 250, 000, 000 International migrants worldwide. As such, remittance is big business. In 2018, remittances to low and medium income countries was approximately $529B. Worldwide remittance reached approx $689B in 2018. Remittance is the lifeline for millions of people in developing countries; it is a major part of the economy in developing countries, including Caribbean countries. Many countries as a fee on remittances. Government needs revenue streams to deliver services. As such, charging a nominal feed on remittances is a reasonable governmental action.

    Undoubtedly, it is commendable and understandable that migrants send money home to take care of their families; it is universal. Clearly, residents have a choice in how they expend their income. However, money leaving the country impacts the local economy. Money staying in the country have a multiplier effect on the economy.

    Like 6
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  79. E. Leonard says:

    Simply, like other governments, the role and responsibility of the VI government is to provide non-excludable goods and services (goods and services that the private sector has littleness or no interest in providing,ie, roads, police.etc) for the public good. Government (VI) needs funding to deliver services; it has limited funding streams; its economy is service-based (tourism and financial services) and most of its revenue is acquired from fees and taxes.

    Thus, a reasonable fee (5%=<) on remittances is viable option. Globally, annual cross border remittances is well over $600B (per World Bank). Remittance is big business with firms (Western Union, Money Gram) making $$$B. Further, remittances is a lifeline for many millions of families in developing countries. Residents sending money to their home countries benefit families and the economy of their home countries.

    Moreover, residents helping to sustain and to boost the local economy enable them to earn money to remit to their home countries. Further, the remittance fee also boosts government ability to deliver services. The community must peacefully agitate to ensure that government is spending its limited resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively for its intended purpose for the public good.

    Like 5
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  80. Resident says:

    This is long overdue

    Like 2
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  81. slow says:

    before yall do that look into yall friends who expats work for that take out SS NHI and taxes from our paycheck for years now and not paying our contributions…… that is more important than killing us..thank u mr fahie

  82. sam the man says:

    An iniquitous tax levy that hammers the hard working expats that keep this country functioning – an absolute disgrace and will only harm the recovery efforts and lead to a further exodus of much needed talent

    Like 9
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  83. hmmm says:

    Bank run starts this coming Thursday.

  84. Bob says:

    That to will pass god don’t sleep

  85. Rodrigo says:

    My family has always sent money abroad and this is a change that negatively affects our economy. https://enviardinero.info

    Like 1
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  86. sam the man says:

    From the extent of posts it is clear that the VIP Government have made a huge mistake here – just back track and rescind, be honest and say you made a mistake – BVI benefits so much from expat expertise,good work ethic and basically filling all the roles that locals refuse to do – to impose a tax on transferring money is plain stupid and must be prevented…

    Like 3
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  87. Hmm well I agree also @ Lee says:

    I’m just here to read the comments these dam expats in here talkin about…

  88. hmmm says:

    real milk already $12 a gallon, what will these extra costs of sending money out make it.
    Cheaper to put rum on the cereal sir.

  89. Concerned says:

    This is not in the right direction.The people involved have paid a lot money to governments purse such as payroll tax,social security fee,National Insurance ,work permit fee and visa fee and others.The introduction of the tax /fee to send money in addition to money/charges collected by the companies Moneygram or Western union is unfair and rip off on the part of the workers or individuals expected to pay.It is advised his plan or decision is reversed

  90. Expat says:

    After paying rent,work permits,nhi,tax,patronizing all your local stores with their ridiculous prices and absolutely no customer protection. This is the thanks we get. Nothing is free in the bvi yet we…the hard working honest individuals must face more deductions from our income. Who benefits the bvi most,tourist or expats? The same bills we pay in our respected countries are also paid here. We don’t own anything out here. After western union exchange fees aren’t even on the global level. We’re already being robbed. You target your fellow islanders while the white man buys out all your land and your government does nothing for the youth.Btw I personally dont expect much intelligence from jackasses ??????????? retarded people

  91. laughing... says:

    FIND OUT WHAT IS MEANT BY THE SAYING THAT GOES LIKE THIS; “STRICKER THE GOVERNMENT, WISER THE POPULATION”. SO YAL GO AHEAD WE EXPATS GOT THIS LONG TIME. WAS JUST WAITING ON YAL TO MAKE THAT MOVE.LLLOOOLLLL

  92. Buck says:

    The money will just leave on boat and planes to the islands. The offshore banking will find cheaper destinations hence deteriorating the economy. Loosing dollars to make sense in a bid to RIP off the poor expats.

  93. Anonymous says:

    Let me get this straight:

    Non-belongers who work and pay the various payroll taxes, can’t bring their families, can’t stay without a job or swearing that you don’t have to & won’t work (to obtain a non-belongers land-holder’s license or a permit to reside).

    If the adults in the family manage to get work &/or reside, their children can’t go to BVI schools. If they want to buy any land or a home,they have the risk of losing the deal to a belonger — or a greater chance of losing it when they are forced to leave if their job falls through.

    They aren’t supposed to send money home?

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