Premier urges support for local businesses at Buy BVI Expo

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called on residents to commit to supporting local businesses as part of efforts to strengthen the Virgin Islands economy.

He delivered the message during the opening of the Buy BVI Trade Expo at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.

The expo, which began in 1997 through collaboration between the BVI Chamber of Commerce and the government’s Trade Promotion Department, has become a fixture in the territory’s economic calendar. This year’s theme highlighted youth entrepreneurship, with young business owners showcasing goods and services alongside established companies.

Premier Wheatley said that although financial services and tourism have generated record revenues, many people are still struggling. “Persons have said to me that the economy is having a tough time. And I ask myself, well, financial services has made record revenue. I’m not sure if people know that, most it’s ever brought in ever. Tourism has brought in record revenue, more than it’s ever brought in ever, but people are having a tough time, so the question is why. Our two main pillars are performing very well. Why is the economy struggling?” he stated.

He argued that the problem lies in how money leaves the territory too quickly. “Not only do we not buy BVI, we don’t hire BVI. We don’t invest in ourselves. So if the money is not staying, it can’t circulate and it cannot multiply,” he explained.

Encouraging residents to reflect on their own consumer habits, he said: “It’s not just about blaming an external entity or even blaming the government. It’s about challenging ourselves through our own choices to be able to support our own local economy and empower ourselves and empower each other. And the question is, are we ready for that? Or do we just want to sit and complain?”

The Premier added that supporting local products could make a meaningful difference. “So my message to you is clear and simple. The difference between taking our economy from where it is to the next level is each one of us and the choices we are willing to make. So when you make a choice, choose BVI, Buy BVI, Promote BVI, Support BVI and empower BVI, and you will discover that things become even better for us,” he urged.

The government has expanded support for micro, small and medium enterprises through grants for equipment, marketing, training and technology. Officials have also pledged to improve consumer protection, streamline trade licensing, and create more opportunities for Virgin Islanders to start and grow businesses. The Buy BVI Expo continues to be a key platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their work and attract customers from across the territory.