Price gouging task force not yet operational
Premier Andrew Fahie has announced that the new task force established to monitor gas prices and other goods to ensure businesses do not unjustifiably increase their prices is not in operation as it.
Speaking at a press conference last Friday, the Premier noted that Virgin Islanders will have to wait a while before the new task force becomes engaged.
“We are looking in the next week of two to have it engaged,” the Premier stated.
He added that the reduction in Customs duties to five per cent for the next three months has just begun and people are encouraged to get whatever they need to import during that time.
Fahie added that since more people are conscious of the reduction on this tax, he hopes the volume of importation increases to make up for any loss that would have occurred because of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“In these difficult times, as leaders, you have to find a balance for the people that are hurting. And yes, it is going to make an impact. I must say that when you have, for example, vehicles and building supplies, when you can give groceries and find the way to give people a break and put the task force in to monitor it, it can only spell well for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Fahie noted.
“COVID-19 and Ukraine and other issues creates heavy social problems, and you have to find a way to make the people feel more comfortable in these difficult times,” he added.
The Premier had previously annouced that his government established the task force more than a month ago. He mentioned at the time that the monitoring team would consist of Customs officers and members of the Department of Trade, among others.
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Big waste of time…. this man talks a good talk but actions????? big noise up and down the place when the war start but he appointed a task force and now this….
The talk not even that good tbh
how do you know f there’s price gouging when there’s no price control. jokey.
Truly a waste of time. Completion is what regulates prices not some Clueless customs officer. We all know what they are good at.
Not surprise
If the Premier truly wants to help people that are ‘hurting’ then the VIP needs to repeal the discriminatory 2020 law imposing a 7% tax on USD transfer/remittance services(Western Union,MoneyGram, etc) out of the BVI.
There is no task force, jus lip service.
Might it be because it didn’t make sense in the first place because there are no laws to support it? Maybe it was just more hot air from our premier?
Are they going to be operational when the higher prices are the norm??
P.S could you please investigate the courier service that make you talk in the mailbox. Their prices seem to have skyrocketed since government import fees went to 5 %
Noooooo……Really????? I am soooo shocked ???
The war will end before anything is implemented. All those who were jumping for joy are so easily fooled. Pure hot air he was speaking and continues to speak.
Ok so they form a task force and they visit your business and you ask them which legislation or laws empower them to take any actions with respect to you and/or your business, what can they say? This is why there’s no task force because I am certain it was said before seeking any legal advice or clarity on its legality etc.
You using the same amount of alliances every month or less yet the bill keep going up.