Trade Commission still suspended after 18 months
The Trade Commission remains suspended more than 18 months after its governing law was halted, and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has offered no clear timeline for its reinstatement.
The Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, which was passed and assented to in 2020, was suspended on November 23, 2023, through the Trade Commission Suspensory Act. At the time, officials said the move was to allow for a review of the commission’s operations and framework.
Responding to questions from Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn in the House of Assembly last week, Premier Wheatley said the suspension remains in place at his discretion.
“The Trade Commission, due to suspension of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act 2020, was suspended,” Dr Wheatley said. “The duration and expiration of the suspension… rests solely with myself as the Minister with responsibility.”
Currently, the Department of Trade continues to operate under the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. However, the absence of the Commission raises questions about the status of key protections and initiatives, such as consumer affairs and fair trade enforcement.
Penn noted that the original promise made during the suspension was that the Commission would be inactive for only a year, allowing time for a review. “We’re well into almost a year-and-a-half since it has expired,” Penn argued. “Can the people get some indication on when you intend to move forward?”
Dr Wheatley acknowledged delays but said work on relevant issues has continued through the ministry. He said the government is also working on amendments to the Investment Act and other consumer protection initiatives. However, he provided no commitment on when the Commission itself would be restored.
“I can’t give a timeline right now as it pertains to the Trade Commission,” Dr Wheatley said. “I would prefer to consult with the minister responsible for the area right now, Honourable Lorna Smith, before I give a firm date.”
The Commission was intended to play a central role in managing trade, business development, and consumer protection policies in the Virgin Islands.
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Based upon his name: S!0wW@nde, I do not expect the commission to be up and running for another 6 months. He will probably do some gimic like painting a sign or something just before he calls snap elections
“I can’t give a timeline right now as it pertains to the Trade Commission,” Dr Wheatley said. “I would prefer to consult with the minister responsible for the area right now, Honourable Lorna Smith, before I give a firm date.”
But, 18 months? ….. Surely, you have most certainly been consulting with the Jr. Minister of the Finacial Services a lot over the last week or so. Or is it that larger more concerning matters regarding FSC have you focused elsewhere?
They haven’t worked out a way they can get accomplices on the board.
Whatever it is it is all going to happen in SECRET.
Lorna was the one who lobbied to have the Trade Commission suspended. Not for any valid reason, but simply to flex her power. And look where that has led us. To date, she has brought nothing of substance. Only chaos and confusion.
I remember the NDP established a business bureau.
After losing the election, the VIP gov scrapped and discontinued it. To this day the NDP never revived what they originally created, and the VIP has not implemented their grand plan, which leads us to where we are now.
That is the campaign motto of the VIP….”we can do it better” which means we will do nothing.
They did much, after-all, they enriched themselves for life.
They went for an have accomplished that.
While, every 3 in 5 locals are sucking salt looking forward to a pension and social security monthly payment that will not be able to bread, sugar, water, and medicines.
Watch the when they come looking for another job again how the stupid ones will react to the bling and lies.
Imagine getting $1,000. in a white envelope to be going thru this for four years.
The then A Fahie administration said they will show NDP how to spend the CDB loan and now they cannot spend their CIBC loan.
I going put in a trade license for holding shows, parties, beach jams and such. BVI needs those kinds of businesses and you get lots of government support.
So You all don’t get it right? He CANNOT or He DARE NOT answer any questions as it pertains to this Subject because it is Corna Woman gig and not his.
You all are Slower than Him Man… Corna Woman is going to use this same Subject in her Campaign Gimmicks. Wait and Hear. Remember this date June 10th, 2025. The BVI is Likened unto HELL. SATAN is in full control.
Have no one to approach to ask questions on their behalf as to what decisions have been made why and in whose favor. Secrecy rather than transparency!