Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the sister islands will now benefit from scheduled trade inspections.

Effective immediately, trade inspectors will be mobilised to the various sister islands on varying days each month from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher said the department is working towards creating a continued presence on the sister islands and speeding up the recovery process.

Mrs. Christopher said, “The department continues to be very supportive of the small business community and entrepreneurs, especially the ones residing and conducting business and/or businesses on our sister islands. As such, we are re-committing ourselves to the efficiency and efficacy of our operations to make the recovery process easier.”

The department’s inspector will be mobilised to Virgin Gorda every Thursday at the Virgin Gorda Administration Complex, Vanterpool Building; to Jost Van Dyke every first Tuesday of every month at the Sister Islands District Office; and to Anegada every last Friday of every quarter at the Sister Islands District Office.

Persons interested in scheduling their inspections should do so ahead of time by contacting the department at telephone 284-468-2008.           

Mrs. Christopher is also encouraging small business owners to cooperate with trade inspectors, when the checks are being conducted.  

“We also encourage them to ensure that the goods and services being offered are representative of a valid trade licence on display, as failure to do so will result in immediate penalties for the business,” she added.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.

Attached: Official photo of Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher