Today it gives me great pleasure to stand here before you at this official launch of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission, which will be a statutory agency established under the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2020.

A Pleasant Good Day and God’s Blessings to all the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands and beyond.

The public is reminded that the official launch of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission takes place today, Tuesday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m.

Business owners with more than three (3) trade licences for renewal are notified that effective Monday, December 7, these documents and payments via cheque only are to be submitted for processing at the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs on the second floor of the Sebastian Building.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is reminding business owners that work permit applications submitted during the month of December must be accompanied by copies of the requisite 2021 Trade Licences

Businesses continue to receive their stimulus grant cheques as the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to assist with their operational expenditure, while stimulating economic activity during the COVID-19 era.

Small business owners across the Territory have until Wednesday, September 16 at noon to submit applications for the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Grant Relief Programme.

Ten Food Service Operators in the Virgin Islands will be awarded COVID-19 Grants from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles is advising small business owners that there is still an opportunity to apply for the Economic Stimulus for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Business Grant Relief Programme. Interested persons have until Wednesday, September 16 at noon to apply.

Over 1000 small businesses have qualified for the economic stimulus grant and will begin to receive their cheques beginning this week.