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No new relief measures expected from gov’t for shoppers - Premier

- says prices the same in St Thomas and locally
No relief measures are expected from government for local shoppers in the near future according to Premier, Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
“If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference,” Premier Smith said. Photo: VINO/File
“If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference,” Premier Smith said. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith has stated that no relief measures are expected from government for local shoppers. While assuring residents that after taking all factors into consideration, there is very little difference in prices between goods purchased in St Thomas and those purchased locally.

In a press conference held on August 20, 2013 Premier Smith was asked what was next for his government in assisting shoppers who continue to head to supermarkets in the neigbouring island, despite assurances from the NDP government in tax measures implemented to lower prices in supermarkets around the Territory.

“If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference,” Premier Smith said.

The Premier, while admitting that there were other factors such as transportation costs which gave VI businesses less of an advantage, further stated that in some instances prices in St Thomas are lower while in others, prices in the Virgin Islands are lower.

He reiterated that his government had introduced other measures, such as an increase in the departure tax to assist local businesses, “we have introduced other measures such as increase in the departure tax and coming up to the 2014 budget we are now looking at what other measures may be necessary to help with stimulating businesses to help the economy,” he stated.

Government, at the beginning of this month, increased the departure tax for residents leaving the shores via seaports.

32 Responses to “No new relief measures expected from gov’t for shoppers - Premier”

  • 1 (25/08/2013, 09:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    this man Orlando is so out of touch...just a matter of time 2 years to go!!!
    • RedStorm (26/08/2013, 22:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I don't think he out a touch, he just get caught on the spot and this is the response he give "If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference". It is what you call quick thinking.

      However price is not the only factor! quality and quantity makes a greater factor than price at times. Which person wants to know that Tortola sell a grade C chicken bound for some third world country, when the USVI sells a grade A chicken, stamped approved by the FDA. I need to know what factors were taken into consideration when it comes to selling chicken wings for 12.00 per five pounds. The people need price control, they must get it now.
  • wondering (25/08/2013, 10:20) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    So he gives them a tax break and he raised the departure tax on us. I wonder what he is going to do next to help his rich friends
    • question (25/08/2013, 12:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I would like to ask Mr. Smith when was the last time he shopped in St. Thomas and what did he buy?
  • empty belly (25/08/2013, 10:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    so in other words no help is on the way your belly going stay empty...how sad
  • lorie (25/08/2013, 10:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Smith how you sound? The departure tax was raised to help local businesses? You know what will make people stop going overseas to shop, and help the BVI economy? Give incentives to local businesses so that they can lower the prices on their goods, and implement price control. You and your government can raise the departure tax again tomorrow, if merchants here in the BVI don't give competitive prices to the people, going abroad to shop will continue.
    • mother hen (25/08/2013, 12:49) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr. Premeir get real I am a single mother of two and voted for the NDP but, when I shop in St.Thomas and spend $400 my items can last me about 2 to 3 months. When I shop here, I would spend that same amount and I would have to go back to the store in about 2-3 weeks. Keep it real stop fooling the people about prices are the same boss
      • alpine (25/08/2013, 13:35) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        You so right and you get several boxes. You spend the same $400.00 plus here and come out with 3 or 4 bags and still can't see what you purchase. I agree with you on that at 100%
      • Eshay (26/08/2013, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        2-3 weeks. My girl its a few days depending on your kids appetite and where you shop. all you come out of the grocery stores with is a bunch of bags.
  • bay yute (25/08/2013, 11:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    does this man do his own shopping? how the hell he can say the prices in rock city and tortola is the same????
    • style (26/08/2013, 13:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      its clear that the answer is no or else he would not have been chatting piss
  • Concerned (25/08/2013, 11:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    He reiterated that his government had introduced other measures, such as an increase in the departure tax to assist local businesses, “we have introduced other measures such as increase in the departure tax and coming up to the 2014 budget we are now looking at what other measures may be necessary to help with stimulating businesses to help the economy,” he stated.

    Seems more like penalizing the already hurting residents Mr. Premeir. You and your ministers can afford to shop here comfortably while the majority of residents struggle to buy bare necessities.
    • white oleander (25/08/2013, 12:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr. Premier the service in the BVI sucks and your NDP government will not pass cusumer protection, so that is another reason we shop in St. Thomas and PR.

      Dr. Smith have you ever try returning a product to any store here in the BVI? What a nightmare and much unprofessional piss and mutha this and that!!!! In St.Thomas or PR they gladly refund your money if you do not want an even exchange...

      A sign that any government is on their way out of office is when they are out of touch with the real issues of the people and NDP the writing is on the wall!!!!
  • ABC (25/08/2013, 12:21) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    His speech writer should be fired!
    • vi (25/08/2013, 13:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I mean no disrespect but these speech writers are leading him and Myron a stray!!!!!! for with statements like this both men needs to go back to their private buinesses.
  • GoonSquad, (25/08/2013, 13:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    the public and the voters are so sick and tire of the empty flip flooping nonsense and pipe dreams from the Hon. Premier and his gang. The public have every right to vent at the polls come next elections
    • GoonSquad(the real) (25/08/2013, 15:57) Like (0) Dislike (24) Reply
      And I would like to know why the Hell you using my screen name!!? Good thing people know what the real GoonSquad stands for. I will always be an NDP no matter what so to you 00000 keep your darn name and you flipflopping comments from under my name.
      • rastafari (25/08/2013, 17:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        will the real "GoonSquad" give us there full name???Hope its not MVW or KS!! hahahaha hehehehe
  • BREAKING NEWS (25/08/2013, 13:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    “If you would look at the prices in the supermarkets in the BVI and compare them with the prices in St Thomas and given all the factors combined, I think you would appreciate that there is very little difference,” Premier Smith said...DID HE SAY THAT???? Mr. Premier YOU ARE NOW DOING STAND UP comedian!!!! you remind me of George H. W Bush just before Bill Cliton kicked him out of office
  • . (25/08/2013, 14:40) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    get rid of the ndp
  • vip (25/08/2013, 16:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr.donthaveaclue at it again.
  • vi (25/08/2013, 17:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is not just price that drives people to show off island; it is Variety and customer service. Let us face it there is little to no customer service here. Businesses with their; NO RETURN, NO EXCHANGE, NO REFUND policies is a slap in the face of the consumers. Government need to do a survey, and find out the true reasons why people shop abroad. They are not using the right approach to encourage people to support local businesses.
  • Native Boy (25/08/2013, 17:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is not worth shopping in Tortola for groceries anymore if you're looking at price. Now and again OneMart will have a sale and get some competitive prices but St. Thomas has much better variety and quality.
  • Hmm (25/08/2013, 18:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

    P does not shop in St.Thomas man. When I shop here and spend $300 or more I get 2-3 weeks worth of food. Whereas, when I shop in St.Thomas I get 3 months worth of food. For him to say that they raised departure tax to help the local businesses is a slap in the face for us consumers and residence. They have no plans on helping us. The local business prices are ridiculous and some only put things on sale when they are about the expire or if they are beginning to rotten. What does that say about the local businesses? The cost of living in the BVI is just too high and until something is done crime will continue to increase. People are living hand to mouth and that is not good!

  • TEARS FOR THE BVI (25/08/2013, 18:45) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply

    Dr and his speech writers and high paid consultants from DC should provide some facts before telling the poor man shit and silly spin and propaganda;

    Here are some facts:
    In the BVI
    5 lb of flour - $5.59

    In the St. Thomas
    10 lb of flower - $8.59

    In the BVI
    One pack of cereal - $6.65 (at One Mart since ayo say Bobbies close in town)


    In St. Thomas
    3 packs of the same cereal as above - $14.00

    In the BVI
    one pack of slice bread - $3.99

    In St. Thomas
    One slide bread bigger than Tortola $. 99 cents

    In the BVI Aluminum Foil 200 sq ft $16.99
    In St. Thomas Same foil $4.99

    NDP and Dr. Smith please get a grip from chatting bull morning noon and night

  • ABC (25/08/2013, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is obvious that Dr Smith is so darn tired and fed up with Mark, Myron and Pickering that he is begining to loose it. How sad.
  • *!9 (25/08/2013, 22:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr smith is chattin piss as always dr I do not have a clue!!
  • never again (25/08/2013, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    every time our Premeir speaks he make us regret voting for the NDP...no more mistakes next elections
  • cnn (26/08/2013, 01:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh what a cross to bear
  • price control (26/08/2013, 08:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    b.v.i, all we need is price control, reduce import duties, but the ndp 2 big men own one mart, so wa u expect them to say, or do?...
  • just so (26/08/2013, 16:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So he plain out saying don't look for no help from his government u on ur own plain and simple.
  • Ends cant Meet (27/08/2013, 10:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where in St thomas do you get these cheap prices? Plaza Extra? Pueblo? Cosy U Less or Prive mart? i want to know so i can do some shopping this coming pay period.


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