Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

‘Trade licenses for Non-Belongers typically go to Premier for approval’ - Hon Penn

Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, has stated that both himself and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), right, have approved trade licenses for Non-Belongers. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has expressed concern that a significant number of trade licenses are being approved for Non-Belongers in certain sectors that should typically be reserved for locals. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has expressed concern that a significant number of trade licenses are being approved for Non-Belongers in certain sectors that should typically be reserved for locals. Photo: VINO/File
Trade licenses are processed by the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion. Photo: GIS/File
Trade licenses are processed by the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), expressing concern that a significant number of trade licenses were approved for Non-Belongers in certain sectors that should typically be reserved for locals, wanted to know during the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA) on March 8, 2018 who is responsible for approving those licenses.

It was brought out in an answer to a question posed to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) by Hon Fahie, that the number of trade licenses approved post Hurricane Irma (October 2017 to February 2018) was 419. Of that number, 357 were for Belongers and 62 for Non-Belongers.

But according to Premier Smith, 50% of the trade licenses approved for Non-Belongers had a Belonger “attached” to the license as well.

Hon Fahie also wanted to know how many trade licenses were approved in the last three years and how many were for Belongers and Non-Belongers, as well as the type of business for Non-Belongers.

It was stated that some 2358 trade licenses were approved for the period 2015 to 2017. In 2015 there were 704 trade licenses approved with 626 for Belongers and 78 for Non-Belongers. In 2016 there were 842 trade licenses approves, with 732 for Belongers and 110 for Non-Belongers. In 2017 there were 812 trade licenses approved with 759 for Belongers and 53 for Non-Belongers.

List too long!

Asked to state the type of businesses in which trade licenses were approved for Non-Belongers, Premier Smith said the list was too long to call out.

“This list is too long to read out…The types are there but they are not broken down,” Premier Smith said, as other Members began to grumble.

At this stage, Hon Fahie remarked: “The people probably wouldn’t hear on the outside but the Government keep telling me what is nonsense and what is not. I am trying to do my job in here. I don’t trouble anybody. I does sit down over here and listen when they jump on me for things I don’t even know about I don’t interrupt them. I trying to do my job.”

He added that the question was submitted a while ago and it is not something he should have been fishing for.

Premier Smith then proceeded to list some of the fields in which trade licenses were approved for Non-Belongers over the last three years. Those included human capital management, property rental, law firm, installation of alternative energy systems, manufacturing, construction, investment company, auto repair shop, and business consulting.

Who approving these licenses?

Hon Fahie then wanted to know if certain sectors are to be for the people of the Territory, what justifies Non-Belongers, especially those without a Belonger attachment, getting a trade license?

Premier Smith then reminded that 50% of licenses approved for Non-Belongers had a Belonger attachment; however, Hon Fahie said this still meant that a significant number of Non-Belongers, without a Belonger attachment, were given trade licenses.

He then asked what was the process when a Non-Belonger applies for a trade license and whether it is approved by the Trade Department head or the Premier.

All applications, according to Premier Smith, go to the Department of Trade and is processed by the Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion, who is Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8).

“Who approves it?” Hon Fahie asked.

Premier Smith said the applications go to the “Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion, Madam Speaker, and he refers to me when necessary.”

Hon Fahie wasn’t too pleased about the answer but stated that he would move on with his questions.

‘It typically goes to the Premier’s Office for approval’- Hon Penn

Speaking exclusively to our newsroom after we sought clarity on the matter, Hon Penn stated today, March 16, 2018 that the “Non-Belongers license typically go to the Premier’s Office for approval.”

“I have approved some and he has also approved some of them. So it’s either between myself or the Premier approved those licenses. Sometimes it goes to him and I don’t know, but if I am not there it has to be approved,” Hon Penn stated.

39 Responses to “‘Trade licenses for Non-Belongers typically go to Premier for approval’ - Hon Penn”

  • just asking.... (16/03/2018, 17:46) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is smurf throwing his boss under the bus?
    • @just asking (17/03/2018, 09:04) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
      All Marlin is doing is distancing himself from the illegal activities with these licences going on behind his back by the lady that wears the pants and the local Opera that heads the office. Plenty fat rats. Thing to talk.
  • Yes (16/03/2018, 18:26) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Marlon making sure not to take the wrap for Smith. Orlando you in trouble, no body to trust.
  • change (16/03/2018, 18:31) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please pass the consumer protection bill people work tooo hard for their salary to be taken advantage of.
  • long look me come from (16/03/2018, 19:57) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Even Marlon running far from the leader thing to talk
  • Gonk (16/03/2018, 20:33) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    Is there any discrimination against British applicants because I know the Uk wouldn’t discriminate against BVI belonged or islanders
  • Lolg (16/03/2018, 21:27) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    here in bvi they give faster the preference of a license to a non-belongers than to one with belongers
    • @ lolg (17/03/2018, 02:27) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
      Because the ndp hates locals
      • True (17/03/2018, 09:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        can you Lolg and @Lolg both read? There is very few Trade licenses for non belongers and even 50% of them have belongers as a partner.
      • Hmm (17/03/2018, 09:24) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        Sometimes locals make it bad for themselves with the way they treat their employees. For example I know someone who worked for a company for 10years and was let go after the hurricane and do you know the he'll that person is going through in order to get paid off from the company. Locals work their employees like dogs and still turn around and treat them like shhhhh.....
  • cromwell (16/03/2018, 22:09) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Can't you people see how this looks to good clean living people in other countries, blatant discrimination. Today this is unacceptable in decent society and the world will pass you by. The BVI is crying out for money and outside assistance, why would people bother to enable you to continue this way. Perhaps it's time for you to go independent and find your money elsewhere
    • French man (17/03/2018, 01:18) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
      Really! What natural resources BVI have to trade in the rest of the world. BVI was not a nation conquered by England it was a colony establish by white European and African brought by European so Nor African nor European are native. Stop ur nonsense! Learn to live with other races, expat just as local want the BVI to progress. After Irma u should want to have closer ties to a superpower nation .
  • Just woke. (16/03/2018, 23:14) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Nice Picture of our present and our future. Marlon looking like the Real Premier. Marlon need to be deputy to Fahie when the Back Benchers launch their attack...
  • Diplomat (16/03/2018, 23:59) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    What is the criteria for which non-belonger trade licenses are approved by Dr. Hon Premier D. Orlando Smith (AL), MoF, and which ones are approved by Marlon Penn (D-8), Junior Minister of Trade and investment Promotion? Do special types of trade licenses have to be approved by the Premier? Are certain types of trade license earmarked specifically for Belongers? What is being done to blunt fronting? What Ian the penalty, if any, for fronting?
    • @Diplomat (17/03/2018, 08:31) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Do you not see the conversation in the House of Assembly by these representatives show that that is what they want...fronting....for BVIslanders to apply for non-belongers to operate business....this is the most backward thing I hear....they creating legal debacles....this is sheer nonsense....cut the crap...stop the oppression......
  • Phoenix (17/03/2018, 00:08) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Again, Fahie is picking at old, dried bones when more important issues are at hand. If this has been going on for years, why didn't the Hon. Fahie tackle the issue a year ago? Maybe because a year ago, he didn't care- but now that an election looms, he pretends to care about important issues he has obviously known about for quite a while. Time for our cream to rise to the top.
  • good (17/03/2018, 05:06) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    You probably don't get it if you criticize Hon Fahie. I sugggest that a register should be created and registration is optional whereby qualified Belongers who lack some experience and/or finance are matched with Non Belongers so that everyone grows. There would be of course a contractual agreement governing the terms of the partnership. You do not want to have a situation where the 'haves' and the 'have nots' in terms of finance and expertise create an even more divided society. The BVI is geographically too tiny to have the wealth in the hands of a few and ALL should benefit. That is why in theory I like what Sir Branson is trying where investors are being matched with local talent. It is a model where you look out to match those that want to succeed and may not have otherwise had the chance or opportunity to meet.
  • home (17/03/2018, 06:36) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even police officers I have seen with contractors trade licenses. Looking construction job . That is why they don’t have time to solve any crime! Some with construction licenses don’t even know the first thing about good steel structure!!!! But it’s always politics , friends and ppl in certain positions of government !!!!!
  • Curly (17/03/2018, 07:53) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is totally acceptable to protect those of the BVI however there is a fine line between this and discrimination of those not from here trying to work hard and help contribute to the island.
  • Free trade (17/03/2018, 07:59) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    The requirement for trade licenses protects a few entitled and rich people but harms the consumer and wider public. Really there should not be a requirement to get permission to run a business. Let the labour department do their job in controlling permits and then allow anyone to set up businesses.
    • @ Free Trade. Hmmm. (17/03/2018, 08:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Labour. Hmmm. Can't depend on labour to do anything.. It will fail badly..
  • nonsense (17/03/2018, 08:26) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fahie I ain't with you on this one...are we non-belongers supposed to remain as slaves in this country??? Ask for the non-belongers that were approved or denied how de long they been loving here. A man live here 20, 30, 40 years and you ain't give him status because you take forever to process his belonger application...and he must work for a beloner or someone all the days of his life.... that's why it have chaos in this country and the economy is suffering!!!!... business should not be about nationality....it should be about skills...some have it some don't...while y'all try to keep the non-belongers down and feed this "entitlement'' mentality y'all don't realize you harming your own self....people don't put up with oppression for too long...you watch
    • stupps (17/03/2018, 09:52) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
      When y’all criticize the BVI please do let us know how these things are dealt with in your country. Unfortunately some of you think we don’t know that in your Caribbean countries y’all crying the same way the BVI people crying and others of you don’t cry because your people are protected and don’t have to deal with some of these things. Stop making it look like only in the BVI this happens.
  • Birth rights (17/03/2018, 08:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    A simple business a BVI citizen shouldn't need all the hassle. Example. Hearing dressing, saloon, A Bar.. All they should be require to produce is a locatiin, a health inspection report and a bank statement... Good to go..When a oersin ooen a business its on them to make it work.. Don't get in their way..
  • voter (17/03/2018, 08:50) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    What's New here both VIP and NDP have given away the bvi for years
  • ausar (17/03/2018, 09:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep up the presaure Andrew and get a team in position so that the people can vote wisely.

    One or two here and there will not secure the governing party stance in this country!
  • bless up (17/03/2018, 09:34) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Virgin Islands Party all the way mehson!!!
    • @ bless up (17/03/2018, 12:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Jerry, Karl, Willock, sheep at large

      If Jerry don't come them sherry or Zoe
      • @@bless up (17/03/2018, 13:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        None of the above except 1. No can do. Too many scandals and lack of intelligence. This is not a retirement job either for Jerry.
  • Six n half dozen. (17/03/2018, 11:13) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ive witness over the years that when VIP in Power certain people Certain family get everything. NDP in power cerrain people certain famiky get everything while we the masses continue to suffer. Fahie or Doc NDP or VIP no difference its Six in one hand and a half dozen in the next..
  • Dragon (17/03/2018, 12:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    And how many belongers “fronting” for non belongers to get trade license?
    • Easy (17/03/2018, 15:32) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Make it mandatory to setup companies or partnerships which will show the structure and that will stop the fronting.
    • Back to front (18/03/2018, 19:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Alot of the fronting talk is pure jealousy.
  • Pot black (17/03/2018, 12:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Penn playing Smart trying to clear his name
  • DISAGREE (17/03/2018, 17:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I disagree with the sentiment expressed here. from my experience with the BVI gov and Premier, they look the
    other way when financial or business type crimes are committed against expats. They go rank and file with
    foreign companies with questionable agendas and do NOT give special favors or priorities to foreigners who may
    reside here and wish to work for their living here. Just my experience with it. Love how the US lets lots in there
    and they can work there. Funny, huh?
  • Rubber Duck (20/03/2018, 22:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many of these trade licenses are not for new businesses but for existing business that want to add some kind of new service. Like a builders merchants that wanted to have a coffee bar where people could go while waiting for loading or whatever. A new trade license was demanded. Every new innovation is strangled by the petty bureaucracy of trade licenses. No where else in the world has such anti enterprise stupidity.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.