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Was Govt's Duty-Free move an afterthought?

-Premier Smith stated that the discussions on the duty-free systems commenced after project had already started
Was the Tourist Duty Free System Act of 2015 brought to the House by Premier Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith and which was passed on Tuesday July 14, 2015 in the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly just an afterthought? Photo: VINO
The Government will establish Duty-Free areas for the benefit of cruise passengers and other tourists. Photo: Internet source
The Government will establish Duty-Free areas for the benefit of cruise passengers and other tourists. Photo: Internet source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has confirmed that Government decided to bring duty-free legislation to the House of Assembly sometime after the cruise pier project got underway.

This he said on Thursday July 16, 2015 during a press briefing held at the Central Administration Complex during which he dealt with several topical issues.

“The idea of the duty-free Bill that just came to the House actually had to do with the project in that it was recognised that in order for this project to be successful as in the case with most other places where there are cruise ports that the duty free should be put in place,” he said.

The Tourist Duty Free System Act of 2015 was passed on Tuesday July 14, 2015 in the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly and saw spirited debates.

When pressed, he said, “During the development of the project this formed the discussions that were taking place and it was seen as necessary.”

He said that it was an idea developed and of course brought through the Ports Authority and the project.

The Premier acknowledged that perhaps there should have been more public knowledge on the decision to implement the duty-free system so that there could have been more public input on the issue. He said that as the project developed then “it became more evident that the [duty-free system] could be something useful.”

17 Responses to “Was Govt's Duty-Free move an afterthought?”

  • ABC (19/07/2015, 11:38) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    More lies
  • shaw (19/07/2015, 13:40) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    St Thomas here we come. Many details were not thought out before this controversial project. Now Myron reminding everyone that cruise ship passengers spend only $50 a day and wants to get that to $100 by raising volume. Yet the details of this duty free zone is for the cruise-ship compound. what about crafts alive? Minister of Finance? I think you are spread too thin and need someone else to take that on. You are making it up as you go. That is how conflicts occur.
  • wize up (19/07/2015, 17:42) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    those provisions were made for NDP associates: only certain affiliates will reap the financial rewards from that duty free legislation: the small fries at craft alive need to fight for the duty free status as well( ting to talk)
  • cay (19/07/2015, 17:45) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ndp just killing local business
  • the INSPECTOR (19/07/2015, 21:04) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is crystal clear that Claud is grasping for solutions for an ill conceived plan and has sold this to the Premier who rushed it through the House with out giving it a second thought. Any rational thinking person would see that this plan will do more harm than good. If it is indeed his wish to introduce '"duty free" shopping in the BVI, then for heaven's sake, produce a list of items which can be sold island wide as "duty free" items. Level the playing field so that stores such as Little Switzland , Mi Amor and others out side of the Port would not have to cry foul play. Trust me, someone needs to take control of this ship.
    • wize up (20/07/2015, 02:48) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply

      @ inspector: you mean C**** find a way to make more money for him and his friends: you need to watch American Greed and find out more about this C*******, this guy haf issues in Detroit with kick backs and money crime, the former Mayor of Detroit doing jail time all now:::the cruise project is the cash cow for C***** and his special interest group..... talk that!!!!!

  • qc (19/07/2015, 22:38) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Little Switzland and Mi Amor please make your exit from the BVI before NDP and their bad polices bankrup ayo.
    • @qc (20/07/2015, 13:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Little Switzerland is moving to the Cruise Pier and Mi Amor had or has the opportunity to do so also.
      • ABC (20/07/2015, 15:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Hello!! And what happens to Betito and Ramasco's buildings? OH, the Government would move in as they did with the Chairman's unfinished building by Tobacco Walf.
  • wize up (20/07/2015, 02:54) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

    @ qc: news flash; the bi*h*p is a share holder in little Switzerland and plans on the way for him to establish more jewelry stores by him at the cruise Pier..... if I lie I die !!!!!

  • ABC (20/07/2015, 09:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just a scheem to help dem friends
  • ABC (20/07/2015, 09:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ wise up: He will take over the Port and the "Port" will soon be taking over the Baptist Church at the Bottom. Ring a ring of roses and we all fall down.
  • VI man (20/07/2015, 13:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need an investigation to see who all got space at the ports and who are the "real" owners
  • Thanks Marlon (20/07/2015, 14:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big friends look out for big friends.------Its a good first move----When they talk about. St. Marten, St. Thomas and St. kitts that came in the game late, they all have Casinoes and doing well. Why are we avoiding the Casino issue? Marlon Penn makes the most sense, it can`t be limited to a few chosen ones...Hope they consider that. Thanks Marlon for the courage to speak out and to speak up. need more of that.


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