Junior Minister for Financial Services, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has dismissed claims that the Trade Department is rendering the BVI Chamber of Commerce null and void. Photo: Facebook

During the Talking Point programme on Monday, May 18, 2026, she stated that the BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICC) and its new chairman, Sinclair H. Flemming Jr., have initiated several efforts to enhance businesses within the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

The Junior Minister of Tourism, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), delivers remarks at the trade forum between the BVI Chamber of Commerce and the Curacao Chamber of Commerce earlier this year. Photo: BVICC/Facebook

The Chamber of Commerce (BVICC) is the primary organisation representing the private sector in the Virgin Islands. It serves as the proactive voice of business and a key driving force for economic growth across the territory.

During Talking Points on Monday, May 18, 2026, on ZBVI 780 AM, the Junior Minister stated that the BVI Chamber of Commerce and its new chairman, Sinclair H. Flemming Jr, have initiated several efforts to enhance businesses within the Virgin Islands.

Collaboration 

Hon Smith emphasised that the BVICC and the Trade Department are working closely to further develop the private sector in the Virgin Islands. “We work with him very closely. He meets with us,” she stated.

The Junior Minister also noted that the Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the Trade Department on a grants programme for small businesses in the Virgin Islands.

Chamber still promotes regional partnerships

Despite the Chamber historically functioning for decades as the combined BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association (BVICCHA), the two industries have separated to provide more specialised representation, and efforts to promote the sector continue.

Hon Smith referenced a recent engagement where the Chamber’s chairman supported an initiative to bring a number of business owners from the Caribbean to promote their goods and services.

“In fact, last month or the month before, he also was instrumental in getting a number of persons from the French Caribbean area not just French Caribbean, because there were some people from Antigua, St Lucia and Guadeloupe [who] came here and it was an opportunity for them to promote their goods that they produce in that part of the world as well as services, and they came on a cruise ship. So, it's a combination of tourism and business,” Honourable Smith stated.