Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has said the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill should speak specifically to those struggling daily in the Virgin Islands (VI) and not just as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Photo: YouTube/HoA

The Consumer Protection Amendment Bill received its second reading during the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on May 12, 2026. Photo: Internet Source/File

The House of Assembly is currently in committee on the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill. Photo: HoA

The bill received its second reading during the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on May 12, 2026. 

During the bill’s debate, Hon Turnbull said, “This bill should not just be dealing with the issues that are happening as a result of the wars or heightened oil prices. This bill, Madam Speaker, should be speaking more specifically to the people of the Virgin Islands who are stressed, who are tired, who are struggling in silence, while the cost of living continues to rise among them.”

He added that he stood to debate the bill for the seniors and pensioners who cannot afford groceries; for the single mothers working two jobs; for the fathers who lie awake at night with worry; and for the young families trying desperately to stay afloat in an economy where everything keeps increasing except their salaries.

Consumer protection is now equivalent to survival

The Consumer Protection Bill, Hon Turnbull said, is supposed to be an amendment to the consumer protection legislation and more than just legal language.

“In this society, Madam Speaker, in this BVI, consumer protection is basically now equivalent to survival; consumer protection is dignity. It is whether people in the Virgin Islands can realistically afford to live in the country they call home.”

Turnbull added that the government brought the amendment bill, claiming” it strengthens protections for consumers, but upon his own review of the bill, it contains something “deeply troubling”.

“For the most part, Madam Speaker, this is an administrative exercise. It is shifting powers, restructuring responsibility, establishing a tribunal procedures, but it does not go nearly far enough to address the economic suffering people are experiencing on a daily basis.”