Junior Minister with responsibility for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), right, and Deputy Director of Trade, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb cut the ribbon for the Virgin Gorda Satellite Office. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The Trade Department’s Virgin Gorda Satellite Office is located in the Vanterpool Administration Building in Valley, Virgin Gorda. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development and Ninth District Representative, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley has welcomed the launch of the Virgin Gorda Satellite Office by the Department of Trade. Photo: GIS

The new office, according Government Information Service (GIS), is intended to reduce the administrative weight associated with travelling to Tortola. Services will include the processing and issuance of trade licences, support through the National Business Bureau, and assistance with consumer affairs matters.

The official opening included remarks from Junior Minister with responsibility for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Minister for Health and Social Development and Ninth District Representative, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley and Deputy Director of Trade, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb. The ribbon-cutting was performed at the Trade Department’s new office in the Vanterpool Administration Building in Valley, Virgin Gorda.

Bringing support closer'

Honourable Smith said, “Expanding our services and initiatives to the Sister Islands is about bringing support closer to our people. By strengthening our presence in Virgin Gorda and extending outreach to Anegada and Jost van Dyke, we are making it easier for residents and businesses to access the services, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed, ensuring that every island community has a stronger voice and a meaningful role in the Territory’s future prosperity.”

Honourable Wheatley also offered his remarks and said, “For the residents and entrepreneurs of Virgin Gorda and Anegada, accessible public services are vital to our community's day-to-day productivity and long-term economic resilience. Today’s launch fulfils a longstanding promise to bring full departmental services directly to our doors. Having dedicated office hours on Virgin Gorda every Tuesday and Thursday, paired with regular monthly visits to Anegada, ensures our business owners no longer have to sacrifice an entire day travelling across the water to execute basic commercial transactions. This is a tremendous step forward for the Ninth District.”

The Virgin Gorda office will operate every Tuesday and Thursday, while monthly outreach to Anegada and Jost van Dyke will take place on the last Wednesday of the month. The new schedule will create a consistent, on-island point of access for Trade and Consumer Affairs services.

Operational strategy

Dr Bobb said, “Our operational strategy for the Sister Isles is designed around accessibility, efficiency, and continuous engagement. Through our new Virgin Gorda Satellite Office, manned by Mr James Richards, and monthly dedicated rotations to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke led by our Business Development Manager, Mr Leroy James, and Trade Inspector, Mr Elwyn Barry, we are bringing the full suite of Trade and Consumer Affairs services directly to the people. From processing and issuing Trade Licences on-site to advancing National Business Bureau initiatives and addressing consumer concerns, our team is equipped to deliver seamless, high-quality public service across all islands.”

This expansion supports the Government’s commitment to decentralising public services, strengthening the environment for micro, small and medium enterprises and ensuring that residents and businesses throughout the Territory can participate meaningfully in its economic development. Residents and entrepreneurs are encouraged to use the expanded service for trade licence processing.