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Hon Rymer announces zero customs duty on renewable & energy efficient products

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has announced that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved zero customs duty for renewable energy and energy-efficient products beginning September 1, 2025. Photo: GIS/File
The Government of the Virgin Islands has set an ambitious goal of having sixty percent (60%) of the energy used in the Territory to be generated by renewable energy sources. Photo: mungfali.com
The Government of the Virgin Islands has set an ambitious goal of having sixty percent (60%) of the energy used in the Territory to be generated by renewable energy sources. Photo: mungfali.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has announced that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved zero customs duty for renewable energy and energy-efficient products beginning September 1, 2025.

Honourable Rymer stated on August 25, 2025, that this will be done as the Government of the Virgin Islands has set an ambitious goal of having sixty percent (60%) of the energy used in the Territory to be generated by renewable energy sources.

Honourable Rymer said, “You may recall the duty-free concession on renewable energy items introduced in 2021 and the strong public interest it generated. Building on that success, Cabinet has approved an expanded concession: for five (5) years, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2030, a zero-customs duty rate will apply to all renewable energy and energy-efficient products imported into the Territory.”

The products include, but are not limited to:

- Solar panels, solar water heaters, and solar lighting

- Solar air conditioners and solar appliances

- Technologies harnessing wind power

- Electric vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure

- LED light fixtures and LED light bulbs

VI urged to take advantage initiative

Honourable Rymer also stated that this initiative builds on the Solar Technology Energy Programme (STEP), and is encouraging all residents in the Territory to take advantage of the opportunity while assisting the Government to reach its national sustainable development goals.

The minister said, “The sun blesses us freely every day - an abundant gift of energy waiting to be harnessed. Together, let us transform this free, endless resource into the power that drives our homes, our businesses, and our future. By embracing it, we can make the Virgin Islands a shining regional model of sustainability - an eco-friendly place to live, work, and thrive.”

The full statement can be viewed in its entirety on the Government’s website at www.bvi.gov.vg or on the Government’s Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

11 Responses to “Hon Rymer announces zero customs duty on renewable & energy efficient products”

  • I wid Cindy (26/08/2025, 18:21) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    Kye is doing good work now you all must stop calling Cindy wiggy because her hair is real
  • Marty Probasco (26/08/2025, 18:30) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    It always amazes me how when the government make willful decisions that knowingly helps the public in order to save our electricity bills the haters go quiet
  • Sonia (26/08/2025, 19:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    so i can bring in my play toys for my cat
  • @ MARTY (26/08/2025, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    ANYBODY STOPPING YOU FROM HOLLERING OUT / IS THAT ALL ( THERE IS SO MANY MORE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT NEEDS TO BE ADRESSED FOR YEARS NOW AND YOU HERE SOUNDING LIKE WD SHOULD GO DOWN ON OUR KNEES AND WORSHIP YOUR HERO / WE AIN'T STOPPING YOU , AND YOU CAN LICK HIS BACKS*DE WHILE YOU AT IT CELEBRATE HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS , YOU GOT OUR BLESSINGS * IF BLONDIE WAS OUR PREMIER , HE WOODA DONE FIRE HE AH LONG TIME AGO , TEK AH LOOK AT THE GHUT BY ( SUPER VAL -U ) AND DO THE MATH .
  • What about storage batteries?? (26/08/2025, 20:59) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hi tech storage batteries are an essential part of any renewable energy system. Solar panels alone cannot provide electricity at night. There must be a storage component to store the daytime energy for use at night.
  • map (26/08/2025, 21:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    So why cant farmer get such privilage on farm materials like drums posts fence, products and plants purchased overseas because of the high cost for them here even at the agriculture department they looking to gain 200% profit on such materials like Barbed Wire: $86.00
    6.5' Wooden Post: $31.00
    8' Wooden Post: $48.00
    Box Wire (4' High 330' Long): $258.00.
  • FIRE (27/08/2025, 00:34) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    That vehicle disposal taxt have to go ASAP if Vip want election votes. Because I looking revenge using my X's
  • King Charles II (27/08/2025, 11:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't give this government credit for much but this is a good move, provided that the batteries are included. Lithium.
  • The rich getting richer (27/08/2025, 12:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This mostly benefitting the rich men on the outer islands
  • @map (27/08/2025, 13:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Because they dont care


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