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Hon Smith discusses price stability with local supermarkets

- as part of Gov't's efforts to safeguard the cost of living for residents
Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has met with representatives from major local supermarkets to discuss measures aimed at maintaining stable prices on essential food items. Photo: Facebook/File
Representatives from the supermarket sector have acknowledged the importance of price stability and affirmed their intention to offer competitive rates on essential food items, the Government of the Virgin Islands has said. Photo: GIS
Representatives from the supermarket sector have acknowledged the importance of price stability and affirmed their intention to offer competitive rates on essential food items, the Government of the Virgin Islands has said. Photo: GIS
The Government of the Virgin Islands said it is actively reviewing measures to reduce the costs associated with importing essential goods into the Territory, with the aim of supporting more affordable pricing for consumers. Photo: VINO/File
The Government of the Virgin Islands said it is actively reviewing measures to reduce the costs associated with importing essential goods into the Territory, with the aim of supporting more affordable pricing for consumers. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has met with representatives from major local supermarkets to discuss measures aimed at maintaining stable prices on essential food items.

The meeting held on June 27, 2025, formed part of the Government's ongoing efforts to safeguard the cost of living for residents, particularly in light of the upcoming implementation of Phase One of the new national minimum wage, which officially increased to $7.25 per hour on July 1.

The Junior Minister who assists the Premier with Financial Services and Economic Development, reaffirmed the Government’s dual commitment to supporting both workers and businesses amid the upcoming wage increase.

“The Government remains committed to protecting the interests of working families while supporting a resilient and competitive business environment. As we implement the new minimum wage, it is vital that these gains are not eroded by rising living costs. These conversations are crucial to achieving balance and long-term sustainability as we move forward,” Hon Smith said in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release.

Supermarkets commit to offering competitive rates on essential food items

According to the same press release, representatives from the supermarket sector acknowledged the importance of price stability and affirmed their intention to offer competitive rates on essential food items.

They noted that a household’s ability to afford nutritious food remains a top priority for retailers, who are keen to support the overall well-being of the community.

Officers from the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation were also present at the meeting and contributed to discussions on pricing mechanisms, supply chain challenges, and opportunities for greater collaboration with retailers.

The Government of the Virgin Islands said it is actively reviewing measures to reduce the costs associated with importing essential goods into the Territory, with the aim of supporting more affordable pricing for consumers.

Ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders, it said, will seek to monitor price trends, address any emerging challenges, and ensure that increases in earnings translate into genuine improvements in living standards across the Virgin Islands.

20 Responses to “Hon Smith discusses price stability with local supermarkets”

  • … (04/07/2025, 12:29) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    She walking
  • Sara (04/07/2025, 12:29) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Isn't this a conflict of interest?
  • What now (04/07/2025, 12:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ohhh lord
  • WHAT!!! (04/07/2025, 12:40) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Anyone think they are studying her?
    They will just keep on what they are doing.
  • Stained Halo (04/07/2025, 12:51) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Polishing
  • whatever (04/07/2025, 12:56) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only people complaining about minimum wage is the politicians that owns the restaurants , supermarkets and hotels because they don't want to pay the workers. The people with money ALWAYS owe and the broke business employers ALWAYS pay on time.
  • jack (04/07/2025, 13:59) Like (2) Dislike (29) Reply
    We sticking with Lorna until she is in our lady in our corner
  • Tax Payer (04/07/2025, 14:03) Like (50) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only supermarket truly serving this beautiful place is Bobby’s, and I want to applaud Mr. Leonard and his team for the excellent work they’re doing. Trust me, their continued efforts won’t go unnoticed, the blessings will keep coming.
  • sturpss (04/07/2025, 14:18) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is a load of crap. If you want to help the people put policies in place that help the people. We don't want no verbal commitment a promise is a comfort to a fool. And we want to know what happen to our 5 Million dollars!
  • Big Richard (04/07/2025, 15:07) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Prices are stable. High and that's how they'll stay because that's how the politicians and family want it.
  • Stud Muffin (04/07/2025, 15:37) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    6th Letter of the alphabet Lorna
  • FIRE (04/07/2025, 17:55) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Taking up a Detergent in One Mart is a scary thing.
  • BVIslander (04/07/2025, 19:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes the government need look into supermarket prices ridiculous don’t talk about renting apartments that’s is worst can’t find one bedroom for $700/$800 anymore you better get your $1500 in these hard times
  • BYE BYE (05/07/2025, 08:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We’ve lost faith in you Lorna. Please don’t run again. I can never vote you ever again!
    • @bye bye (05/07/2025, 13:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The politicians looking out for their best personal interest all 13 need to go home
  • 2024 (05/07/2025, 11:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    for quite sometime we heard about Consumer Protection

    While shopping one have to pay particular attention to expiration dates before you reach home

    Carry Home an Item only to find out that item already expired or expires in a few days and you paid for that products

  • tola (05/07/2025, 12:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank God for Elton many times cause going to rtw and one mart is crazy
  • laughable (08/07/2025, 07:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    One day I went to clear my mailbox and accidentally opened mail that should not have been in my box. It was only after I opened it I realized it belonged to a well known local business from a very prominent family. It was a receipt for items they had purchased from a US supplier. I went to the store to see how much they had marked up the product for customers to purchase, and was shocked beyond measure. Do you know that some of those products had been marked up by 800%??!! I stopped shopping at that store, and have not been back in years.
  • @laughable (10/07/2025, 00:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would love to be able to say DM me, but you can't. I would love to join you in this stance and so, I'm sure, would many others. I know the past owner for the Wrongway is turning in his grave the way they are raping and killing us now in this country since he sold out to them. He really should have taken up the locals on their bid to buy the store. It is ugly, man. Ugly I tell yo.


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