New coffee shop opens on Main Street
D’Brew Coffee Shop, located opposite HM Prison Museum, was officially launched on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Dion Anslem, the Managing Director of D’Brew, expressed his excitement about turning his love for coffee into a business.
“It’s a unique venture that we’ve started on Main Street. I used to own an equipment store in this location for a while, but I decided to transition into the hospitality sector since that area is more commerce-oriented,” he said.
Overcoming red tapes
Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online, Anslem expressed the challenges he faced in setting up the business.
“One of the points I want to highlight is that, while not a criticism, we need to improve the development of young people in the British Virgin Islands. The process for young entrepreneurs to open a business is overly complex. Obtaining a trade license involves too much red tape.” He added.
He further stated, “One significant hurdle I encountered was the lengthy process of securing a trade license. I had to wait seven to eight months to get my licenses while still paying rent during that time. If a young person were in my position, trying to establish a business and waiting that long for a license, it would be discouraging. We need to streamline this process. If a young Virgin Islander wants to open a business, we should expedite their application for a trade license. Supporting them in this way is crucial for developing both our youth and the community.”
Anslem continued, “The red tape surrounding trade licenses needs to be reduced. I hope we can change this process for our young people. We should enable them to start their businesses without unnecessary hurdles. If they apply for a trade license, let them have a fair chance. If they fail, that’s a part of entrepreneurship, but we shouldn’t set them up for failure right from the start. We want young people to pave their own paths rather than being stuck working for others.”
‘It’s essential that we support our youth’- Anselm
He emphasised that the government should prioritise improvements in the trade department to support young entrepreneurs in obtaining trade licenses.
“I’m sharing this based on my experience, but some individuals may be discouraged by the difficulties associated with getting a trade license. It’s essential that we support our youth. I appreciate that the health department provided clear guidelines and facilitated my journey.”
Anslem also urged young entrepreneurs not to give up on their dreams and to pursue their vision of establishing a business, stating, “I encourage every young person to chase their entrepreneurial ambitions.”
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22 Responses to “New coffee shop opens on Main Street”
I do agree with your comments in regards to the process of the Trade Department.
I hope the Govt listens to your comments about the trade license process. Ridiculous, imagine small business struggles waiting on approval from ttrade department paying rent for months before actually open you business. You brave, l wouldn't do it. To much red tape in trade
It is unfortunate that the Trade Licence took long. This situation MAY have arisen as all the required documents were not submitted in good time....but we will investigate further. I assure you and others who may have had problems with the processing of your Trade Licences, that the Ministry and the Trade Department are working assiduously to alleviate your issues. Please note that the Trade Department will be coming to your District soon to present our MSME development programmes, explain the Trade licence process and most importantly, get your feedback. We need your participation in this process. See you all soon and as always Blessings
We talk about investing but this is a huge turnoff. Thanks Dion for speaking out on this problematic area. To those outside of BVI , don't even bother trying. It's all politicians nice words with no action. SAD SAD SAD
With that said, congratulations to Dion and best wishes for a successful venture into the coffee shop business!