Premier encourages residents to 'buy BVI'
On Friday, September 18, 2025, Hon Wheatley addressed the opening ceremony of the BVI Chamber of Commerce, Buy BVI Trade Expo '25, which took place at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, under the theme 'Celebrating the Virgin Islands' Entrepreneurial Spirit’'.
The two-day event features more than 30 businesses from banks and government departments to youth entrepreneurs and small local producers.
"Persons have said to me that the economy is having a tough time. And I ask myself, well, financial services has made record revenue. I’m not sure if people know that, most it's ever brought in ever. Tourism has brought in record revenue, more than it's ever brought in ever, but people are having a tough time, so the question is why our two main pillars are performing very well, why the economy is struggling. ’’
We don't buy or hire local
Hon. Wheatley opined that the Virgin Islands' economy is struggling because, as soon as the money comes in, it is sent out nearly as quickly as it arrives.
"Not only do we not buy BVI, we don’t hire BVI. We don't invest in ourselves. So if the money is not staying, it can't circulate and it cannot multiply."
The premier added that the economy is expected to perform better, given the performance of the territory’s two key economic pillars: financial services and tourism.
You have the power
He told Virgin Islanders that there is power in their own choices.
"It's not just about blaming an external entity or even blaming the government. It's about challenging ourselves to our own choices. To be able to support our own local economy and empower ourselves and empower each other. And the question [is], are we ready for that? Or do we just want to sit and complain?’’
The Premier explained further, stating, "So my message to you is clear and simple. The difference between taking our economy from where it is to the next level is each one of us and the choices we are willing to make. So when you make a choice, choose BVI, Buy BVI, Promote BVI, Support BVI and empower BVI, and you will discover that things become even better for us."
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21 Responses to “Premier encourages residents to 'buy BVI' ”
all product are imported even to the vegetables: I say invest in make lands available for farming and opening packaging facilities.
the supermarket/business sell either expired or substandard products- I say create a department to visit business and conduct quality testing.
The cost of living in the BVi does not all for supporting local. I say introduce caps so that locals can enjoy the luxuries of buying and supporting locals.
And most of create a customer service friendly environment where consumers feel as though their hard earned dollars is being respected and needed.
Employment of locals over expat (aka down ilant)- create livable wages that locals are will to at least consider applying for jobs.
Create a standard that should an employer consider employing a expat there wages are of a livable standard.
And who you are the Premier and you know and see it all. So far you seems to working out just sharpen your skills.
Money all gone guys. $100,000,000 gone and we just started paying for that too.
Also paying for our vehicle repairs.
Premier has 2 parking spots for his cars he so rich now, but we got to buy everything for Government now. It all been given to themselves and their friends and we haven't even started paying their pensions yet.
That is what he means by buy BVI.
We could say buy buy VI if it wasn't gone already.
Any why is it known by Buy Buy BVI when he said bye bye BVI a long time ago. Now all of a sudden when it was VI VI VI all the rest of its Independent time is now BVI again?
Where is this BVI he suddenly talking about? I thought it was bye bye bye BVI a long time ago for Natalio and now it is back.
This guy so confused. One minute he selling VI and the next minute buying BVI.
Premier, please allowed me to ask you this question. Are you a talk-first then think after leader or think-first before you talk randomly leader? It is obvious which of the two you are, in many, and my opinion.
Opps, beside east end Police Station is messy looking, and Long Swamp unpaved-over ghut is sewerage sight on the main traffic roads from Terence B. Lettsome's Airport, health harzard, present priority concern decades past, All past, and present politicians at fault.
Moreover, consumers have options in making purchases. They are not obligated or have any loyalty to shop local. With limited resources, consumers are price, quality, etc., loyal. Consequently, local businesses have to compete with on line, other suppliers, etc., for local shoppers on reasonable prices, quality of goods/ services, point of sale services , list-sale services, etc. Local businesses take local shoppers for granted at their own risk. Shopping local is patriotic. Each one help one, building progress. Customer service, customer service ………customer service.,
As frar as hiring local, well this is new for the Premier as it is the first time I have heard him say it personally. He always said our people have to get the education and requisite skill set. Unfortunately, if he checks work permits, the number of professional university trained persons with work permits are lower that the entry level persons now. Everywhere I go, basic serving clerks in the supermarkets, in the stores, in the restaurants, everywhere there are entry level positions they are filled by Fillipinos and other persons on work permit. So my question is where are our High School graduates who are not ready to go off to University or who are studying at the college and can work part time and even those who are not ineterested in tertiary education or cannot afford it? I know. They are at home playing games or out on bikes, etc. When you give away your country to save a measly $1,000 monthly, it is very sad indeed and difficult to get back. We should show our locals love and consideration before anybody else. that's my take. Why? Because home is the only place that they will get preferential treatment. Yes, they are "entitled" to it. And I do not mean give them a job that they cannot do, but look for and find a local who can do the job and hire them. Before, up to just a few years ago it was done. We do not need to import store clerks and shelf stockers etc. It's insanity. Then they get an automatic renewal every year. Why?