Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) will meet with businesses on Friday, September 4, 2026. Photo: Office of the Premier

The BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICOC), in an August 31, 2026, press release, warned of an eventual price increase when supplies that are currently in stock are replaced, following the end of government’s temporary relief measures. Photo: BVICOC

Hon Smith confirmed the meeting with our news centre this morning, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. 

Gov’t temp relief ended

The meeting comes as the government’s temporary relief measures ended on Monday, August 31, 2026. 

In April, Premier Wheatley announced the government’s multi-step response to the increasing prices due to events occurring globally which have impacted businesses and consumers in the Virgin Islands. 

From May to August 31, duties were removed from insurance and freight, shifting duty calculations from cost, insurance and freight, or CIF, to free on-board or freight on-board, FOB, value. 

With this measure ending, the BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICOC), in an August 31, 2026, press release, warned of an eventual price increase when supplies that are currently in stock are replaced. The Chamber estimated that price increases will begin to be seen and felt closer to Christmas. 

Meeting with businesses on Friday

While Hon Smith admitted to not having seen the BVICOC’s press release yet, she informed our news centre, “Premier and I will meet with businesses this Friday.”

Hon Smith and Premier Wheatley wrapped up the VI-India Trade Mission on Monday, August 31, 2026. They are scheduled to return tomorrow, September 2, 2026.