The Basket of Goods Initiative is part of a package of cost-of-living relief measures aimed at stabilising and improving the affordability of essential goods for residents across the Territory and was effective for a period of three months - May 1 to July 31, 2026. Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, both holding responsibility for Economic Development and Consumer Affairs, met with supermarket representatives and government agencies on Friday, September 4, 2026, to review the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative. Photo: GIS

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, 2nd from right. The Government of the Virgin Islands has said it recognises the financial pressure that the Global Fuel Crisis is placing on families across the territory. Photo: GIS

The Basket of Goods Initiative is part of a package of cost-of-living relief measures aimed at stabilising and improving the affordability of essential goods for residents across the Territory and was effective for a period of three months - May 1 to July 31, 2026.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, both holding responsibility for Economic Development and Consumer Affairs, met with supermarket representatives and government agencies on Friday, September 4, 2026, to review the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative.

Immediate action

According to the Government Information Service (GIS), stakeholders agreed on immediate action. It said over the next few weeks, Government and participating businesses will review price, import, and shopping data, identify the essential goods families purchase most often, and recommend improvements to the protected basket.

Discussions focused on improvements to make savings easier for shoppers to identify and ensure that relief reaches those who need it most. The findings will guide a prompt decision on the continuation of the initiative and any changes needed to provide more effective relief.

This work, according to GIS, is being treated with urgency, with a clear focus on protecting residents, particularly the most vulnerable, during this challenging period.

"The Government recognises the financial pressure that the Global Fuel Crisis is placing on families across the Virgin Islands," GIS stated.

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