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The focus is on making trade licencing process 'far more efficient'- Dr Lincoln E. Bobb

- said review of the trade licencing process has already begun
Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, has said there is a focus on making the trade licencing process 'far more efficient'. Photo: Facebook/File
During the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, stated that improving the efficiency of the trade licencing process is a major focus within the ministry and the department. Photo: Internet Source
During the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, stated that improving the efficiency of the trade licencing process is a major focus within the ministry and the department. Photo: Internet Source
Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, right, on Talking Points on October 6, 2025. Photo: Facebook
Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, right, on Talking Points on October 6, 2025. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - As concerns grow over the process of obtaining trade licences in the Virgin Islands, residents have been assured that efforts are being made to reduce the time it takes to receive approval for a trade licence.

During the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion, and Consumer Affairs, stated that improving the efficiency of the trade licencing process is a major focus within the ministry and the department. 

"One of the major things within the ministry, as well as the department, is really a focus on trying to see how best we can make the trade licencing process far more efficient.’’

He noted that the review of the trade licencing process has already begun, as it is a shared concern for both the department, the minister, and the Premier. "I actually have a presentation to make pretty soon about, you know, it's giving suggestions and stuff because both the premier and the minister also recognise that there are setbacks and how frustrating it could be for business people," he said.

Understaffed

Dr Bobb acknowledged that the department is currently understaffed but emphasised their commitment to finding ways to work more efficiently within the team.

"And, you know, we also, within the trade department, said that we also have to look at ourselves and see if it is that we can find ways, Dr Bobb said, as he commended his staff for their hard work.

"So, as all government services, you know, we are understaffed and those things, but they always try to see the best they can go, the extra mile, to see how best we can get things done."

He concluded by stating, "But, you know, we really need to sit down and analyse and see how well we could actually make this as efficient and effective as possible."

Dr Bobb reassured the public that the department has heard their concerns regarding the trade licencing process and is committed to working diligently to address these issues.

7 Responses to “The focus is on making trade licencing process 'far more efficient'- Dr Lincoln E. Bobb”

  • jack (07/10/2025, 12:46) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pure talk
  • BuzzBvi (07/10/2025, 14:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are doomed. Another Buzz word. EFFICIENT.

    It will be like death when projects get given PRIORITY.

  • WOW (07/10/2025, 14:29) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I know the staff is doing there best but they have been short staffed for years ..no one should expect the department to function effectively if there are no staff.. that is ridiculous.
  • 2024 (07/10/2025, 16:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pure Talk(pure hog wash)
  • Say say (07/10/2025, 18:20) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    While you are on the subject ,Please to look into stop giving liscene to people who are not qualified in the field they need it for.
  • Well (07/10/2025, 19:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Obtaining a trade license for a BVI business is still faster than obtaining an Alien Landholders License for an expat BVI business!.
  • @ 2024 (09/10/2025, 05:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are correct it’s hog wash when Kevin Oj Smith was there people was getting trade licenses in a timely manner but every one who the VIP Goverment gives power to are puppets and yes people . When in those kind of positions you suppose to stand up for what is right and challenge what is nonsense they only put people in certain positions who they can control. And if the premier I saying invest in bvi and locals how Dr Bobb get in that position when you have capable locals there working for years can do the job .


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