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Trade Director Karia J. Christopher fires back; 'I am appalled over false allegations'

In a powerful statement released today, December 20, 2022, the Director of Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs, Karia J. Christopher responded to allegations published in local tabloid 284 Media yesterday, December 19, 2022. Photo: Facebook
Karia J. Christopher has been Director of Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs for some 8 years. Photo: VINO/File
Karia J. Christopher has been Director of Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs for some 8 years. Photo: VINO/File
WEST END, Tortola, VI- In a powerful statement released today, December 20, 2022, the Director of Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs, Karia J. Christopher responded to allegations published in local tabloid 284 Media yesterday, December 19, 2022.

The seasoned public officer noted that “I am appalled and saddened to read the article emanating from a local media house on 19th December 2022 entitled Serious Allegations Raised Against Director of Trade – June 2023 Resignation Reported.”

284 Media is lying on Director

Mrs Christopher noted that, “As someone who is passionate and experienced in journalism, these carelessly stated allegations are damaging and without merit. I understand the need and want for sensational headlines, but it is important to practice responsible reporting. I can confirm that the information is false and misleading,” her statement noted.

The Trade Director noted that the media house in question made no attempt to contact her. “I can also confirm that no attempt was made to contact me regarding a statement prior to it being published”.

The Virgin Islander, who has been an exemplary public officer throughout her public sector career, started: “It is a sad day in the BVI when these accusations stem from an elected official. It is standard protocol that these officials should not be involved in the day-to-day activities and the operations of any government department, particularly when it is merely to fulfill their personal agendas.”

Christopher posited that it is the same practice that has given reason to the VI now in the crux of a Commissioner of Inquiry on Governance.

No evidence; Yellow journalism

The Trade Director, who has been in the post for 8 years, said: “I was served with correspondence given a mere 24 hours to respond with absolutely no evidence of the assertions made. This alone is an indication of the ill intent of this entire sad affair. I responded in all honesty, and I take this opportunity to reaffirm that these allegations are baseless.”

Her statement went on to say, “I would also like to note that my resignation from the civil service is personal and completely unrelated to these allegations as it is effective June 2023.”

The popular TV personality concluded her statement by stating “Finally, victimisation is real in the BVI, and I am committed to championing the cause of elimination of oppression and corruption within the Virgin Islands' public service”.

51 Responses to “Trade Director Karia J. Christopher fires back; 'I am appalled over false allegations'”

  • asura (20/12/2022, 08:41) Like (51) Dislike (33) Reply
    fkax charles day is coming she loves power we with you Karia
    • hmmm (20/12/2022, 09:26) Like (16) Dislike (12) Reply
      Flax-Charles can't even sign a belonger or non belonger license. Only the Premier.
      • @ humm (20/12/2022, 10:39) Like (26) Dislike (26) Reply

        But she can tell lies on Karia and get her anti private secretary to leak false information to that f*g at 284

    • the rock (20/12/2022, 20:02) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
      I smell a rat, why is Karia coming to the public and not spending time with her lawyer building her case against 284, this doesnt make sense!
  • But girl (20/12/2022, 08:44) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply
    ONLY NOW YOU REALIZE THAT VICTIMIZATION IS REAL ON THIS 2x4 VOLCANO ROCK WE ARE LIVING ON IN THE BVI? YA THINK? THAT IS MY ONLY COMMENT.
  • Well Sah (20/12/2022, 08:46) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    When it happened to me a lot of people laughed/ridiculed me, but those same people are feeling the heat with the COI
  • Local Tabloid (20/12/2022, 08:48) Like (94) Dislike (9) Reply
    Whatever the long story is behind your resignation is nobody's business and honestly speaking, no one even give a single .... but your departure is welcomed. Far too long you operated Trade as if it was your own.

    Congrats and thanks for your hard work, now... don't let the door hit you on the way out. On a serious note and a topic that actually news worthy, when will something be done about the piss-poor service being provided at Trade and other Governmental organizations??

    (typed while rolling eyes)
    • @ local Tabloid (20/12/2022, 09:01) Like (26) Dislike (63) Reply
      Karia has been such an model public officer no amount of bloggs talking piss will change that
    • @Local Tabloid (20/12/2022, 09:26) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
      Thank you kindly for your comment. I’m rolling my eyes as well. I don’t give a RATS BEHIND ABOUT HER LONG OVERDUE RESIGNATION. Finally you feel the Victimization bug eh? OUCH!!!!!!!!.
  • Hmm (20/12/2022, 08:48) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hmm
  • Anonymous (20/12/2022, 09:02) Like (12) Dislike (16) Reply
    get well soon my colleague we know who is behind this, but God is still in control
  • Sue (20/12/2022, 09:04) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply
    Sue the media house for defamation and I am sure that responsible journalism will become a thing after. I am surprised they did not even contact you first to get your side. Another witch hunt. Next thing, some other breach of trust allegation. Hold on to your faith, it will all make sense in time. And I am glad you spoke out and that this media house let your voice be heard.
    • @Sue (20/12/2022, 10:57) Like (31) Dislike (5) Reply
      It's not defamation if it's true.
    • Let her SUEEEEEE (20/12/2022, 12:52) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
      And all the skeletons will be coming out like Halloween time. If she know what is good, she will leave that alone.
  • next (20/12/2022, 09:06) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Watch out Town & Country
    • Ohhhh yeah (20/12/2022, 14:24) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Town & Country is the next to feel the crack of the bat. I urge all of you to stack up on those adult diapers. It’s about time Town & County feel the heat that is going to be burning under their A***S.
      • facts (20/12/2022, 17:05) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Town & Country is about to get scrambled like eggs. I could picture them now running around like frighten chickens to get away from the farmer with the axe in his hand. They need a shake up. Often times you got to go In hard on people for them to get it.
  • lol (20/12/2022, 09:11) Like (44) Dislike (6) Reply
    Lets hope she interviews herself on her show
  • picking up (20/12/2022, 09:17) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
    once you assist your own kind U will become the target of the investigation

    the good gentleman from the london spent your tax money during covid and purchased a new ride: during very tuff economic time and very man mouth shut(over 50 thousand

    some could walk in and given tax free to do a particular thing however they using the same tax free privilege and doing other things for the friends

    run talk that and keep the faith because time longer twine
  • musa (20/12/2022, 09:27) Like (5) Dislike (57) Reply
    let me say this before the pastor miss karia you will make a great leader for bvi government
  • Ski (20/12/2022, 09:29) Like (49) Dislike (8) Reply

    I worked with her for years and had to leave the department.

  • LET ME TO KNOW (20/12/2022, 09:43) Like (49) Dislike (4) Reply
    All I want to know is why my trade license is being withheld" for so long without proper reasoning and an official date to when I will receive it??? "we are understaffed" or "my manager is out" is not my issue! Where the hell is my license!!!!
    • Right said Fred (20/12/2022, 14:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      The famous words were the manager is out. The manager was right there in the comfy chair behind the desk stuffing her face.
  • This is scary@ (20/12/2022, 09:48) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some BVIslanders use you, say great things about you (whiile the microphone is in their hands). Before long they turn around and hurt you. Then without any remorse they laugh with you and at you!!
    • @This is scary@ (20/12/2022, 13:01) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      But that is the normal here. That is why you sip on your water out of a straw, MYOB, you see them, HEY HOW YOU DOING, and keep it moving on down the street.
  • DFG (20/12/2022, 10:37) Like (22) Dislike (6) Reply
    For so many years victimization has been going on in this place. So many people was victimize in this place and only now you realize it now that the fire is lit under your…. Girlll go have a seat, you ain’t hurting for anything bo bo.
  • ah sah look at God (20/12/2022, 10:53) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ms. Christopher has a lot to answer for
    i remember applying for a trade license 4years ago and had the most hell just to get it approved she dropped all sorts of stipulations that werent even part of the trade license agreement i was encouraged by someone who didnt even have a high school diploma and had just receivhttps://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/trade-director-karia-j-christopher-fires-back-i-am-appalled-over-false-allegationsed their trade license in the same field i was interested in and when i applied she told me I would need to have some sort of qualifications and certificate training in the area i was confused i even called the office and inquired about various trade licenses and was told that the person applying need not to have any qualifications.
    But you see the God i serve HE DONT SLEEP.

  • evil (20/12/2022, 11:36) Like (31) Dislike (5) Reply
    There is absolutely nothing exemplary about a public officer who victimizes and holds their brothers and sisters down.
    • god is watching (20/12/2022, 14:14) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
      @evil I know what you are talking about. I am dealing with one in my workplace too. Pure evil, but God is watching. Our own people are the ones that will make the UK takeover in 2023 because of love of money and victimization. I hope the Governor can step in and save us from our own wicked evil brothers and sisters!!
  • Twins (20/12/2022, 11:42) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    In that photo you and Hunter are twins. WOW!
  • Cause (20/12/2022, 12:15) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
    SHE WAS THE SHOT CALLER, SHE MADE IT HARD FOR SOME AND EASY FOR OTHERS. SHE LET THE I’M THE OPRAH WINFREY OF THE BVI GO TO HER HEAD. TELL GAYLE HI WHEN YOU SPEAK TO HER.SHE REALIZE VICTIMIZATION IS REAL IN THE BVI WHEN SHE WAS PART OF IT ALL ALONG. FAKE…….
  • Woza (20/12/2022, 12:56) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    The fact that the Trade Minister has as their advisor someone that worked at Trade makes you wonder.
  • Fire in the backyard (20/12/2022, 13:59) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where there’s smoke there’s fire. The thing is here, as a public officer, you don’t victimize your own. There has been a lot of inconsistencies and irregularities in most of our public services. If the COI had gone there to investigate, most of these officers would be in jail. Our forefathers suffered by the hands of our slavers. For us to be subjugated like this in almost 200 years of slavery abolition is pure nasty, cupped as white supremacy. Christopher has to answer for the allegations and if she’s clean then to Jah be the glory. But there’s SMOKE, and it smells toxic. Stop burying your heads in the sand you will still hear the truth, a spear is not an arrow. Our system will still sweep the truth under the rug just so to protect her.
    But if the white man comes-to investigate, the truth will come out as it is. We know how to correct our own wrong doings but we play blind and a slap on the wrist, (Oh you Bad boy/girl) and business as usual. Then we humble when the white man comes. Our forthcoming generation are going to screen at us for allowing their future to be destroyed. Christopher, stop pointing fingers, and face your battles.
    • @Fire in the backyard (20/12/2022, 17:54) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      They always find a way to keep their own race down but when the white man/woman step in they start shaking. I am not going to call out the business but I went into a business and I am the type of person when I walk in anywhere, I always say good morning or hi, how are you. I said good morning to the black lady that was at the counter and I said good morning, she looked at me like I was an aileia
  • anegada voter (20/12/2022, 14:59) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    I will never vote for flax Charles again
    • @anegada voter (20/12/2022, 16:50) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
      Who gives a f about your vote. Take your vote and go stick it in the conch pile behind your house.
      • lol (21/12/2022, 06:32) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        But really? Wonder how many trade licenses were issued to you and your family up Anegada without the proper checks and balances.. hmmm.. Hope you are not part of the group Hon. Flax keeps wasting her time with and running her mouth to all the while All of you really on KC's side because of all the leeway she gave them. Count the trade licenses and watch a joke smh
  • Street CI (20/12/2022, 15:14) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    She was top Alpha Female up in Trade. She give some a easy way and she give some a hard way. FYI, the UK is taking over sometime in 2023.
  • melody (20/12/2022, 15:28) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply

    Finally I can get my License approved now !!!! One girl I know got SEVEN whole licenses on a HS Diploma, but I keep getting rerouted and canceled everytime I submit my license!!!!! Good riddance !!!!

  • Typical VI Gals. (20/12/2022, 16:10) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them start off humble and begging and when they get big, the regular VI people not good enough for them to say hello to...Thats why all of them are failing, because they think they ard mighty and above the said people who help them up...They all greedy, love power and corrupt.
  • WOW (20/12/2022, 17:00) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    MR BOWTIE gets a license in 15 minutes while the common man has to wait years
  • Target (20/12/2022, 18:39) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Her lengthy truths and denials along with her photo have one thing in common.
    An elaborate attempt at denying truth and reality....Air brushed,camouflaged and omitted.
  • Schoolteacher (20/12/2022, 19:15) Like (34) Dislike (2) Reply
    Public recommendation 101. Trade department is as public as it will get. Everyone can’t be wrong Mrs. Christopher. I’m going to side with you and say you didn’t understand how many people you were victimizing and bullying. Take time to reflect on every person you deny a future. If they won’t forgive you God will.
  • jokers (20/12/2022, 19:32) Like (1) Dislike (17) Reply
    Kira your very very very special Humanbean I am with you
  • hog city (21/12/2022, 07:56) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
    You are great karia we the majority got your back
  • johnny (21/12/2022, 14:59) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    We from the third
  • here (22/12/2022, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    (5) Where a Minister has been assigned responsibility under this section for the administration
    of any department of government, the Minister shall (subject to this Constitution and any other
    law) exercise direction and control over that department, including directing the implementation of
    government policy as it relates to that department, and, subject to such direction and control, the
    department shall, unless otherwise agreed between the Governor and the Premier, be under the
    supervision of a permanent secretary who shall be a public officer; but two or more departments
    of government may be placed under the supervision of one permanent secretary


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