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Trade Ministry focused on reducing 'bureaucracy that exists' - Hon Lorna G. Smith

Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has reassured that she is working through her ministry to ease the burden of doing business in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
A Trade Outreach Programme is set to begin across the territory on May 21, 2025. Photo: Internet Source
A Trade Outreach Programme is set to begin across the territory on May 21, 2025. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has reassured that she is working through her ministry to ease the burden of doing business in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice on April 30, 2025, Hon Smith said senior staff members of her ministry have met with representatives from various sectors in the VI to “discuss the issues” they have been having.

These people ranged from retailers to hoteliers, the boating sector and restaurant personnel, among others. 

Hon Smith revealed that she was expecting to receive a report stemming from those meetings on May 1, 2025. 

“Premier, you and I should be meeting with the departments of Immigration and Customs, which are yours, and the Trade Department, to discuss how we could reduce the bureaucracy that exists,” she added. 

Trade Outreach Programme to begin this month

The ease of doing business in the VI and bureaucracy surrounding Trade here will also be addressed during the upcoming Trade Outreach Programme. 

Hon Smith said this outreach programme will move to all districts in the Territory beginning May 21, 2025.

“Our objective is to have each district become more familiar with the happenings in the Trade Department.”

Hon Smith said discussions will focus on the National Business Bureau, grants programme, reducing bureaucracy in trade, the Consumer Protection Unit, just to name a few. 

9 Responses to “Trade Ministry focused on reducing 'bureaucracy that exists' - Hon Lorna G. Smith”

  • too late (05/05/2025, 10:14) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    Governor will be running Customs and Immigration by the end of this year so meet with the Guv. No sense meeting with the partying Premier.
  • one eye (05/05/2025, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    We need the grant money
  • WEW (05/05/2025, 10:42) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    But it's the bureaucracy that gives your family members their do nothing jobs.
  • Eldread (05/05/2025, 11:12) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Warning Lorna smith that she can't reduce the bureaucracy of sowandie getting his hands on public finds quicker or else he will give Vybz Kartel another quarter million USD and more non stop parties a ND flying, that's what the UK is trying to curtail, Lorna you yourself was fired for trying to curtail natalio Wheatley reckless spending.
  • resident (05/05/2025, 11:58) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
    that pic makes her look like she needs to retire
  • Banco. (05/05/2025, 16:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Do something about Banco and tbese always not working out of money ATM machines, itz annoying,, Stressful and very inconvenience...Fix that.
  • BuzzBvi (05/05/2025, 17:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must be getting some more legislation.
  • Hnnn (06/05/2025, 07:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    all she will do is make it easier for foreign investors while the local businesses still have to jump over the moon
  • Really? (11/05/2025, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just go home


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