BVI Chamber of Commerce
News Release: Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024 Showcases the Diversity and Innovation of the Virgin Islands Economy!
Tortola, BVI 23 May 2024 – The Buy BVI Trade Expo 2024, held on 17-18 May 2024 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, was a resounding success, with thirty-five (35) micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs (MSMEs), and this year included exhibitors from the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The Expo featured products and services, across industries ranging from agriculture, culinary arts, retail, hospitality, professional services, renewable energy, construction, transportation, and banking.
BVI Chamber’s Buy BVI Trade Expo 2023 Returns
Thirty plus local businesses participated in the Buy BVI Trade Expo 2023 on the 27th – 28th October 2023 under the theme Celebrating the Virgin Islands’ Entrepreneurial Spirit. The objective of the annual event is to create a platform for micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) to market their goods or services and engage with customers. This year’s showcase came from a variety of industries: agriculture, creative industries, food services, health & wellness, community health support,
The BVI Chamber of Commerce Rebrands and Recommits to Serving the Business Community’s Needs
The BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICoC) is thrilled to announce that it has rebranded in the wake of the separation of the Chamber of Commerce and the newly minted BVI Hotel and Tourism Association. This was a strategic move undertaken to allow the Chamber a renewed focus on its decades-long commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, excellence in industry, and a commercially conducive environment in the Territory of the British Virgin Islands. Formerly known as the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel
A New Chapter is on the Horizon
Dear Chamber Members, The privilege is mine today to share with you the dawning of a new chapter as Your Voice of Business. As was communicated in the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting in March 2023, the Board in seeking to strengthen the organization, explored the opportunity of separating into the original two organizations, a Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association to accomplish our mandate more effectively. A working group was established, and the tourism & hospitality sector welcomed the prospect
Buy BVI Trade Expo Returns in 2023
The first Buy BVI trade show was held in 1997 by the joint efforts of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) and the Trade Promotion Unit, Government of the Virgin Islands. The Buy BVI Trade Expo has evolved into an exceptional platform that showcases the breadth and depth of Virgin Islands businesses. The event serves as a catalyst for economic growth by promoting business to business and business to customers engagement. There has not been an annual Trade Expo since 2017 and
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Chairman’s Remarks at the Launch of the BVI Yachting, Hotel & Tourism Association
Government officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. The privilege is mine today to witness the launch of the BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association from an idea to reality. People often hear me remark that businesses are the backbone of the economy because they provide the goods, services, jobs, tax revenue and corporate social responsibility that supports our daily lives. I would like to remind us that the business community is the most important stakeholder in the
BVI Yachting, Hotel & Tourism Association (BVIHTA) - Greater Advocacy for the Tourism Sector
Last year the Board of Directors of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) initiated a working group to explore the feasibility of establishing an organisation to represent the tourism sector which is a main economic pillar in our economy and employer of 65% of the workforce. The findings of the group confirmed that the hospitality industry stakeholders were resoundingly in favour of the initiative. A road map for the formation of a hotel and tourism association was produced,
BVICCHA & HireBVI Partner to Launch a New Business Training Series
BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) in partnership with HireBVI are rolling out a complement of training workshops starting in February 2023. This partnership aligns well with the BVICCHA’s mission to provide resources to educate and equip business owners for their success and growth as the backbone of the economy. The workshops will focus on developing business skills such as starting up a business, marketing and human resources management. There will be a series of five (5)
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New Business Resource for Business Owners
To support new business owners in navigating legal requirements, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), has developed a new resource tool called the BVI Business Blueprint Start-up Kit with information about company incorporation, payroll tax, social security, national health insurance and pension plans. This initiative was created in collaboration with the Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Shereen Flax-Charles, and the goal is to help foster compliance with
Network of Caribbean Chambers (CARICHAM) Meeting in Grenada
The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM) held a very successful three-day face-to-face meeting in Grenada hosted by the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce with support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The meeting was held from November 21 – 23 2022. The first day, was a closed strategic session with representatives from Chambers across the region under the theme; “Regional Private Sector Collaboration for Business
OECS Trade Expo 2023 - Excellent Trade Opportunity for Local Small Businesses
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is hosting a virtual regional trade exposition to connect small- and medium-sized businesses with suppliers and buyers for a three-day networking event in May 2023. This event will allow business exhibitors to opportunities to have real-time interactions with consumers, producers and buyers, cost-effective marketing, and to gain more knowledge of their industry. The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is coordinating the local
RVIPF/BVICCHA to Launch Family Fridays
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, together with the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, is launching an initiative dubbed Family Fridays in hopes of generating some excitement for family time around the dinner table. Beginning Festival Friday, August 5, and the first Friday of every subsequent month, the occasion is intended to create opportunities and incentives for families to come together and reconnect. Members of households are being challenged to make time to love, laugh, comfort,
A New Business Normal
As the Virgin Islands’ economy bounces back from the pandemic recession over the past two years, the rise in the costs of goods and services has hit small- and medium-sized businesses severely as they continue to work hard to return to their normal operations. Interruptions in global logistics and supply chains have significantly impacted consumer pricing. Locally, the recent increase in port fees has contributed to the new cost of living, affecting consumers and businesses alike. Many businesses operating
BVICCHA Is Proud To Announce the Return of the Visit the British Virgin Islands 2023 Print and Digital Publication
The British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is excited to announce that the 2023 edition of Visit the British Virgin Islands will be distributed locally and available across the globe via the online edition later this year. Visit the British Virgin Islands will carry on the tradition of informing visitors about all the exciting things to see and do while presenting a fresh take on the best experiences found throughout the Virgin Islands. The richly illustrated book will
Model Training in the Virgin Islands
On Saturday, 14 May, Summer Sizzle BVI in partnership with BVICCHA held &##120399;&##120413;&##120410; &##120392;&##120420;&##120409;&##120410;&##120417; &##120402;&##120420;&##120423;&##120416;&##120424;&##120413;&##120420;&##120421; 101 at Forge BVI, Pockwood Pond. Kristian Lopez, Model Agent from MUSE NYC and fashion designer, and her sister, Sessilee Lopez, supermodel and super mom, facilitated and worked with a group of future supermodel registrants on all things modeling. BVICCHA believes in
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina Returns as a Sponsor of 2022 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, February 28, 2022 - Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a private-island resort in the British Virgin Islands, will host the Scrub Island Invitational during the 49th Annual BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (BVISR) scheduled for March 28- April 3, 2022. This is the fifth year that the prestigious Resort has hosted and sponsored the Invitational event, an 11-mile race to Scrub Island followed by a fabulous barbeque party and prizegiving on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. “Located in
From the Chairman's Desk: AGM 2021 Remarks - “Be a Part of the Solution”
Directors, Staff and Members of the BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association, good morning! It is a privilege for me to stand before you this morning to share with you my excitement about this past year and why I am looking forward to 2022. When I became a member of the Chamber back in 2011, my only thought at the time was to be a part of the organization that was the Voice of Business and join the mission to make it easier to do business here in the Virgin Islands. Having worked in the Public Service
Lions Club of Tortola Presents $5,000 Check to BVI National Culinary Team
The BVI National Culinary Team are the recipients of a $5,000 check from the Lions Club of Tortola following a successful Taste and Serve BVI fundraising event that raised $18,000 in proceeds. The fundraising evening was hosted by His Excellency the Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG, at Government House on World Food Day, observed in October. It was comprised of gourmet canapés, perfectly paired with fine wines, and a silent auction featuring a range of gifts from the hospitality, arts and business
From the Chairman's Desk: Your Chamber Needs You!!!
The past eighteen months have been a chaotic time for Virgin Islands business owners to keep their doors open, and on behalf of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association’s Board of Directors, Management and Staff, I salute all business owners for the persistence they have shown in safeguarding lives AND livelihoodsduring this global health crisis. We especially appreciate our membership for their continued support of the crucial work we do on behalf of the business community. Your business success
BVICCHA Partners with OECS to Discuss Needs of Local Manufacturers!
On 30 July, BVICCHA partnered with OECS to have a dialogue with Virgin Islands ‘makers’. This meeting was quite productive as the Competitive Business Unit (CBU) for the region was keen to learn more about the needs of the manufacturing sector in the region. The points the Executive Director, Keiyia J George pointed out were: The need for a networking platform where businesses can meet to find suppliers or goods;Support with garnering trade agreements so that trade within the region can be
Two Meetings and a Ribbon Cutting! An Exciting Chamber Week
One week, two breakfasts, and a ribbon-cutting (which may be the first of its kind in a while or possibly ever, but this is still being confirmed). It's been quite a few days in the world of the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (referred to as ‘BVICCHA’ or ‘the Chamber’). Breakfast Meet ‘N Greet On Thursday, 3 June, the Chamber hosted a meet and greet for the newest additions to the National Security Council (the other members are the Premier, Deputy Premier, and the
BVICCHA Hears the Woes of Virgin Gorda Business Stakeholders
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association met with business stakeholders on Virgin Gorda last week, on Wednesday, 28 April 2021, as part of its new initiative to engage businesses across the territory. The focus of the meeting was to discuss their unique hardships and wins since international travel restarted in December 2020, as well as opportunities for improvements. The business owners who were present were not shy with their comments and offered questions/concerns regarding the timeliness of
BVICCHA Deeply Concerned About the Rise in Crime Against Businesses
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is deeply concerned about the increase in criminal activity in our community, particularly those targeting businesses in the past few months. The Chamber extends condolences to the family of the business owner who recently loss their life and extends support to all other owners who have been affected by crime in some way. The Chairman, Mrs. Shaina Smith-Archer, indicated that the Chamber has requested and confirmed a meeting with the Commissioner
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BVICCHA Hosts Compliance Training for NPO's
The AML/CFT and Compliance Fundamentals Training for Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs), the first event hosted by the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA or “the Chamber”) this year, was held Friday, 9 April 2021, in the BVI Finance conference room. This event, held in partnership with the BVI Association of Compliance Officers and Practitioners (BVIACO), saw 50 individuals (virtual and in-person) assist their NPOs with meeting the requirements for NPOs to have Anti-Money
BVICCHA Warns of Delayed Economic Recovery
As the proactive Voice of Business, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is continuing to raise concerns that the tourism sector is on life support. We are disappointed at the news that the opening of seaports has been delayed for a second time since the initial announcement to open seaports in December 2020. The seaports are the main point of destination access into the Virgin Islands and a further delay to April 2021 at the end of the regular tourism season is another blow to an
BVICCHA Weighs in on New Port Fees
Recently, the BVI Ports Authority issued a press release indicating that they were increasing fees for services the authority offers. Immediately with the release, businesses began to contact the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) and complain. What's very disheartening is that back in September 2020, the BVICCHA reached out to the authority's public relations office to inquire about fee increases and if any were coming for 2020. The reply received said, "…the BVI Ports Authority has
Woes of Businesses Are Heard by BVICCHA
As the advocate for all local businesses, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) continues to hear the outcries of businesses still struggling to plan the remainder of their 2020/2021 Tourism Season as 1 December looms over everyone's head. Notably, the following concerns have been registered: How will visitors get to the Sister Islands? What’s the protocol for testing once there?The reopening portal (http://bvigateway.bviaa.com/) was scheduled to have been ready by 1 November, and it
Irreversible Economic Damage Inevitable Without Urgent Strategic Action
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), as the proactiveVoice of Business is raising the alarm that the current economic condition is grim and the anxiety and concerns of the majority of stakeholders in the Virgin Islands economy are well-founded. Based on recent accounts by affected business owners, the economy is in free-fall with reports of revenue having fallen by 30% - 40% for some small businesses in the last six (6) months and some as much as 60% in the tourism sector with the
BVICCHA Offers Pandemic and Economic Recovery Recommendations
Today, we would like to share the tireless work the BVICCHA has been proactively doing on behalf of the business community from the onset of this pandemic, recognizing the perceived economic fallout that would result and the predicted recession that would follow. We pause here to thank the Premier and the Minister of Health and their teams for their early and diligent response to the global pandemic to safeguard our community. We stand in support of public health and safety as the priority and we pledge to
BVICCHA Encourages Premier to Set Phased Reopening Dates for Tourism Sector
On Monday, 15 June 2020, the BVICCHA’s Hospitality Committee, in partnership with the Tourist Board, hosted a Hospitality Industry Stakeholders meeting with over 150 stakeholders. Out of this meeting came a few concerns from the industry: 1) Can the territory not have a phased reopening for the different micro sectors; 2) Can the industry get a definite phased reopening date so they can market and prepare accordingly; 3) Are there resources the Government may need that the private sector can assist with;
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Crime Stoppers BVI Urges Residents to be Vigilant
Crime Stoppers BVI is asking the public to be extremely vigilant at this time to ensure everyone’s safety as we work as a community to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There has been a gradual increase in business and residential crime in the Virgin Islands in 2020. To help decrease these occurrences business owners should stay alert and look out for persons displaying any form of suspicious behavior. If the same vehicle is seen driving past regularly or the same person is seen lingering around, especially
BVICCHA Encourages Proactive Action in Preparing for the 2020 Hurricane Season
In light of the significant impact of COVID-19 on our businesses, human resource and economy, coupled with the potential impact of the 2020 Hurricane Season, the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association (BVICCHA) strongly urges the Private Sector and the Public Sector to take proactive measures in safeguarding all human resource, other resources and operations due to the threat of the highly active predicted 2020 Hurricane Season.BVICCHA further notes and emphasizes that hurricanes are
