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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
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
Anegada: The True Optimist
The Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) visited with businesses in Anegada on Wednesday, 6 October 2021. The team was eager to hear the concerns of the businesses and determine how to get their needs met. The most urgent needs are listed below. More visitors are urgently needed.Government fees are becoming more and more unsustainable.Residents reported traveling to Tortola to pay for a work permit that was marked ‘complete’ only to learn that it wasn’t and have to pay to return to pick it
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
BVICCHA Supports the Private Sector in Educating Employees on Vaccination and Encouraging Them to Get Vaccinated
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) conducted two online surveys in June 2021: one to assess members’ perspectives on the topic of vaccination and another to garner business stakeholders’ thoughts on testing. The member respondents represent over 50% of the total membership. Key highlights from the membership survey are as follows: 63% of members support vaccination;nearly 50% said they support requiring employee vaccination;over 90% of member respondents favour the use of rapid
BVICCHA and Summer Sizzle BVI Join in Support of VI Businesses
The summer is sizzling with the BVICCHA…literally. Summer Sizzle BVI and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association have created a unique partnership. Maybe even one no one would expect. Summer Sizzle BVI is a world-renowned fashion and lifestyle event that runs over multiple days. After missing 2020 because of the pandemic, Summer Sizzle BVI is back in its 12th year. On July 21 – 26, Summer Sizzle BVI promises to be the perfect time to relax, relate, and release after living through a year of the
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
CHTA Issues Guidance to Employers and Hotel Associations
The BVICCHA is a proud member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). CHTA is the recognized representative of the Caribbean hospitality industry, as well as THE private sector developmental partner by international agencies active in the region, such as the European Union, the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Organization of American States, and the United States Agency for International Development. As the body that represents hotel associations such as the region, CHTA has worked with
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
BVICCHA Demands an Update on the Workforce Furlough Extension
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is demanding urgent communication from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration regarding the Government's decision on the workforce furlough extension which expires tomorrow, 31 October 2020. If this deadline is not extended, requiring severance payments will likely bankrupt many businesses. Further, it will become unduly costly to restart the hiring process. With no announcement from Government at this time, the Chamber now
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 Votes in New Board Members
On 15th October 2020, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) held their annual general meeting (AGM) virtually for the first time. The highlights of the meeting included having the Junior Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shareen Flax-Charles as the guest speaker, and the General Elections that were held during the meeting. Honourable Flax-Charles briefed the business representatives on the happenings for the business and economic sectors. Her speech included the
From the Chairman's Desk: AGM 2020 Remarks – “Stronger & More Resilient''
Good Afternoon fellow Directors and Members of the BVICCHA. In October 2018, when this Board of Directors was elected we knew we had a monumental task on the heels of the 2017 hurricanes; and 12 months later when I became the interim Chairman, I had no idea of how much of an adventure awaited us. It is quite a balancing act as the BVICCHA is actually two organisations in one and sometimes has competing priorities for the same scarce resources, but the vision of being the proactive voice of business
Upcoming Elections: BVICCHA Sets the Record Straight
The BVICCHA Board of Directors would like to advise all members that the recently circulated graphics and correspondence that included the BVICCHA logo and branding is an unofficial correspondence and was not generated by the Chamber office. For clarity, the continuing Board members are: The President of Hospitality, Mrs. Chaunci Cline (Incline Business Group), will continue in her current seat.The following Directors will continue in their seats: Sinclair Flemming (P3, Paper Plastic Products)John Klein
49th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival Re-Scheduled
In light of the world circumstances, the 49th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is now scheduled for March 29-April 4, 2021. 'What's not to Love about the BVI Spring Regatta' remains the theme for the 49th edition of the regatta and those words couldn't be more fitting. The event will include more classes and opportunities for sailors from across the Caribbean and the globe to come to the British Virgin Islands and experience fantastic racing, with warm tropical winds and water. The race week
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
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is ON!
The postponement flag is being raised. The 2020 BVI Spring Regatta is now scheduled for October 23-25, 2020. The regatta was postponed by the BVI Government on Friday, March 13th, just days from the start of the 49th edition of the event. Multi classes, three days of great racing, and a Regatta Village for after racing parties means the stage is set for the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta. Registration starts Thursday, October 22 at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, the hosting sponsor of the Spring Regatta for
Q2 2020 Newsletter
To read/view the first quarter issue of ChamberNews the BVICCHA's quarterly newsletter Click Here
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
