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
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
BVICCHA and IBG Release Certification Protocols to Stakeholders
Click to Register for the Business Stakeholders Meeting The British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association’s (BVICCHA) President of Hospitality and CEO of the Incline Business Group (IBG), Chaunci Cline, worked with a small task force to create the BVI HI 5 Assurance Programme Guidelines. These guidelines included the recommended steps for a soft reopening with a safe haven concept with outer islands on 20 June 2020. This period would allow for the protocols to be thoroughly tested for
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
Q2 2020 Newsletter
To read/view the first quarter issue of ChamberNews the BVICCHA's quarterly newsletter Click Here
From the Chairman’s Desk: Your Business is Our Business
Fellow Virgin Islanders, Business Owners, Media Houses, Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon and I pray all is well with you and your families in these tough times. At the beginning of this year when we all looked hopefully out at the dawning of a new decade in the 21st Century, one would not have seen the dual health and economic crises we now face. Firstly, on behalf of myself and the Board of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), I want to encourage everyone in the long journey
Q1 2020 Newsletter
To read/view the first quarter issue of ChamberNews the BVICCHA's quarterly newsletter Click Here
CARICHAM Press Statement - CARICHAM Partners with the BVI in Strengthening Intra-Regional Trade
Press release from CARICHAM regarding the Intra-Regional Commerce and Trade Symposium hosted by the Premier’s Office via Zoom on Monday, March 30th, 2020. CARICHAM is a network of Chambers of Commerce in the Caribbean with the aim to advocate and create enhanced value for members of the respective chambers; to reduce the risk of Members and their countries to disasters; share knowledge and best practices among the network; and to enhance transportation, trade facilitation, and promotion. March 31, 2020
BVICCHA Participates in Intra-Regional Commerce and Trade Symposium
Today, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) participated in the BVI’s Intra-Regional Commerce and Trade Symposium hosted by the Premier’s Office via Zoom. Ten Caribbean countries, including the Virgin Islands were represented by their Chambers of Commerce and/ or Government Ministries. The objectives of the symposium were: 1.) Obtain a broad overview of the demands and capabilities of the business sectors in the region with respect to trade within the region; 2.) Identify obstacles
Crimestoppers BVI Urges Residents to be Vigilant
There has been a gradual increase in business and residential crime in the Virgin Islands in 2020. Crimestoppers BVI is asking the Community to be extra vigilant at this time to ensure everyone’s safety as we work as a Community to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Business owners should stay alert and look out for people displaying any suspicious behavior, if the same vehicle is seen driving past regularly or the same person is seen lingering around, especially at opening and closing times. Vary your
BVICCHA's Situation Report on Economic Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) supports the Government’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few weeks and support the position that public health and safety is the priority. As a business community, it is understood that this is a time of sacrifice by us as a society and we are committed to doing our part. The BVICCHA Business Committee assembled a task force to look at the socioeconomic implications of the pandemic and held a conference call meeting on
BVICCHA Postpones National Culinary Team Dinner
In light of the recent decisions made by the Government of the Virgin Islands on 18 March 2020, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association has decided to postpone the 18 March National Culinary Dinner which was to be hosted by Maria’s by the Sea until further notice as a matter of public health and safety. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and the event will be rescheduled when the Government protocols permit. At that time all tickets will be honored. Everyone is encouraged to take every
Business Continuity and COVID-19
In light of the current pandemic Cornovirus-19 and its potential impact on business operations and the overall way of life in the coming weeks globally, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) hosted a townhall meeting on 12 March 2020 for local businesses to gain more awareness on precautions to be taken in the workplace. Ministry of Health & Social Development and the Environmental Health Division officials presented to business owners in attendance as well as via a conference line and
2020 BVI Spring Regatta Postponement
Important Message 2020 BVI Spring Regatta Postponement In light of the statement made by the Government of the Virgin Islands on 13 March 2020 regarding measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BVI Spring Regatta Board has been instructed to postpone the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival as a matter of public health and safety. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and the event will be rescheduled when it
CHTA Education Foundation Scholarship Applications - NOW OPEN
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Education Foundation annual application period for scholarships is now open. The deadline for submissions will be 15-April and this year, they are using a new online application process which they expect to expand the number of applications. The CHTA Education Foundation was formed in 1986 with an express mandate to fund training and education for Caribbean Nationals in the hospitality industry. Today, they are the largest education foundation in the
Sailing Festival to attract over 50 yachts during the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival Week
Scrub Island Invitational Party on island © Ingrid Abery/https://www.ingridabery.com/Tortola, British Virgin Islands - February 19, 2020 - The 49th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is just around the corner, March 30-April 5. A favorite part of the event has become the Sailing Festival which occurs before the Spring Regatta and includes fun races that combine good competition with the joy of sailing around the lush islands of the BVI, surrounded by nature's beauty. This year the
BVICCHA Hosts Regional Networking Reception
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) hosted 40+ businesses from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, St. Lucia, French Guyana, Metropolitan France, and Barbados in a networking session with local businesses. In its second year, the Caribbean Business Tour North is cruising 9-16 February 2020. The BVICCHA arranged for local businesses in gari processing, Arts And Craft, Fashion, Industrial Painting, Water Sanitation, Business and Professional Services, Hairdressers, and Renewable
New Year, New Executive Director!
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is proud to announce that they have partnered with Keiyia Jackson-George to be their Executive Director (ED). As ED, Mrs. George is responsible for effectively leading the organization such that it successfully achieves its mission of service to members. Specific areas of responsibility include executive leadership of the staff of the organization; support of positive member relations; executive support to the Board of Directors; community
From the Chairman’s Desk: 2019 Christmas Message
Merry Christmas to all from The Voice of Business! As we come to the close of another year, it’s a season of reflection as well as celebration. Businesses are the backbone of our economy producing goods, services, employment and tax revenue and we at the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association salute you as the unsung heroes of our economic recovery over the last two years. We are happy to have been your proactive voice for a more business-friendly environment in 2019 and with your valuable support,
BVICCHA Talks Business with Public Sector
The Premier’s Office in collaboration with the BVIChamber of Commerce and Hotel Associationhostedthe Business SolutionsForum on the 26November 2019 at Maria’s by the Sea Conference Centre. The objective of the event was to give the business sector an audience with the Premier and top public service management on current industry challenges and recommend strategic solutions to ensure sustainable economic growth. There were industry and topical presentations on tourism, construction, yachting, environment and
The BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association Celebrates the Launch of the Visit the British Virgin Islands 2019 Print and Digital Publication
The British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is excited to announce that their new publication will be distributed locally and available to view online in November. Produced in partnership with North South Net (NSN), a boutique custom publishing company formed by two seasoned publishing professionals who each have over 30 years’ experience in the custom media industry, Visit the British Virgin Islands is an upscale destination book distributed exclusively in each of the guest
Board Statement on the Impact of the Disaster Preparedness Response on the Business Sector
During last month’s Board of Directors meeting, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) Directors discussed and decided that it was important to request an audience with the relevant Government agencies to discuss the national disaster preparedness and response protocol and the impact of public sector closures on the business sector. Concern was raised in the wake of the public sector closures related to Hurricane Jerry and Tropical Storm Karen where there was a lot of uncertainty on
From the Chairman's Desk: Being The Proactive Voice of Business
Dear Chamber Members:A part of our new focus at the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), we will be keeping you informed of the BVICCHA’s work on your behalf. Firstly, I’d like to thank those who were able to attend the 4Q Members Meeting on 3 October 2019 to meet the new Board and learn about the renewed vision and agenda of the BVICCHA. I’d like to welcome the new members who have joined us. This quarterly meeting served as a kick-off to the renewed focus of the BVICCHA to be a
From the Chairman's Desk: The Voice of Business...Can You Hear Us Now?
It is my humble privilege to address you as the new interim Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) as we are preparing to go into 2020 in a challenging business environment, domestically (recovery) and globally (possible economic slowdown, Brexit, etc.). Firstly, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Ms. Nona Vanterpool for leading the charge as the Chairman for the first year of the current term and we look forward to her continued support as a General
Building Consensus for a Comprehensive Tourism Sustainability Plan
The Hospitality Committee of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), chaired by the President, Mrs Chaunci Cline, convened a stakeholder’s meeting on Thursday, 19 September 2019. The meeting attracted major hotel managers and villa owners, who expressed a sense of urgency to see greater improvement in the Tourism Industry. The main topics of discussion during the meeting was the need for a Comprehensive Tourism Sustainability Action Plan that would facilitate the
BVICCHA and CHTA Unite for The Bahamas
The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association partners with The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, its regional partner, to help the Bahamas in their time of need The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) is happy to partner with The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to help the Bahamas due to the effects of Hurricane Dorian. We are grateful for this opportunity as we too have experienced the wrath of these strong and vicious storms. The CHTA has established a
News Release: 9/5/2019
The BVICCHA would like to congratulate Kristin Frazer on her amazing achievement! Trefle Designs has been recognized by Essence as one of the International Designers on the Rise. We are proud to have you as a member of the chamber ! Check out Trefle clothing collections at www.trefledesigns.com. Trefle Designs continues to provide a unique and fashionable look for any occasion. Once again we congratulate Ms. Fraser and we remain enthusiastic about the many achievements due for Trefle Designs in the
News Release: 8/27/2019 - Membership Dues
Dear Members, Effective 1 January 2019, the current Board of Directors revised the membership fee schedule and made the following changes: For more efficient operations, the separate fee schedules for hotel/accommodations businesses and general businesses was merged into one fee schedule based on your employee count.The fees were then brought inline with current operating costs as they had not been increased in over a decade and are the primary source of funding for the Chamber. The new fee
Crime Stoppers BVI
Crime Stoppers is a worldwide community program, often managed by non-profit groups or the local Police, that allows people to report information anonymously about criminal activity through a dedicated hotline 1-800-TIPS. This allows a person to provide crime-solving assistance to the authorities without being directly involved in the investigation process. If the information leads to a conviction, a reward is given. The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) organized Crime Stoppers BVI in
