17 August 2020

Statement by Premier and Minister of Finance - Honourable Andrew A. Fahie

COVID-19 Update - Phase II
Friday, 14th August 2020

To date we have been able to manage and monitor the process to the point where on behalf of the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, I can now announce that we are now moving into Phase two of our Restricted Border Re-opening Plan.

We are satisfied that the different Government agencies have the necessary protocols in place as we advance into Phase two of the restricted border-controlled process.

We decided that Phase 2 of the Border Re-opening Plan will accommodate persons in the following categories with requirements for entry:

Work Permit Holder or Work Permit Exemption Holder on the basis that the employer must provide evidence of:

valid Trade License
valid employment
good standing Certificates (Social Security, Inland Revenue and National Health Insurance)
employees' certificate of earnings; and
valid COVID-19 operational certification

Business Economy Recovery Panel Discussion

The Multi-Employer Pension Plan

BVICCHA Q2 Newsletter

BVICCHA Presents: Sponsor A Business

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the BVICCHA has offered a 3-6-month membership dues deferments t business members that are struggling, but there is a way you can help. Make a difference in our business community: adopt a business and pay their Chamber membership dues (or a part of them) this year. We have almost 250 members currently registered with us. Nearly 50 of them have signed up this year. This is a strong indication that our businesses are proud to be a part of something good, they value the benefits that Chamber membership offers, and they desire to be a part of a group that works together and supports each other. These members want to remain with the Chamber, and I am sure they would appreciate the help. Plus, this will help the Chamber continue fighting your causes and empowering, educating, and equipping you with everything you need to be successful and to grow. Can you help out? Besides shopping locally (#BUYBVI), supporting a community business with a membership donation is another positive way to assist our businesses’ recovery efforts. If you are willing to adopt a business for BVICCHA membership, please contact me at (284) 345-3513, or send an email to info@bviccha.org. Membership in the BVICCHA allows you and others to continue to be a part of something great.

Be a Chamber Hero: BVICCHA Launches a New Program

The business community needs the BVI Chamber and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) more than ever and we also need the community’s support. We have launched a “Chamber Heroes” program to help support the Chamber and its many small businesses through the next six months. The BVICCHA brings value to the business community on so many fronts and we continually monitor legislation that impacts our business community and lobby as needed. We have relaunched our #BUYBVI campaign to help bring attention to our local businesses, we continue to strengthen our networks in the region (even as far as Africa, Canada, and other UN nations) in support of manufacturing and exporting locally made products, and we aim to bring our community as much information and as many resources to help you deal with the COVID-19 challenges. Through our social media outreach, virtual meetings, webinars and more, we continue to strive to meet the needs of our Territory. Won’t you help us? We are asking residents, visitors and businesses to consider being a “Chamber Hero.” We ask you to make a $50 commitment or more. These funds will be used to ensure all our local businesses and community will have access to the resources of the BVICCHA. All of our “Heroes” will be listed on our website, our newsletter, and on social media, which is a $300 value! You will receive a Chamber Hero badge for you to proudly display electronically.

Click here to read more. Click here to signup.

2020 BVI Spring Regatta Ready To Race October 22-25

ChamberTalk : Digital Transformation - Rescheduled for August 26th

This Month’s Events

Member-2-Member Discounts

BVICCHA's Member-2-Member Discounts are a great way to draw more attention to your business both offline and online. Companies that offer discounts will receive publicity in the Chamber’s newsletter, ChamberNews, and have their business published on the Chamber’s website. There is NO cost to participate in the Member-to-Member Discount Program.

To join, see the online form on the BVICCHA's website.

Below are the available Member-2-Member Deals. Click the images to see more.

Caribbean Tourism Organization Awards Scholarships, Grant

The Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarship Foundation is awarding two scholarships and three study grants for 2020/21 despite the fundraising challenges that the organization has endured during the COVID-19 crisis.

The five students receiving funds will be studying tourism and hospitality management as well as culinary arts at universities in the U.S., the Caribbean and Ireland.

Caribbean Islands Form an Eight-Pronged Travel Alliance

A group of eight neighboring islands have joined forces to rethink and re-imagine their tourism marketing strategy in the post-Covid era, Loop Cayman Islands reports.

Nevis, St. Kitts, Saba, Statia, French Saint Martin, Dutch St. Maarten, Anguilla and St. Barths have come together to form a Caribbean Group of 8, recognizing that through a joint collaboration they can amplify their presence in the marketplace and create new travel possibilities and fresh itineraries for consumers.

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Two Disturbances Being Monitored In The Atlantic

The National Hurricane Centre has shifted its focus to disturbance 1 and 2 as Josephine and Kyle have dissipated. Disturbance 1 is expected to pass to the south of the British Virgin Islands through the Windward Islands based on current information however, disturbance 2 has time to develop and potentially make a west northwest track before reaching our area putting us in the cone of uncertainty. Persons should continue to monitor this disturbance closely.

Weather Forecast for the BVI - 17th August 2020

17th August 2020 - A dry and stables atmosphere is expected to inhibit significant shower activity; meanwhile, a moderate to fresh wind flow across the British Virgin Islands will maintain above normal sea conditions.

Weather Today: Partly Sunny and slightly hazy with a 20 percent or a slight chance of showers.

See the BVIDDM's App for more updates. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Lend Your Voice! Join a Committee Today!

Download the Visit BVI App