Premier Andrew Fahie has said a number of conditions are to be added to the trade licenses of persons who enter the British Virgin Islands and wish to set up new businesses.
Premier Fahie made that comment at a recent media conference that saw 30 locals being employed under government’s ‘1,000 jobs in 1,000 days’ initiative. They have been employed to Allison Petrus’ newly-established PG Gas service station in Fish Bay
He said: “We will be the authors and engineers of our fate in these Virgin Islands and we will welcome others to come along with us. So even those who are investors like Mr Petrus, you too can come. But, no longer would you just get your trade license and go and sing ‘Hakuna Matata’ and think it is ok and we hope that you invest in us. It will be attached to some conditions.”
Must give back to the community
Outlining some of those conditions, Premier Fahie said each will benefit the territory in various ways.
“You either are going to adopt a school, you either going adopt a community, you either going to invest in the rebuilding of some kind of school, you’re going to invest in some part of the young people’s lives,” Premier Fahie said in a statement directed at would-be investors who hope to start businesses in the BVI.
“No longer will millions be made in this country and our people see the economic benefit, and the ‘haves and have nots’ gap continue to widen but yet we feel good because we see the prosperity but we can’t touch it or be part of it. Those days are coming to an end,” Premier Fahie added.
Fahie, in the meantime, said he is mindful that said such ‘bold’ moves in these areas where business owners are directly impacted usually results in backlash from some members of the public.