BVI needs more aid to secure festive season, Smith tells Wheatley

Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Lorna Smith has cautioned that the British Virgin Islands risks falling short of its customary Christmas celebrations unless the government approves further relief packages.

Addressing the House of Assembly, Smith disclosed that she has forwarded data to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley to help guide his decision on new concessions. "Should we not be able to give some further concessions, the word is that maybe, maybe we would not have the kind of Christmas that we want to have," she said.

Smith declined to elaborate on either the specifics of her proposal or the nature of the material she submitted. She made clear she could not represent the Premier's position on the matter.

The caution emerges as residents grapple with rising living expenses, notably the cost of food and power. The territory has already rolled out $6 million in relief targeting electricity and goods, Smith noted, yet some households report seeing little difference at the checkout counter.

While acknowledging this feedback, Smith pointed to data from the Central Statistics Office showing that supermarket prices have levelled off. She attributed the $6 million package with preventing prices from climbing further and commended retailers participating in the scheme.

In his 2027 Budget Address, Wheatley outlined existing cost-of-living supports. These encompass lower import duties, the exclusion of freight and insurance costs from customs charges on food and essential items, a reduction in wharfage from two per cent to one per cent, and a cut in container-handling fees from $300 to $150. The administration has also earmarked $5.5 million for electricity assistance across several months.

Wheatley also flagged that the Consumer Protection Amendment Act was granted assent on August 27, 2026. Upon taking effect, the legislation will tighten rules against defective goods and exploitative trading while setting price caps on essential items.