Breakfast BUDGET Course Serves Up Plans
BREAKFAST WITH A SIDE OF BUDGET 🍽️☕📊 This second course serves up plans and priorities for 2027, with a focus on growing the economy, creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders and helping families and businesses share in the Territory’s prosperity. Here’s what’s on the table this morning: • New opportunities in tourism: A First-Time Tourism Villa Owners Programme will help eligible Virgin I...
BREAKFAST WITH A SIDE OF BUDGET 🍽️☕📊 This second course serves up plans and priorities for 2027, with a focus on growing the economy, creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders and helping families and businesses share in the Territory’s prosperity. Here’s what’s on the table this morning: • New opportunities in tourism: A First-Time Tourism Villa Owners Programme will help eligible Virgin Islanders develop their first visitor-accommodation business, with access to concessions normally available to accommodation investors. • Airport expansion: Work to expand the Terrence B.
Lettsome International Airport runway is expected to begin in 2027, following a contract award in December 2026. The planned 787-foot extension will support greater passenger capacity, safer operations and more connections. • Support for small businesses: The Government plans to support 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through grants and mentoring, train approximately 40 entrepreneurs and use a confirmed $65,000 Caribbean Development Bank grant for further entrepreneurial training. • Easier business services: The Trade Licensing Management System is targeted for implementation by 30 June 2027, with a digital one-stop service planned for the third quarter.
A one-stop shop for investors is also expected to begin in the first quarter. • More pathways to work: A relaunch of RATED is planned to connect people with temporary work, apprenticeships and training in sectors including agriculture, technology, marine services, hospitality and construction. • Stronger food security: Agriculture grants, an $800,000 reservoir project, Virgin Gorda hydroponics and fisheries investments are among the initiatives planned to support local production.
New fishing facilities are also planned for Omar Hodge Fisherman’s Wharf and The Valley, Virgin Gorda. • Defending financial services: The Government plans to advance initiatives under the Financial Services Road Map, build engagement in priority international markets and continue work towards completing the FATF corrective action plan and exiting the grey list. • Stronger consumer safeguards: The Consumer Protection Regulations will be implemented, and the Consumer Affairs Tribunal will be operationalised.
Enjoy this second serving and look out for the next course in Breakfast with a Side of Budget! 🍽️☕📊 #PremierOfTheVirginIslands #POVI #BudgetAddress
Primary source: The Anegada Community Board (Facebook)