Trade Department Not Functioning — Skelton-Cline
Clergyman and commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline says the BVI Trade Department is effectively paralysed, citing low staff morale, a deteriorating building and long delays in issuing licences. Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM on October 14, 2025, he called on the government to restore the Trade Commission, provide resources, and allow the department to operate independently.
Skelton-Cline has again sounded the alarm over the state of the Trade Department, saying the agency "is not functioning" and that staff morale is "low to nothing." The comments were made on his radio programme Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM on October 14, 2025 and reported by local media.
Skelton-Cline, a clergyman and public commentator, described the Trade Department's offices as unfit for work. "The building is sick. It's making the people sick, and so there ain't but a couple of people who are able to work," he said, arguing the physical condition of the facility has forced operations to a near halt and is contributing to lengthy delays in issuing trade licences, particularly for goods.
He attributed part of the problem to decisions made after the 2023 election, saying that structures and safeguards put in place when the Trade Department was established in 2019 — including policies, legislation and regional consultation aimed at consumer protection and trade expansion — were dismantled. "In all encompassing, comprehensive tentacles that will benefit the people of this country, was dismantled after the 2023 election," he said, while placing responsibility on the then Deputy Premier and the current political leadership.
Skelton-Cline raised concerns about unequal access to import and distribution licences. He said some grocery stores hold between 60 and 90 licences while liquor agencies hold 10 to 12 distributorships for certain products, creating de facto exclusivity. "You cannot buy those products anywhere in the region or on the mainland, because those entities hold the licences," he said, warning that licensed wholesalers can undercut unlicensed retailers and limit consumer choice.
The commentator also highlighted consumer protection issues, asking how residents can be assured of fair measures such as accurate fuel quantities or protection against anticompetitive behaviour. He called for the Trade Commission to be reinstated and operational, arguing the board is needed to develop policy, address antitrust matters and protect consumers.
Skelton-Cline urged the head of the Trade Department to communicate candidly with the minister and other officials about the department's challenges and propose timelines for fixes. He appealed to the government "If you are truly interested in the protection of consumers... restore the commission... give the people the resources that they need, empower them to do the work." The concerns, if accurate, have direct implications for BVI residents: slower licence processing, potential supply bottlenecks, and reduced oversight of pricing and distribution.
Residents and businesses will be watching for an official response from government ministers and the Trade Department on any plans to repair facilities, restore oversight mechanisms, and clear the licensing backlog.
Primary source: VINO