Trade Department opens Virgin Gorda Satellite Office
The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs officially opened a Virgin Gorda Satellite Office on Thursday, 30 July 2026, launching a Sister Island Outreach Programme to bring trade and consumer services closer to Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. According to the Government Information Service and reporting by VINO, the new office aims to reduce the administrative burden of travelling to Tortola and will offer on-site trade licence processing, National Business Bureau support and consumer affairs assistance, with regular island outreach staffed by named Trade Department personnel.
The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs officially opened its Virgin Gorda Satellite Office on Thursday, 30 July 2026, marking the launch of a new Sister Island Outreach Programme intended to bring business and consumer services closer to residents of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Trade Department’s new premises in the Vanterpool Administration Building in Valley, Virgin Gorda. The event featured remarks from Junior Minister with responsibility for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (as reported by the Government Information Service), Minister for Health and Social Development and Ninth District Representative Honourable Vincent O.
Wheatley, and Deputy Director of Trade Dr Lincoln E. Honourable Lorna Smith said the expansion is about making support more accessible: "Expanding our services and initiatives to the Sister Islands is about bringing support closer to our people. By strengthening our presence in Virgin Gorda and extending outreach to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, we are making it easier for residents and businesses to access the services, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed, ensuring that every island community has a stronger voice and a meaningful role in the Territory’s future prosperity," she said (Government Information Service).
Honourable Vincent Wheatley underlined the practical benefits for local entrepreneurs and workers, noting that accessible public services reduce the time and cost burdens of travel. "For the residents and entrepreneurs of Virgin Gorda and Anegada, accessible public services are vital to our community's day-to-day productivity and long-term economic resilience," he said, adding that "today’s launch fulfils a longstanding promise to bring full departmental services directly to our doors" (remarks reported by VINO).
According to the Government Information Service, the new office is intended to reduce the administrative weight associated with travelling to Tortola. The Virgin Gorda office will operate every Tuesday and Thursday, while monthly outreach to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke will take place on the last Wednesday of each month, creating a consistent on-island point of access for Trade and Consumer Affairs services.
On-site services will include processing and issuing trade licences, support through the National Business Bureau and assistance with consumer affairs matters. Deputy Director Dr Lincoln Bobb outlined the operational plan and staff: the Virgin Gorda Satellite Office will be manned by Mr James Richards, and monthly rotations to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke will be led by Business Development Manager Mr Leroy James and Trade Inspector Mr Elwyn Barry. "Our operational strategy for the Sister Isles is designed around accessibility, efficiency, and continuous engagement," Dr Bobb said (Government Information Service / VINO).
The expansion supports the Government’s commitment to decentralising public services and strengthening the environment for micro, small and medium enterprises across the Territory. Residents and entrepreneurs are encouraged to use the new services for trade licence processing and other commercial needs.
For more information, contact the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs at 468-2008 or bvitrade@gov.vg.
Primary source: BVI Government