Gov’t & Governor mum on 10% tariff imposed on VI
In the Virgin Islands, the only thing being heard are crickets!
CARICOM’s 15 member states were among the first to feel the impact. Countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados rely heavily on the US as an export destination, sending petroleum, agricultural goods, and manufactured items across US borders. With roughly 40% of CARICOM’s exports destined for the US, the newly announced 10% universal tariff leaves regional economies reeling.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia A. Mottley called the move “a blindsiding blow to our economic stability.” Trinidad’s critical liquefied natural gas sector quickly moved to assess the implications for competitiveness in the US market. Meanwhile, Caribbean households may soon face rising prices on imported US goods, from vehicles to basic food supplies, exacerbating inflationary pressures across the region.
Prices in VI will be affected
The consolation for the Virgin Islands is that the 10% tariff is far less than the 25% proposed by US Virgin Islands Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr in response to the VI’s proposal to increase charter yacht fees for USVI operators.
Prices, however, are expected to be impacted in the Virgin Islands, especially for goods that are imported by the US and then imported by the Virgin Islands from the US.
So far, political leaders in the Virgin Islands have not commented on the 10% tariff imposed on the Virgin Islands and how the Virgin Islands intends to thread during the global tariff war started by President Trump.
‘Mum’s the word?
Both Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) have remained tight-lipped despite being contacted for comment by our News Centre.
The Governor’s Office has also refrained from commenting on the topic.
“Not one for us to comment on, I'm afraid. Perhaps one for the Premier as Minister for Finance?” Policy and Communications Officer in the Office of the Governor Andrea Blumire responded when we reached out to the governor for a comment.
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19 Responses to “Gov’t & Governor mum on 10% tariff imposed on VI”
Answer: Nothing
Therefore, no need for comment
Some people are wondering why hasn't our government and, or the governor has as yet reply? Of course they oth may, but as far as forging a reversal or protecting for a change, the only thing may change is a higher tariff tax.
Low income minimum wage workers now face with greater pressure. Will the $9:50 an hour proposed. Months ago still stands,
Will unprofitable overseas travel expence be cut?
Will the continuing crossing from one political party to another be curb at least?
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They???
Only God knows for sure.