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Gov't made good progress in key areas by listening to people– Hon Smith
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Hon Smith, who also serves as the Minister of Financial Services, Labour and Trade, added that the ministry concentrated its efforts on strengthening the overall business environment, recognising the interconnectedness of various sectors in the VI and listening to the people.
She said while financial services receives well-deserved prominence with a dedicated Minister, the ministry takes a holistic approach with labour, trade, statistics, economic planning, science and technology, including digital transformation, all falling under the ministry's purview.
“This combined focus ensures that workforce development, trade opportunities, and technological advancements can work in tandem to support a robust economy. I was particularly pleased by the Premier's recognition of the importance of financial services, particularly in cutting-edge areas like FinTech and blue finance,” she added.
Hon Smith added that the inclusion of Labour and Trade within the portfolio further strengthens this interconnectedness, allowing for the development of a skilled workforce and exploring new trade avenues that benefit the financial sector and the broader economy.
Financial services standing strong despite challenges- Hon Smith
She reminded that in the first year, sectors encountered significant challenges, however, financial services remained a major contributor to Government revenues despite being particularly impacted by the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) undertaken by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which brought unexpected issues to light.
Over at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, she said it faced inefficiencies due to outdated systems that hindered both employers and job seekers; and in the trade sector, despite the pressing need for investment in the Territory, there were no definitive measures in place to attract the necessary investment.
Hon Smith said to bring solutions, she met with individuals representing small and medium-sized businesses in each district as well as persons working in the financial services sector.
“During our outreach, I have also talked to voters; At-Large representatives are often perceived as only focused on Tortola. Recognising the importance of changing this perception, I opened an office in Anegada so that I can continue to hear directly from the community in our very important sister islands,” Hon Smith added.
The Deputy Premier added that by listening to the representations made, three elements became clear. They were the need for efficiency, the need for action and finally, the need for Government to listen – to business, to voters and to all of those with an interest in securing sustainable growth for the economy.
“I believe that because of this listening exercise, we have made good progress in these three key areas,” Hon Smith concluded.
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19 Responses to “Gov't made good progress in key areas by listening to people– Hon Smith”
To the list:
Fix the roads - all of them. If the potholes are to be filled between this rainfall and the next don't put anything that dissolves when in contact with water!
Get the noise nuisance to stop. Use the fines! Use the police!
Stop the food prices from steadily increasing. We need a break. We need to have enough money for more fruits and vegetables.
Etc.
Read again. She saying nothing.
We all still waiting in line for hours to cash check (while taking day off work). If financial services doing so good then why one bank teller! That money going somewhere. Not to customer service to help 'the real people'.
Lorna stay the course
“this have been a paid political announcement”
2027
Lorna goes back to the NDP corner
Ask a real person that lives and works in the BVI. They tell you all the banks treat us like second class citizens. We have to take off work to wait in line for hours to cash a check. How hard is this? They start
So listen to tje people.