She said the Trade Department hopes to roll out this new process for applications in 2021.

Speaking at a recent sitting in the House of Assembly, Flax Charles said the initiative is geared towards transforming the Trade Department as the government continues to transition to offering e-services.

She said: “I have already commissioned the department to implement a new digital process for trade license applications, amendments and renewals. I am confident that next year this process will be hands-off, contactless and much speedier and more efficient, fitting for the new normal and our new phases of BVI business.”

“I am certain that our young people in particular will find this new system to be marvelous but I am happy to report that my priority on their efforts extend well beyond this,” Flax-Charles added.

Business video competition

The junior minister also said she recently launched a BVI business video competition to promote ‘buying local’ through targeting the ‘limitless’ talent of youths in the territory.

“They will be aiming their cameras to remind our market that our business people are still on the grind. I am hoping to see our five-star restaurants, trendy boutiques and every other sort of idea highlighted in grand style,” the government legislator said.

She continued: “The winning youth will receive a $500 cash price and one month of promotion for their videography studio as well.”

Strategy for youth entrepreneurship

Flax-Charles further said she will be teaming up with her department to begin crafting a strategy for youth entrepreneurship in the BVI.

She said it will allow some of the local young minds with a tenacity for sales, marketing and profits to join the ranks of recognised business people.

This strategy will allow these young business-minded persons to be licensed, supported and promoted.