The Chairman is Mr Michael J. Fay QC and Deputy Chairman is Sasha Hodge.

This was disclosed by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during a press conference on March 25, 2022.

The other names of the appointees, as approved by Cabinet after the independent process, are Melissa Farara, Hakim Creque, Wendell M. Gaskin, Lavina Liburd, and the Trade Commissioner as Ex-officio.

With the already launched Virgin Islands Trade Commission a key component for the effectiveness of the Consumer Protection Act, the Virgin Islands public would be thrilled to learn that appointments have now been made to the Board of Commissioners via an independent process.

Appointments done through independent process- Premier

Premier Fahie emphasised that the selection of the persons to serve on the Trade Commission was done through an independent process.

“There was no involvement in the selection process by any elected official. There was no hand-picking by any elected official.”

Premier Fahie said persons would recall that advertisements were published inviting persons interested in serving to apply.

He said the shortlisting was done by a committee in accordance with the criteria stipulated in the Act, and no elected official was involved in this process.

“Additionally, the Governor had his input at the appropriate stage in Cabinet, for which we thank him.

“So, these appointments are being made with full transparency, adherence to Good Governance and adherence to the Act.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie , during a press conference on March 25, 2022, emphasised that the selection of the persons to serve on the Trade Commission was done through an independent process and there was no hand-picking by any elected official.

About VI Trade Commission

An Act to establish the Virgin Islands Trade Commission was passed in the House of Assembly on June 9, 2020, and the Commission was officially launched on March 2021.

Premier Fahie, back in April 2021, said Government, in considering its overall vision and strategic direction, established the Virgin Islands Trade Commission as a statutory body with the responsibility for all activities related to trade and economic development, which will function as a "One Stop-Shop" for trade, business, investment, fair competition and consumer affairs.

The six functional areas of focus for the commission will be Policy Planning Research and Development; Trade and Export Development; Business Development; Investment Promotion & Facilitation; Licensing and Regulation; and Fair Trade (Fair Competition and Consumer Protection).

Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles had informed that the overall plan for implementation of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission was to restructure and transform the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs.

Notably, the Virgin Islands Trade Commission is responsible for administrating the Consumer Protection Act’s provisions, receiving complaints from consumers, and taking appropriate action.