“The next gold mine for us with the economy and improvements to [the] economy and other revenue streams that will come to our territory, most of them will significantly depend on the very effective internet system,” Hon Fahie said.

The Premier was at the time speaking during the debate of the Electronic Filing Act, 2019 at the Sixth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on March 9, 2021.

More negotiations with ISPs to come – Premier Fahie

He said for the people of the VI to be on the cutting edge of technology regarding the future of the internet, more negotiations would be on the way with local telecom companies regarding the improvement of internet services.

The Leader of Government Business said e-business legislation will make sure that laws are in place that allows business transactions to be done online from the VI and also the protection of data for consumers.

He added that the passing of bills like the Electronic Transfer of Funds Act, 2021 is not being done in isolation but will see the government tying the bills into many new revenue-generating areas for the territory to enhance already existing revenue streams.

Premier Fahie said the legislation will also allow for the business of government to continue and business to be transacted and conducted online amid economic disasters like a pandemic or other natural disasters.