Pioneer Status Extended to Cinema, Vet Services, Poultry processing

Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith at the Legislative Council meeting on 21 December piloted  a motion to amend the Pioneer Service and Enterprises Ordinance. The motion was passed unanimously.

The purpose of the amendment was to expand the list of pioneer services and pioneer enterprises. The amendment adds to the list "theatre and cinema facilities", "veterinary clinic services", and "poultry processing and packaging".

The Ordinance empowers the Governor in Council to confer pioneer status on certain industries and enterprises if satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so. The objectives of the ordinance is to encourage investment in various sectors of enterprise and to enhance the development process of the BVI by providing tax and customs duty relief.

In supporting the motion, Seventh District representative Dr. the Hon. Kedrick Pickering explained that the Ordinance is a form of protection for BV Islanders. Mr. Pickering explained that the ordinance has to be seen in that light because the Government cannot build a great little nation unless the interests of BV Islanders are met.

First District representative Hon. Andrew Fahie pointed out that he supported the ordinance because there are a lot of young entrepreneurs who want to have their businesses started.  Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal said that he was glad to see that an initiative that had been started 50 year ago is still going on, “but what exemption can the pioneer entrepreneur get besides income  tax, especially since the income tax is being abolished, which will mean that the only relief that pioneer entrepreneurs will be receiving will be customs duty relief".

Hon. Mark Vanterpool representative for the Fourth District told members of the House that “this is a motion that is certainly in the interest of the people of the Territory. However, I do hope that people will be brave enough to take the risk of starting businesses”.

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