The House of Assembly has passed the long-awaited Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, advancing changes intended to make the Territory’s consumer protection framework operational.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley reported to the House on July 10 that lawmakers examined the bill clause by clause during the committee stage before passing it with the necessary amendments.
The legislation amends the Consumer Protection Act, 2020, which was designed to protect consumers and provide avenues for resolving complaints against businesses.
The amendments are expected to transfer responsibilities assigned to the non-operational Virgin Islands Trade Commission to the minister responsible and the Director of Business. They also provide for consumer disputes to be handled by a tribunal and include consequential changes to support the transfer of those functions.
The changes are expected to remove a major obstacle that has prevented the Territory’s consumer protection system from operating as intended, despite the original legislation being passed nearly six years ago. The bill must now receive assent before becoming law.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley reported to the House on July 10 that lawmakers examined the bill clause by clause during the committee stage before passing it with the necessary amendments.
The legislation amends the Consumer Protection Act, 2020, which was designed to protect consumers and provide avenues for resolving complaints against businesses.
The amendments are expected to transfer responsibilities assigned to the non-operational Virgin Islands Trade Commission to the minister responsible and the Director of Business. They also provide for consumer disputes to be handled by a tribunal and include consequential changes to support the transfer of those functions.
The changes are expected to remove a major obstacle that has prevented the Territory’s consumer protection system from operating as intended, despite the original legislation being passed nearly six years ago. The bill must now receive assent before becoming law.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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