Bitt completed its participation and formally exited the sandbox in 2019. Telephone Number. S.R. The new import tax regime lowers Import Duty and Excise Tax rates on certain classes of motor vehicles and modified the motor vehicle Surcharge Tax. Chambers of the Attorney General Ministry of Legal Affairs is located in the Methodist Building opposite the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Grandby Street. Fax: +(246) 431-0179 Modified Date. Concessions for expansions of not less than five guest rooms are also available. These must be printed and submitted to the CIPO. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like other Eastern Caribbean countries, is highly dependent on tourism, which accounted for 28.6 percent of GDP and 19.9 percent of formal sector employment in 2019. Investors in the country are responsible for maintaining workers rights and safeguarding the natural environment. The most recent Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation assessment found St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be largely compliant. They include the Botanical Gardens (founded in 1765) and Fort Charlotte (1806); of architectural interest is the Georgian-style St. Georges (Anglican) Cathedral. The government sometimes partners with NGOs and generally encourages philanthropy. St. Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 130th out of 190 countries in the World Banks 2020 Doing Business report. The government runs a free public library system. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any current investment disputes in the country. Mopion sandbank. At least one trustee must be registered and licensed for an international trust to be registered. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately. It is composed of 15 members (called representatives) elected to . Virgin Atlantic operates a twice-weekly service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St Vincent. National laws govern all regulations relating to foreign investment. The arbitration panel must issue an award that is consistent with national employment laws. Traders License For The Year 2023. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Firearms:Do not enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines government. Cable television service provides programs mainly from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and from North America. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The name Saint Vincent originally applied to the mainland and the group of smaller islands associated with it. The review process is transparent and contingent on the size of capital investment and the projects projected economic impact. The Act provides for the establishment of the ECCB, its management and administration, its currency, relations with financial institutions, relations with the participating governments, foreign exchange operations, external reserves, and other related matters. Eight participating governments passed the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement Act. If approved, the non-national must file the license at the Registry of the High Court. The OECS consists of seven full member states (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines), and four associate members (Anguilla, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the British Virgin Islands). 2023 Government. Frenches Gate, Kingstown [26] Table 4: Sources of Portfolio Investment The Securities Act of 2001 regulates activities on the ECSM. Ministries develop these laws, and the Ministry of Legal Affairs drafts them. See the FCDOs guidance on foreign travel insurance. Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers. Address: Under present regulations, there are no personal income taxes, estate taxes, corporate income taxes, or withholding taxes for international companies operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both governments are concerned with combating both local production and the transshipment of narcotics. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. The United States supports the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' efforts to expand its economic base and to provide a higher standard of living for its citizens. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and watch for signs of sudden braking. Email: dppsvg@vincysurf.com, Colin John Women are increasingly involved in economic, political, and cultural life to a greater degree than was the case traditionally. Most secondary schools are government controlled, with a few run by the Catholic and Anglican religious organizations with government assistance. The unicameral legislature is the House of Assembly. You can add more than one country or area. The Enforcement Division also conducts investigations of customs offenses and administers fines and penalties. Thursday: There is a high chance of mostly cloudy skies and a few occasional showers. Georgetown HC. Foreign investors may finance investments using domestic or foreign capital sources. The government is open to all investment, but is currently prioritizing investment in niche markets, particularly tourism, international financial services, agroprocessing, light . Fifteen members are elected at least every five years by universal adult suffrage, six senators are appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, and two on the advice of the leader of the opposition. NOTE:Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as proof of anticipated departure from the country. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. 2023 CPEA Scholarship Applications are OPEN! The Aliens Land Holding Act regulates the holding of land and mortgages related to land by individuals who are non-nationals and companies controlled by non-nationals. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Contact Information. There is generally no statutory standard obligation for public officers to disclose financial information to a specific authority. The EPA promotes trade-related developments in areas such as competition, intellectual property, public procurement, the environment, and the protection of personal data. Accounting, legal, and regulatory practices are generally transparent and consistent with international norms. All COVID-19 related travel restrictions have been lifted. The ECSE and its subsidiaries, the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Depository and the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Registry, facilitate activities on the ECSE. Most visits to St Vincent and the Grenadines are trouble-free, but there have been incidents of crime . The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act governs the countrys bankruptcy framework and grants certain rights to debtors and creditors. The country has not adopted any specific data protection legislation. The OECS promotes harmonization among member states in foreign policy, defense and security, and economic affairs. Article 27 (1) allows employees to ask that their services be deemed as severed after six weeks of being laid off from work. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. The lower courts include magistrates and family courts; the High Court and the Court of Appeal form the upper level. The VAT Implementation Unit exists to administer the Value Added Tax in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a high degree of efficiency, integrity and fairness, minimizing the compliance costs to businesses, while collecting revenues to facilitate economic growth and development. The Caribbean region has witnessed a withdrawal of correspondent banking services by U.S., Canadian, and European banks due to risk management concerns. Thank you to all travelers who complied with the travel protocols over the past two years, thus minimizing the risk of the importation and subsequent transmission of COVID-19 in SVG.Below is a list of archived Protocol Documents: Please click for full details of Protocols Documents: Covid-19 Quarantine Safety Operating Protocols-Vx Bequia Beach Hotel, Approved Accommodations for Quarantine List (Revised 12-08-21), Procedure for Travellers arriving by air to join a Yacht in SVG, Sputnik V Authorized in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Public Health (Emergency Authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine) Rules, 2021, PCR Test Request for Departure SVG Form- PDF version | Electronic version, Permanent Secretary Mr. Cuthbert Knights Tel:(784) 457- 2586. The government sometimes establishes a select committee to suggest amendments to specific draft bills. The Economic Union established a single financial and economic space within which all factors of production, including goods, services, and people, move without hindrance. Please . Kingstown, The southern Grenadines are part of Grenada. In the tourism sector, the Hotels Aid Act provides incentives for the renovation, refurbishment, and expansion of existing hotels and for the construction of new hotels. The U.S. military provides assistance through training, exercises, and construction and humanitarian civic action projects. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines International Travel Information, prevention of international child abduction, Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, victims compensation programs in the United States, insurance providers for overseas coverage, the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To provide a legal mechanism that will ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Legal system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. H.E. The Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Inquiry) Act Chapter 215 provides for establishment of an arbitration tribunal and a board of inquiry in connection with trade disputes and allows provision for the settlement of such disputes. If there are confiscation proceedings initiated or contemplated against a corrupt official, the courts can order disclosure of financial information. Thus, the country must implement regionally developed regulations, such as legislation passed under the OECS Authority, unless it seeks specific concessions not to do so. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas outlines the competition policy applicable to CARICOM states. This represents an estimated 7 percent reduction from 2019, following several consecutive years of minimal growth. Internal self-government was achieved in 1969 and full independence came a decade later. The government does not impose limits on foreign control, nor are there requirements for local ownership or ownership in locally registered companies. Telephone: +(246) 227-4399 Earthquakes may occur at any time, often associated with seismic activity in the volcano. Ministries. The country, however, has bilateral tax treaties with the United States, Canada, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. Sejilla McDowall (Coronavirus' page). International Commercial Arbitration and Foreign Courts. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. country comparison to the world: 195 Nationality noun: Saint Vincentian (s) or Vincentian (s) The law also provides for public access to information. These are applicable if certain conditions are met, one of which being that the trust must not be domiciled in the country. Box 2343. As a member of the OECS and the ECCU, St. Vincent and the Grenadines subscribes to a set of principles and policies outlined in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre. 532-1400. The leader of the majority party in the House of Assembly becomes prime minister, and selects and heads a cabinet. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Courts Court of Appeals also provides mediation. 17 August 2017. Bitt is expected to launch DCash in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in mid-2021. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a legislative framework protecting intellectual property rights (IPR). Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues. Men and women have equal status under the law, and a government department of gender affairs is concerned with issues including gender equality and equal access to social, political, economic, and educational opportunities. In 2016, St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an intergovernmental agreement in observance of the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), making it mandatory for banks in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to report the banking information of U.S. citizens. Edmond JacksonTelephone:(784) 457-1343(784) 456-1111 Ext: 3507Fax:(784) 457-2943E-mail: office.finance@gov.vc. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuations. The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implements these laws. The government offers other incentive packages on an ad hoc basis. Elections are peaceful and regarded as being free and fair. Pursuant to Schedule 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act Cap 180 The Attorney Generals Chambers is the Central Authority for Mutual Legal Assistance Requests. The government, however, offered limited cash grants to some workers whose employment was impacted by the layoffs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Peace Corps has volunteers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who work in education. The ECCB is the supervisory authority over financial institutions registered under the Banking Act of 2015. Member states are required to establish and maintain a national competition authority for implementing the rules of competition. However, the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados can provide consular support to British nationals. It permits duty-free entry of products manufactured or assembled in St. Vincent and the Grenadines into the United States. Market capitalization stood at 666 million USD (1.8 billion Eastern Caribbean dollars), representing a 0.3 percent decrease from the previous year. SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Investors operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have preferential access to the entire CARICOM market. Local companies are actively encouraged to take advantage of export opportunities specifically related to the countrys membership in the OECS Economic Union and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which enhances the competitiveness of the local and regional private sectors across traditional and emerging high-potential markets. Caribbean/Canada Trade Agreement (CARIBCAN). The government also provides tax holidays as an investment incentive. Health Facility. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the ECCU and the ECCB. There is typically no unemployment insurance or other social security safety net programs for workers laid off for economic reasons. CARIBCAN is an economic and trade development assistance program for Commonwealth Caribbean countries in which Canada provides duty-free access to its national market for most products originating in Commonwealth Caribbean countries. After the attainment of independence in 1979 the multi-island state was renamed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Policy, Planning and Administration Community Health Services Hospital Services Geriatric Services Mental Health Services Laboratory Services Environmental Health Services World Pediatric Project (WPP) Projects Communications Health Professional Associations Covid-19 Updates Covid-19 Hotline: 1784-534-4325 - Your health is a shared responsibility Exercise normal precautions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports, Emergency Alerts Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to ensure the medication is legal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. The islands legal system is based on the British common law system. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Camillo Gonsalves, Eight Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference, Ambassador of France Presents Letters of Credence to The Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, SVG Calls For Peace Across The Taiwan Strait, H.E. It seeks to create opportunities for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the field of foreign trade through the negotiation and monitoring of the relevant agreements and treaties. The country has a strong judicial system that upholds the sanctity of contracts and prevents unwarranted discrimination towards foreign investors. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines passed through various stages of colonial status under the British. In addition, the government circulates bills at stakeholder meetings. The Ministry of Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports wishes to notify the General Public that the Consumer Affairs Officers will be in Bequia to renew and issue Traders Licence for the year 2023. It takes about 47 days to complete the seven necessary procedures, at a cost of about 11.8 percent of the property value. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. The United States provides training, equipment, and material to Vincentian security forces, including through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The World Banks 2020 Doing Business Report ranks St. Vincent and the Grenadines 168th out of 190 countries in ease of registering property. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. The Employment of Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens Act provides foreign nationals or Commonwealth citizens must obtain valid work permits. Alternatively, there are a range of indirect options, for example connecting on smaller flights to SVG from Barbados. It advises the government on the formation and implementation of policies and programs that attract and facilitate investment. Victims of Crime:Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA), Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Sandy Bay HC. Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash. All COVID-19 related travel restrictions have been lifted. Vincentians are equally fond of football (soccer); the national team has played in the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup world competition. Bilateral Investment Agreements and Taxation Treaties, 12. St Vincent and the Grenadines is a constitutional monarchy and representative democracy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a governor-general. Please click for full details. The Governor General may, if both parties consent, refer the dispute to an arbitration panel for settlement. Other incentives are the exemption from or a reduction of duty on the importation or purchase of vehicles for use in operation of the business, and a reduction of property tax of up to ten percent for land and buildings used in the operation of the business. The Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) and the European Community signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2008. There are a number of private radio stations, including one affiliated with a political party and another that broadcasts religious programs. Native Vincentians, however, favour land-based sports, especially cricket. The Trade Disputes Act provides that alternative dispute mechanisms are available as a means for settling disputes between two private parties. In the rural areas, celebrations of this festival are more diverse and include attempts to revive dying cultural practices. The slow court system and bureaucracy are widely seen as the main hindrances to timely resolution of commercial disputes. Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Portfolio Investment Statistics, http://www.transparency.org/research/cpi/overview, https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/analysis-indicator, https://apps.bea.gov/international/factsheet/, http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GNP.PCAP.CD, http://theiguides.org/public-docs/guides/saintvincentandthegrenadines, https://tfadatabase.org/members/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines, https://www.state.gov/reports-bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/, https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/, https://www.state.gov/key-topics-bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/due-diligence-guidance/, https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/dprk_supplychain_advisory_07232018.pdf, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods, Host Country Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ($M USD), U.S. FDI in partner country ($M USD, stock positions), Host countrys FDI in the United States ($M USD, stock positions), Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (, Guidance on Implementing the UN Guiding Principles for Transactions Linked to Foreign Government End-Users for Products or Services with Surveillance Capabilities (, North Korea Sanctions and Enforcement Actions Advisory (, Findings on the Worst forms of Child Labor Report (, List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor (, Sweat and Toil: Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking Around the World (. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a signatory to the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, but not to the UN Anti-Corruption Convention. As a signatory to the WTO Agreement on the Technical Barriers to Trade, St. Vincent and the Grenadines must harmonize all national standards to international norms to avoid creating technical barriers to trade. The reserve requirement for commercial banks was six percent of deposit liabilities. Laws and Regulations on Foreign Direct Investment. Estimates of Revenue & Expenditure for the Year 2023, Post Disaster Needs Assessment - Volcanic Eruption, National Economic and Social Development Plan, National Centre For Technology Innovation, Onsite Programme SVG - Offering National Support For Internship Training And Employment Application Form, IMF Executive Board Concludes 2022 Article IV Consultation with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. No legislation protects persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, UK help and services in St Vincent and The Grenadines, Travelling to St Vincent and The Grenadines. St Vincent and The Grenadines lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The law, including related regulations and statutory instruments, provides for the rights of workers to form and join unions of their choice, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. The main activities are the primary issuance and secondary trading of corporate and sovereign securities, the clearance and settlement of issues and trades, maintaining securities holders records, and providing custodial, registration, transfer agency, and paying agency services in respect of listed and non-listed securities. Political/Economic Section Citizens. There is no restriction on domestic investors seeking to do business abroad. Some bills and laws are published on the government website at www.gov.vc. It also reviews all investment projects applying for government incentives to ensure they conform to national interests and provide economic benefits to the country. Parties can be represented by legal counsel before the arbitration panel. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with mobility issues. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States and the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, also known as the New York Arbitration Convention. assist you in reporting a crime to the police, contact relatives or friends with your written consent, explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. If you decide to travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Wildey Business Park Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations. There is no single published list of SOEs, though information about individual SOEs is available. Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommended bythe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S.