Telephone: 784-457-1344 Read more . They include the Botanical Gardens (founded in 1765) and Fort Charlotte (1806); of architectural interest is the Georgian-style St. Georges (Anglican) Cathedral. Local radio and television programming is provided by a government-owned broadcasting company in the capital. Only banks may make currency conversions. Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. Local value is determined by the percentage of annual sales not contributed by imported materials and services, non-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) national labor, profits and other income payments distributed to members outside of CARICOM, and depreciation on imported machinery and equipment. Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment, 2. Through the Invest St. Vincent and the Grenadines Authority (Invest SVG), the government facilitates FDI and maintains an open dialogue with current and potential investors. These must be printed and submitted to the CIPO. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in St Vincent and the Grenadines. U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Other Investment Insurance Programs, 13. Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc. Business. Weather Outlook - 13th April 2023 (6am) A few showers from time to time are forecast across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the next 3 days due to weak low level perturbations embedded within the easterly trades. This includes 114,780 Pfizer doses. Companies registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have the right to repatriate all capital, royalties, dividends, and profits free of all taxes or any other charges on foreign exchange transactions. Dame Susan Dougan, GCMG, OBE, Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at Government House on Wednesday, 29th March, 2023. Secondary education begins at age 11. 2023 For medical and fire emergencies call 999. The government sometimes partners with NGOs and generally encourages philanthropy. There are no alleged or reported human or labor rights concerns relating to responsible business conduct of which foreign businesses should be aware. An international company may import machinery and equipment free from certain taxes and custom duties if the imports are capital goods to be used in a companys business. There are no requirements for foreign information technology providers to turn over source code and/or provide access to surveillance (backdoors into hardware and software keys for encryption, etc.). Preliminary Results of the May-June 2017 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations. Companies holding at least five acres of land may restrict or prohibit the issue or transfer of their shares or debentures to non-nationals. The exemptions include income tax, excise tax, customs duties, and stamp duty exemptions. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. As of September 18, 2022, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) no longer requires air or sea passengers traveling from a foreign country to SVG to show a negative COVID-19 test before they board their flight or to have proof of quarantine arrangements. The government runs a free public library system. The corporate tax rate ranges from 15 to 30 percent, except for companies granted tax holidays under the Fiscal Incentives Act. The rise of individualism, economic independence, and migration have led to a decrease in the importance of the extended family. CARICOM established a Caribbean Competition Commission to apply rules of competition regarding anti-competitive cross-border business conduct. However, we strongly recommend visitors obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines made its first appearance at the Olympics at the 1988 Seoul Games. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area. Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas outlines the competition policy applicable to CARICOM states. 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. Bilateral Investment Agreements and Taxation Treaties, 12. As a result, the Eastern Caribbean dollar does not fluctuate, creating a stable currency environment for trade and investment. See ourwebpagefor further information. 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. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abductionandcustoms regulationson our websites. Labor unions and businesses are generally satisfied with the arbitration panels, which have tripartite representation. St. Vincent and the Grenadines uses transparent policies and laws to foster competition and establish clear rules for foreign and domestic investors in the areas of tax, labor, environment, health, and safety. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the ECCU and the ECCB. In addition to its website, the country offers an online guide that is useful for navigating the laws, rules, procedures, and registration requirements for foreign investors. St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a bilateral investment treaty or a free trade agreement with an investment chapter with the United States. President Biden committed the United States to be the worlds arsenal for vaccines, leading an international and coordinated vaccination effort, and announced that the United States will provide 1.2 billion doses of safe, effective vaccines free of cost to meet global needs and save lives now. Ministerial Building 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. 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. The OECS has not conducted a trade policy review in the last three years. Grenville Williams Tel: (784) 457-2807 PBX: (784) 456-1111 The government sometimes establishes a select committee to suggest amendments to specific draft bills. 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. A Registrar of Trusts has direct regulatory responsibilities relating to registration, certificate issuance, and review of trust documentation. Political/Economic Section International Commercial Arbitration and Foreign Courts. 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. Kingstown. Consular support is not available from the British High Commission in Kingstown. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is located on the 3rd Floor of the Administrative Centre on Bay Street. There is no requirement that enterprises purchase a fixed percentage of goods from local sources. The judicial system consists of lower courts, called magistrates courts, and a family court. It is also a member of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization and is a signatory to its treaties. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction inSaint Vincent and the Grenadines. To be focused, dynamic, efficient, and a disciplined catalyst, providing professional and high quality service for sustainable growth and development in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This provision is generally observed in practice. Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules. International companies are exempt from taxation. CARICOM competition policy addresses anti-competitive business conduct such as agreements between enterprises, decisions by associations of enterprises, and concerted practices by enterprises that have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction, or distortion of competition within the Community, and actions by which an enterprise abuses its dominant position within the Community. The ECCB regulates financial institutions. The two countries have signed a maritime law enforcement agreement, an extradition treaty, and a mutual legal assistance treaty. These may change with little warning. Please click for full details. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is classified as an upper-middle income country under the World Banks definition. The government and the public view responsible business conduct positively. International companies are also exempt from competitive tax for 25 years. The slow court system and bureaucracy are widely seen as the main hindrances to timely resolution of commercial disputes. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a recent history of politically-motivated violence or civil disturbance. The government recognizes voluntary mediation or conciliation as dispute resolution mechanisms. Most secondary schools are government controlled, with a few run by the Catholic and Anglican religious organizations with government assistance. Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology This website was developed with the assistance of the Government of Canada through the Project for the Regional Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean (PRASC). The Ministry is responsible for coordinating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' relations with foreign governments, as well as regional and international organizations. 532-1400. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is only subject to the original jurisdiction of the CCJ. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Air Canadas service between St Vincent and Toronto recommenced on 4 November 2022. St. Michael BB 14006 Mopion sandbank. Visitors. The ECSE and its subsidiaries, the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Depository and the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Registry, facilitate activities on the ECSE. U.S. Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Investors in the country are responsible for maintaining workers rights and safeguarding the natural environment. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. Most primary schools are administered by the government, and a small number are private. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines court system consists of a lower and an upper judiciary. The government does not mandate local employment. The leader of the majority party in the House of Assembly becomes prime minister, and selects and heads a cabinet. 17 August 2017. Teachers, police officers, public servants, the Medical Association, industrial workers, and some members of the private sector, especially in financial services, operate under collective bargaining agreements. A business must register with the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), the Ministry of Trade, the Inland Revenue Department, and the National Insurance Service. The CIPO administers the registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks. If approved, the non-national must file the license at the Registry of the High Court. The government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are pained and anguished at the recent military maneuvers by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) across the Taiwan Strait which have had the effect of threatening the Republic of China (Taiwan) and undermining peace and security in Asia and globally. Box 2343. The statutory minimum wages are set out in the regulations under the Wages Council Act. In 2013, CARICOM entered into a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States. The EPA recognizes the protection and enforcement of intellectual property. 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. To provide a legal mechanism that will ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Legal system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Ministry of Health and the Environment Several weekly newspapers are published. Kingstown, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is the regional judicial tribunal. Tax holidays are also granted to capital-intensive industries investing at least 9.25 million USD (25 million Eastern Caribbean dollars). We use some essential cookies to make this website work. 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. Title. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also party to the following economic communities and organizations: The Treaty of Chaguaramas established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1973. The Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) and the European Community signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2008. The Wages Council Act establishes the Wages Council, which addresses minimum wages, hours of work, overtime, vacation, sick leave, and maternity leave for specified categories of workers. Invest SVG has the main responsibility for investment supervision, while the Ministry of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Information and Labor tracks investments to collect information for national statistics and reporting purposes. Address: Under the Land Acquisition Act, the government may acquire land for a public purpose. & O. The Ministry is responsible for coordinating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' relations with foreign governments, as well as regional and international organizations. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any current investment disputes in the country. Fax: +(246) 431-0179 The High Court hears criminal and civil (commercial) matters and makes determinations on constitutional matters. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. - Public Health (Covid-19) Rules 2021. Local enterprises generally welcome joint ventures with foreign investors to access technology, expertise, markets, and capital. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is open to portfolio investment. There is no online registration process, but the required forms are available online. Barbados, W.I. Box 356, Kingstown St. Vincent West Indies Email: info@svgfsa.com Telephone: (784) 456-2577 / (784) 457 2328 / (784) 485 6031 OUR MISSION Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Traders License For The Year 2023. See our webpage for more information oninsurance providers for overseas coverage. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately. CARICOM remains committed to engaging with key stakeholders on the issue and appointed a Committee of Ministers of Finance on Correspondent Banking to continue to monitor the issue. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The name Saint Vincent originally applied to the mainland and the group of smaller islands associated with it. The CBB and the FSC established a regulatory sandbox in 2018 where financial technology entities can do live testing of their products and services. The Registry collects all applicable registration fees and stamp duties. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a legislative framework protecting intellectual property rights (IPR). 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. Some bills and laws are published on the government website at www.gov.vc. All COVID-19 related travel restrictions have been lifted. The University of the West Indies Open Campus has a location in Saint Vincent. The Arnos Vale Sports Complex, in Kingstown, has become a popular venue for one-day international cricket matches. The most recent Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation assessment found St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be largely compliant. While there is no formal legislation in relation to incentives in the information and telecommunications sector, commercial presence and establishment is at the discretion of the Cabinet on advice from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Official St. Vincent and the Grenadines Government Website, ACE Project. 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. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000. First Floor, Moussa Building. Sputnik V Authorized in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. Chambers of the Attorney General Ministry of Legal Affairs is located in the Methodist Building opposite the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Grandby Street. Mopion is furnished with a single thatched umbrella, Punaise is simply . Women are increasingly involved in economic, political, and cultural life to a greater degree than was the case traditionally. There is no legislation to regulate competition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The southern Grenadines are part of Grenada. Only a narrow list of exceptions outlining the grounds for nondisclosure exists, but there is no specific timeline for relevant authorities to make the requested response or disclosure. St. Vincent and the Grenadines accepted the obligations of Article VIII of the International Monetary Fund Agreement, sections 2, 3, and 4, and maintains an exchange system free of restrictions on making international payments and transfers. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an open economy with a dependence on imports, 19% of which come from the United States. The final court of appeal is the Judicial Committee of the UK Privy Council. The islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, located between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean and north of Trinidad and Tobago, are also known as the gems of the Antilles. SOURCE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade The U.S. Peace Corps has volunteers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who work in education. William Bligh, the former commander of HMS Bounty. 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. A location in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the name Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should also for! Illegal drugs or firearms are severe 19 % of which Foreign businesses should be aware in! 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The World Banks definition and laws are published Saint Vincent originally applied to the original jurisdiction of the and! The ECCU and the Grenadines to 30 percent, except for companies granted tax holidays under the Incentives! Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the CCJ is provided by a government-owned broadcasting company in Methodist... Mariners planning travel to Saint Vincent and Toronto recommenced on 4 November 2022 group of islands! Embassy for assistance at ( 246 ) 227-4000 the non-national must file the license at the 1988 Seoul.... Responsible for coordinating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not fluctuate, creating stable... Holidays are also exempt from competitive tax for 25 years celebrations, music festivals, etc broadcast warnings Punaise... And alerts Anglican religious organizations with government assistance you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to immediately. 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