The workshop apprised the board of the legislation, policies and trade agreements that will assist in effectively carrying out their functions.

The Department of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs recently held an orientation workshop for the new Trade Licence Advisory Board.

The main objective of the orientation workshop was to apprise the new Advisory Board of the legislation, policies and trade agreements that will assist members of the board to effectively carry out their functions.

Emmanuel Gerald, Director of Commerce and Industry in the Department of Commerce defined the benefit of a trade licence.

“A trade licence is a licence used to regulate trade in Saint Lucia, and it is approved by the Minister for Commerce subject to the provisions of the Trade Licence Act. Any person or company who is not a CARICOM national is considered a foreign national and must have a trade licence to do business in Saint Lucia. Before CARICOM nationals used to need a trade licence but since 2006 with the passing of the movement of factors act or bill, CARICOM persons  have become  nationals of Saint Lucia and various islands around and so do not require a trade licence to operate in Saint Lucia.”

Mr. Gerald also explained the process for distribution.

“The trade licence is an annual licence that must be renewed every year within a calendar year. It is not automatic. A resubmission must be submitted for review. Before a trade licence is submitted there is a review process carried out by the advisory board appointed by the Minister for Commerce in accordance with section four of the Trade Licence Act. The members of the board represent labour, commerce,  trade, trade unions or other such persons who, in the opinion of the minister, should be represented on the board.”

The workshop was held at the Coco Palm Resort on July 28.