The United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are both parties to the WTO. See our webpage for more information oninsurance providers for overseas coverage. The government recognizes trusts if they are in writing and follow the formal requirements for a deed or settlement under the International Trust Act. Before you travel, check the Entry requirements section for St Vincent and the Grenadines current entry restrictions and requirements. It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through Invest SVG, strongly encourages FDI, particularly in industries that create jobs and earn foreign currency. 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. Georgetown HC. There are no alleged or reported human or labor rights concerns relating to responsible business conduct of which foreign businesses should be aware. In 2014, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an intergovernmental agreement with the United States to facilitate compliance for FATCA, which makes it mandatory for St. Vincent and the Grenadines banks to report the banking information of U.S. citizens. The Export Free Zones Act of 1999 provides for the designation or establishment of export free zones, which allow for the duty-free import of inputs for processing and export. Data not available. The Comptroller of Inland Revenue is empowered to assess a trusts eligibility for tax exemptions and may require the registered trustee to provide financial information. Unanticipated spending on health care, extended welfare and unemployment benefits, and economic stimulus initiatives, coupled with a sharp drop in government revenues in 2020, forced the government to borrow to finance a widening fiscal deficit. According to Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) statistics, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2020 estimated gross domestic product (GDP) was 783 million USD (2.12 billion Eastern Caribbean dollars) in 2020. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade 3rd Floor Administrative Centre Bay Street Kingstown Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tel:(784) 456-2060 Tel:(784) 456-1111 Ext 3827 Fax:(784) 456-2610 Email: office.foreignaffairs@mail.gov.vc svgforeign@gmail.com, Website developed and managed by the Information Technology Services Division, 2023, Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Message From Dr., The Honourable, Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines To Mark The Thirty-eight (38th) Anniversary of Independence, 72nd UNGA Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker, Address To The 46th General Assembly Of The OAS by Hon. Invest SVG facilitates domestic and foreign direct investment in priority sectors and advises the government on the formation and implementation of policies and programs to attract investment. St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have any specific legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Virgin Atlantic operates a twice-weekly service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St Vincent. Francis Etienne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Republic of France to the OECS, Presented Letters Of Credence to the Governor General of Saint Vincent And The Grenadines. Telephone: 784-457-1211 Changing size and shape with the tide, they average 50 m (164 ft) long and 20 m (65 ft) wide. The countrys Bureau of Standards is a statutory body which prepares and promulgates standards in relation to goods, services, processes, and practices. In1989, Germany and St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a treaty for the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investment. Non-nationals apply for a license to hold the land to the office of the Prime Minister through an attorney licensed to practice in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays People and Society Population 100,804 (2023 est.) The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any outstanding expropriation claims or nationalization of foreign enterprises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with mobility issues. With globalization, the demand for foreign foods has increased, and these are widely available in supermarkets. Visitors. The Fiscal Incentives Act confers income tax credits in the form of export allowance to qualifying enterprises for the export of approved products. This includes 114,780 Pfizer doses. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is the domestic arbitration body, and the local courts recognize and enforce foreign arbitral awards. S.R. Please click for full details. 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. The British monarch is the head of state and is represented by an appointed governor-general. Group I enterprises (50 percent or more local value added) enjoy a 15-year tax holiday; Group II enterprises (25 to 49 percent local value added) are granted 12 years; Group III enterprises (10 to 24 percent local value added) receive ten years. 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. Box 356, Kingstown St. Vincent West Indies Email: info@svgfsa.com Telephone: (784) 456-2577 / (784) 457 2328 / (784) 485 6031 OUR MISSION Email: svgpolice@gmail.com. The OECS promotes harmonization among member states in foreign policy, defense and security, and economic affairs. Eight participating governments passed the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement Act. There is generally no statutory standard obligation for public officers to disclose financial information to a specific authority. In 2013, CARICOM entered into a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States. The law provides for a minimum working age of 16. Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommended bythe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 two countries have signed a maritime law enforcement agreement, an extradition treaty, and a mutual legal assistance treaty. St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. The unicameral legislature is the House of Assembly. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is classified as an upper-middle income country under the World Banks definition. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). While allowable under law, there are no foreign trade zones or free trade zones in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is located on the 3rd Floor of the Administrative Centre on Bay Street. These are applicable if certain conditions are met, one of which being that the trust must not be domiciled in the country. The Labor Department has a small cadre of labor inspectors who conduct spot investigations of enterprises and checked records to verify compliance with the labor laws. The ECCB is the supervisory authority over financial institutions registered under the Banking Act of 2015. 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. Invest SVG provides business support services and market intelligence to all investors. Temporary Closure Of Rawacou Recreation Park. 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. Government health initiatives are directed primarily against chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. Sputnik V Authorized in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The country seeks to diversify its economy across several niche markets, particularly tourism, international financial services, agroprocessing, light manufacturing, renewable energy, creative industries, and information and communication technologies. Minister Hon. St. Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 130th out of 190 countries in the World Banks 2020 Doing Business report. The Court of Appeal is itinerant. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction inSaint Vincent and the Grenadines. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has not signed a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. To provide a legal mechanism that will ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Legal system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Accounting, legal, and regulatory practices are generally transparent and consistent with international norms. The Equal Pay Act makes provision for the removal and prevention of discrimination, based on the sex of the employee, in the rates or remuneration for males and females in paid employment. All potential investors seeking an incentive package must submit their proposals for review by Invest SVG to ensure the project is consistent with the nations laws and interests and would provide economic benefits to the country. Monitor the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and St. Vincents National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) website and NEMO social media for the latest updates. An international trust, except one that is an international company, will not become void or voidable due to a settlers bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation, the law of the settlers domicile or ordinary residence notwithstanding. The OECS has not conducted a trade policy review in the last three years. You can add more than one country or area. Less serious cases are heard in magistrates courts. 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. 457-6836. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is the regional judicial tribunal. Mopion sandbank. The U.S. military provides assistance through training, exercises, and construction and humanitarian civic action projects. These must be printed and submitted to the CIPO. Email Address: BridgetownPolEcon@state.gov. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations. Navigation. Automobiles may lack working safety and signaling devices. Office of Public Prosecutions It is made up of the island of St Vincent and the northern Grenadines, a group of 32 smaller islands and cays (low banks of coral or rock) to the south. Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues. Watersports Advisory:Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. & O. The ECSE is a regional securities market established by the ECCB and regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission. The unicameral legislature is the House of Assembly. The Protection of Employment Act No. 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. Member states are required to establish and maintain a national competition authority for implementing the rules of competition. * Source for Host Country Data: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank https://eccb-centralbank.org/statistics/dashboard-datas/. 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. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Flights are on Wednesdays and Sundays and involve a short layover in Barbados but no changing of planes. 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. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has an open economy with a dependence on imports, 19% of which come from the United States. The list of incentives includes exemption from or reduction of duty payments on the importation or purchase of materials and other equipment for use in construction and operation of the business. Fax: +(246) 431-0179 The government recognizes voluntary mediation or conciliation as dispute resolution mechanisms. 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 Treaty of Versailles of 1783 recognised St Vincent as a British colony. The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through Invest SVG, strongly encourages FDI, particularly in industries that create jobs and earn foreign currency. Public Transportation:Public transportation consists of mini-buses and taxis. 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. Official St. Vincent and the Grenadines Government Website, ACE Project. Its website is http://www.investsvg.com. The leader of the majority party in the House of Assembly becomes prime minister, and selects and heads a cabinet. Parties can be represented by legal counsel before the arbitration panel. Crime:U.S. Citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. Exercise normal precautions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. International companies are also exempt from competitive tax for 25 years. The country has a main public general hospital, several smaller public and private hospitals, and a number of outpatient health centres. Business. SOURCE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Address: CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. The private sector is involved in projects that benefit society, including in support of environmental, social, and cultural causes. Contact Information. 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. The Director of Public Prosecutions has the authority to prosecute a number of corruption-related offenses. There is no single published list of SOEs, though information about individual SOEs is available. Vincentians are equally fond of football (soccer); the national team has played in the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup world competition. The Registry collects all applicable registration fees and stamp duties. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without warning. Elections are peaceful and regarded as being free and fair. The Economic Union established a single financial and economic space within which all factors of production, including goods, services, and people, move without hindrance. Domestic and foreign banks can establish operations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Table 3: Sources and Destination of FDI 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. Kingstown. Carnival is the major cultural event. The police and court systems are generally unbiased in commercial matters. The government must serve a notice of acquisition on the person from whom the land is acquired. Internal self-government was achieved in 1969 and full independence came a decade later. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Of the 114,780 vaccine doses, 69% were donated in partnership with COVAX and 31% were donated through bilateral agreements. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. These fiscal incentives may be granted to manufacturing and processing companies producing Approved Products. Companies must apply to Cabinet to become Approved Enterprises producing such products. Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Emal:BridgetownACS@state.gov. Invest SVGs FDI policy is designed to attract investment into priority sectors. The review process is transparent and contingent on the size of capital investment and the projects projected economic impact. Corruption allegations are investigated by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. The DFC may consider investments in certain projects in upper-middle-income countries that address key agency priorities. The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation in collaboration with Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology and Brock University will deliver the second phase of an in-service training course to system leaders as well as primary and secondary teachers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The ECCB and the Ministers of Finance of member states jointly carry out banking supervision under the Act. The Nine Mornings Festival takes place in Kingstown in the nine mornings preceding Christmas. St. Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 61st of 190 countries in enforcing contracts in the report. The United States is working with other governments, global initiatives including COVAX and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), and other partners to get COVID-19 vaccines to where they are needed most. The countrys markets are usually well stocked with fruits and vegetables. ContactEmbassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesbefore you travel with questions regarding travel with firearms. Saint Vincent retains its connection with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. There is no online registration process, but the required forms are available online. Francis Etienne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Republic of France to the OECS, Presented Letters Of Credence to the Governor General of Saint Vincent And The Grenadines. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The name Saint Vincent originally applied to the mainland and the group of smaller islands associated with it. The United States provides training, equipment, and material to Vincentian security forces, including through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The lower courts include magistrates and family courts; the High Court and the Court of Appeal form the upper level. Grenville Williams Tel: (784) 457-2807 PBX: (784) 456-1111 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. It promotes economic development through private sector initiatives in Central America and the Caribbean by expanding foreign and domestic investment in non-traditional sectors, diversifying country economies, and expanding their imports. 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. The first successful DCash retail central bank digital currency (CDBC) consumer-to-merchant transaction took place in Grenada in February following a multi-year development process. Harmonization among member States in foreign policy, defense and security, and cultural.! The name Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has not conducted a Trade policy review in the three. 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