“As expected, the Virgin Islands duty free exemption will be increased from $1200 to $1600, thus maintaining our historic advantage,” said Christensen. “We are elated that this provision has passed in light of the increase in duty exemption for other Caribbean countries contained in the bill.” Caribbean countries will increase from $600 to $800 in order to bring the region in line with the rest of the world.

“I am also pleased that our rum tax rebate will remain at $13.25 for another year,” the Delegate said. “Although, there are still items to be worked out in the Senate in this regard.”

Language to permit the drawback of duty for articles shipped from the mainland U.S. to the territories and to make certain adjustments to the Production Incentive Certificate (“PIC”) program for watch and jewelry produced in the U.S. insular areas were both included in HR 3521.

“This legislation is expected to expand the watch and jewelry manufacturing industry in the Virgin Islands, keeping it competitive with their foreign locales who don’t have to pay minimum wages or comply with other U.S. labor and environmental laws, even when all duties on watches are eliminated,” she said.

Christensen thanked the Turnbull administration, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber, Cassan Pacham of the St. Thomas-St. John Association, Congressman Charles Rangel, Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee and others who worked with her to secure these provisions for the territory.