Hello -
Important note: This answer is not finished until you're satisfied
with it. If you choose to rate this answer, I ask that you do so
after asking for any necessary clarification/information. Thanks for
your understanding.
After doing some research on your question, I located a knowledgeable
consultant in the Caribbean who I would highly suggest you talk to.
She is a former management consultant for Ernst & Young and
PriceWaterHouse. She is a very nice person who will freely give you
some great answers to your questions from first hand business
experience within the Caribbean:
Wendy Weber
Career Consult Limited
www.careerconsult.org
in Trinidad
868-627-6171
My conversation with her yielded the following information:
Most of the islands survive off tourism, with the exception of
Trinidad. Trinidad's economy is very much tied into oil, and so
consequently it is booming right now, while the rest of the islands
are in a slump due to globally adverse economic conditions.
She recommends Trinidad as a great place to start the company. She
has a friend that started a company [I believe a financial services
one] out of his own house, with essentially 0 start-up costs.
Everyone speaks English in Trinidad.
The smaller islands are very primitive. Work permits are specific to
each island.
British Virgin islands would be another place to investigate. They
have a large number of expatriates.
Trinidad has its own floating currency, and so does Jamaica. Barbados
has restrictions [special permission needed]. British Virgin islands
use US dollars.
For the bigger islands, it is similar to America in terms of the
"difficulty" getting started.
There are definitely work permit enforcements ... in most islands,
much easier to get into British virgin islands. More difficult in
smaller countries... especially if you're bringing funding to there.
Here are some helpful links:
Welcome to the Caribbean
http://www.welcometothecaribbean.com/business.htm
Doing business in Anguilla
http://www.anguillachamber.com/businessguide.html
Business Environment in Trinidad and Tobago
http://www.trinidadlaw.com/DoingBusiness/bizenvironment.html
The best place to start a business in the Caribbean
http://www.internationalliving.com/postcards.cfm?pcard=1352
The Caribbean Business Community
http://www.caribbeanbusinesscommunity.com/defaultnew.asp
Moving to Trinidad and Tobago
http://www.escapeartist.com/trinidad/tobago7.html
WORK PERMIT APPLICATION ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/workpermitsTnT/
Doing business in the Caribbean [a book]
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0814450350/102-2087988-5468160?vi=glance
Doing business in the Caribbean
http://www.expertsonline.com/experts4.ihtml?a=84
"Are you considering starting a company, expanding or finding a
partner in the Caribbean? Island Wide will help you maximize your
chances of a successful venture." [email unverified]
http://w1.503.telia.com/~u50303705/consulting.html
Business Centre
http://www.lexcaribbean.com/info_index.htm
Search Strategy:
"doing business" caribbean
"doing business in the caribbean"
caribbean consulting
"start a company" caribbean
"starting a company" caribbean |
Request for Answer Clarification by
scottney-ga
on
12 May 2003 12:15 PDT
Many thanks for the help so far, and I will contact Ms Weber shortly.
A couple of things I would like clarification on.
How do I find the expatriates, and where do they come from generally
in the islands suggested.
Is there a way in which I can be given permission to do an initial
fact finding trip, and maybe pick up some clients whilst there?
What is the quickest way to obtain temporary permits to work(I am only
ever in a country for about three weeks at a time, but visit my
clients four times per year to give comprehensive updates and reviews
both of their investments effected through myself and what they
already have. I am not a money manager, but merely advocate the
services and investments of large established tax effective financial
institutions based in the Isle of Man and the channel islands. This is
an important distinction, as Bermuda, for example, has a Monetary
Authority which monitors all financial advice given by locals and
travellers.Their Monetary Authority does not allow temporary work
permits now(this stopped about four years ago). If there are potential
problems, I need to know them before I go.
What are approximate costings involved for comfortable(not excessive,
nor ultra basic) accommodations for a three week stay. I am open to
apartments or hotels.
In other areas(South America) I have previously employed a cold caller
to help me make 4 appointments per day while in a country. If anybody
would like to look into working with me, email me privately.
Due to the sensitivity of this information, I would prefer to liaise
privately, but will rate the answer accordingly following this.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
12 May 2003 13:03 PDT
Hello -
Thanks for your questions.
I understand your concern about privacy. However, Google Answers is a
public facility, and researchers are prohibited from conversing with
customers outside of the site. I don't know if your last paragraph
refers to the previous questions, or just the part about finding
someone for cold calling.
In any case, I would advise calling Ms. Webber as the person to answer
these questions, since she has a highly working knowledge of the
islands, being a resident there. If you would prefer me to look this
information up instead, that would be no problem. However, any
information I post here would be publicly viewable.
Please let me know what you'd like me to do.
Thank you,
jbf777-ga
GA Researcher
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
scottney-ga
on
12 May 2003 19:13 PDT
Thanks again.I was not aware of any privacy issues, so am happy for
any research you can help me with.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
12 May 2003 20:26 PDT
Hello -
I thought this paragraph...
"Due to the sensitivity of this information, I would prefer to liaise
privately, but will rate the answer accordingly following this."
...meant that you didn't want this information posted publicly.
Anyhow, I will see what I can find...
jbf777-ga
GA Researcher
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
scottney-ga
on
12 May 2003 22:56 PDT
I had initially felt that it would be better served privately, but
have now read the parameters and rules on the site, and am happy for
all your findings to be shown here.Thanks.
|
Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
13 May 2003 08:48 PDT
Hi Scottney -
Can you give me an idea of where you plan on going? All of these
questions are island-specific.
Thanks,
jbf777-ga
GA Researcher
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
scottney-ga
on
13 May 2003 09:12 PDT
I am planning to go to either Trinidad, the Dominican Republic or the
British Virgin Islands first, though I will go to all of the islands
that I feel may be worth looking at. The research so far made has
pointed promising fingers at these three countries first.....hope this
helps.
Scott
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Clarification of Answer by
jbf777-ga
on
13 May 2003 13:34 PDT
I've done quite a bit of searching on this today. Some information is
not directly available on the web. I have to limit my international
calling, so hopefully contacting some of these places directly should
provide you with details. Also, Wendy Weber should definitely be of
assistance as well in terms of direct information and referral. Let
me know if I can be of more assistance. Please also visit the
associated Google Groups, where aficionados/experts congregate. You
can post some of your direct queries there, where you can often get
responses very quickly from learned folks.
Google Groups:
rec.travel.caribbean
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.travel.caribbean
soc.culture.dominican-rep [dominican republic group]
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=soc.culture.dominican-rep
Virgin Islands
===============
Labor Department
http://www.psdp.gov.vg/charter2002/NRL/labour2.htm
"The Charter is developed to give you information about our structure,
functions, commitment, and standards of service to you. It also
answers some of your most frequently asked questions and provides you
with guidelines on how you can contact us, receive help if you are
dissatisfied with our service, or want to give feedback on our
performance." Contact them about fact-finding trips, work permits,
etc.
http://www.islandcareers.com/bvi/ifacts.cfm
Entry Requirements:
Citizens of the US and Canada do not require a visa or passport, but
should carry a birth certificate or naturalization certificate with a
picture ID to prove citizenship. British citizens need a passport but
not a visa. Citizens of all other countries need a passport, and, in
some cases, a visa. Visitors are permitted to stay up to six months
but must have an onward ticket.
http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/jbvlab.html
In order to work in the BVI, a work permit is needed, except for
'Belongers', naturalised citizens and holders of a certificate of
residency. Work permits are issued only when there is no suitable
local applicant for the job. In October, 2001, the British Virgin
Islands government released details of a new draft Labour Code Law, an
amended main feature of which states that 'non-belonger' workers in
the Islands will no longer be granted an initial work permit of more
than five years.
http://bviwelcome.com/invest.html
In order to work in the B.V.I., everyone except Belongers, naturalized
citizens and holders of a certificate of residency are required to
have a work permit. These are issued to non-islanders only in cases
where the position cannot be filled by British Virgin Islanders; the
training of local people to fill key positions is encouraged. For
further information regarding Trade Licence regulations and fees, as
well as additional investment opportunities, contact: Trade and
Investment Promotion Department Chief Minister's Office, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands Tel: (284) 494-5007 and (284)
494-3701, ext. 5004. Fax: (284) 494-4435
--
http://www.bvibeacon.com/042601/commentary042601.html
...government prefers to bring in and pay an expatriate twice the
salary of a local, and to pay rent, relocation fees for themselves and
their family, other allowances and also a 20/25 percent gratuity on
completion of their contract? In some government offices you would
find more expatriates than locals. For example, in Air Traffic Control
four out of seven employees are expatriates, and their salaries are
way above the locals’, excluding allowances. Government makes the
salary attractive for an expatriate, but the locals they leave in the
gutter. Health services, attorney general chambers, and the police
force are but a few more examples.
http://www.mooresrowland.vu/BVIoffshore.html
Within its 16 inhabited islands there are several important tourist
destinations and the financial services section is concentrated in the
Capital, Road Town, Tortola. The population is a blend of indigenous
plus expatriates from all six continents.
http://www.holiday.com/guide/city/st._thomas__vi_facts
African descent (75%), US mainland expatriates (13%), Puerto Rican
(5%), Danish, French...
http://www.tax-news.com/asp/story/story.asp?storyname=9218
Although the bill was eventually passed, the BVI Island Sun reported
that the provision removing income tax on gratuities faced fierce
resistance from the Opposition, who argued that as the bulk of those
employed by the Islands' service industry are expatriates on contract,
such an exemption would result in 'an exodus of funds' leaving the
territory.
http://dpu.org/Plans/MTES/Maindocument.htm
...difficulty in attracting and retaining BV Islanders into teaching
with the result that over 50% of all teachers are expatriates; (v) out
of date education curricula and legislation; and (vi) large classes in
primary level which will present space issues at secondary level in
the medium term.
http://dpu.org/WhatsNew/PreliminaryAssessment.htm
An important concern is that the seasonal employment and the further
reduction in tourism sector employment due to softened demand impact
on the lower level skilled workers and expatriates who dominate this
employment group. Typically construction and installation accounted
for 2.6 % of GDP or $19.3 mn in national income. 8.2% of total
employment and pay $12.0in taxes. In terms of a profile, the section
is spread throughout the BVI and more 95% of all employees are
expatriate from neighboring Caribbean islands.
http://www.ilocarib.org.tt/digest/bvi/bvi50.html
Virgin Island labor statistics
http://gocaribbean.about.com/library/weekly/aa043000a.htm
---
BestHotel Hotel listings [see hotels and pricing here]
http://reservations.besthotel.com/nexres/search/power_results.cgi?src=10006219&avail=Y&city=&state=VI&country=&name=&brand=&sort_order=hd&doa_yy=2003&dod_yy=2003&doa_mm=05&doa_dd=20&dod_mm=05&dod_dd=21&num_adults=1&num_rooms=1&num_beds=1&search_btn.x=80&search_btn.y=24&search_btn=submit
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g147353-British_Virgin_Islands-Hotels.html
TripAdvisor's Hotel Popularity Index ranks hotels in British Virgin
Islands based on evaluations in guidebooks, articles and user
opinions. Read more about the Hotel Popularity Index
http://www.sebastiansbvi.com/sebrates.htm
Each room has a private bath, refrigerator, hot and cold water, and
many other amenities for your enjoyment.
Trinidad
========
Conversation with Wendy Weber:
"There are a lot of Venezuelans, Americans and British in Trinidad.
There's a high concentration of them in the oil in gas industry.
There are some dutch people now as well [dredging]."
Can't find too much on the web about expatriate concentrations.
---
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/da91887e.html
Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of up to
three months. Work permits are required for certain types of
compensated and non-compensated employment, including missionary
work. The immigration regulations of Trinidad and Tobago allow
persons entering the country to engage in gainful employment in
any trade, profession or occupation without a work permit for a
period not exceeding 30 days, with one entry per twelve months
period permitted. Business visitors should be sure to check the
"business" box, rather than the "work" box on the immigration
entry form, unless they are actually being paid in Trinidad and
Tobago. For further information, travelers may contact the
Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago at 1708 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20036. TEL: (202)467-6490.
Trinidad and Tobago
http://pubweb.fdbl.com/cbriefs.nsf/fc3b3610bda4a50c88256aa90013e915/ab79e865dda4698585256c01005bfdeb?OpenDocument
Work Permits
http://www.caribbeing.com/tri/HRtecvoc/wpHistoryPolicy.htm
WORK PERMIT APPLICATION ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/workpermitsTnT/
---
Trinidad Hotels and Resorts
http://trinidad.wheretostay.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g147388-Trinidad_Trinidad_and_Tobago-Hotels.html
TripAdvisor's Hotel Popularity Index ranks hotels in Trinidad based on
evaluations in guidebooks, articles and user opinions. Read more about
the Hotel Popularity Index
Trinidad Hotels
http://www.hotels-hotel.info/Trinidad-hotel.php
Dominican Republic
==================
No expatriate concentration information on this island available on
web.
The ultimate guide to the Dominican Republic
http://www.thedominicanrepublic.net/
---
Hotel guide
http://reservations.besthotel.com/nexres/search/power_results.cgi?src=10006219&avail=Y&city=&state=&country=DO&name=&brand=&sort_order=hd&doa_yy=2003&dod_yy=2003&doa_mm=05&doa_dd=20&dod_mm=05&dod_dd=21&num_adults=1&num_rooms=1&num_beds=1&search_btn.x=61&search_btn.y=12&search_btn=submit
Dominican Republic Hotels and Resorts
http://dr.wheretostay.com/
---
http://www.rvhb.com/faq.htm
"Have any legal questions about the Dominican Republic? This is your
one-stop destination, with up-to-date information on everything from
tax codes to rules governing foreign investments. Submit a question
at http://www.rvhb.com/contact.htm"
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