Roach, who oversees the Division of Corporations and Trademarks, said a new Uniform Commercial Code module is now part of the division’s online Catalyst system, allowing users to receive and process electronic filings 24/7 — like any other jurisdiction.
The module, which is accessed at — www.corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov — also enables registered users to file UCC financing and information statements, as well as request copies of filings — plain or certified — and perform UCC information requests.
The Uniform Commercial Code is a standard set of laws across the nation that governs commercial transactions and sales.
Most importantly, according to Roach, the module allows users to pay all fees electronically.
“This is an exciting moment for business here and on the larger scale for our economy,” said Roach, during a press conference Wednesday at his St. Thomas office. “It makes doing business with the territory that much easier. You can transact business with us wherever you are in the world with access to the Internet.”
Denise Johannes, director of the division of Corporations and Trademarks, joined Roach on Wednesday to give a live demonstration of the module.
She referred to the development as the “next phase” for Catalyst, a 24-hour online register for incorporating and maintaining business entities.
“I used to be very jealous when I visited other secretaries of states and their websites and all of the technological access that they were providing their customers,” Johannes said. “I dreamt one day the Virgin Islands will join that status — and today, we not only have the Business Entity [module], but now the UCC.”
In both district offices, the Division of Corporations and Trademarks will have kiosks available for customer use.
A revised UCC fee listing is available on the Lt. Governor Office’s website at www.ltg.gov.vi.
Business and trade name owners were reminded of the June 30 filing and payment due date to remain in active status — or in good standing — to conduct business in the territory.
Roach, who said the Virgin Islands can sometimes get bogged down over what’s “not working,” should take pride in its areas of progress.
“We cannot overemphasize the significance of this moment for business in the territory,” he said. “Our aspiration is to make doing business with the territory as easy as possible for any entity that wants to do business here — and today’s launch of this portion of the online system is a major move toward that end.
©2019 The Virgin Islands Daily News (St. Thomas, VIR). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
