'We will not be bullied'- Premier Wheatley to USVI Gov't
Speaking at a press conference today, Friday, February 28, 2025, Premier Wheatley defended his government’s decision to increase fees following what appears to be the USVI’s response to the increases.
USVI brings in millions; VI brings in a few hundred $$ Premier
The Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act, which was passed in 1992, has not been revised in 33 years, the Premier explained.
According to Dr Wheatley, USVI Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr has been made aware of proposed fee increases since consultation with local industry stakeholders began in 2022.
The Premier explained that while companies can receive bookings for yacht charters charging customers between fifty and one hundred thousand dollars per week throughout 12 to 13 weeks, the VI only collect an annual fee of a few hundred dollars per vessel for the license fees.
“The USVI charter industry by their own admission contributes just shy of a hundred million dollars to the USVI economy so there’s a huge economic imbalance between us in the marine sector,” Dr Wheatley said.
Governor Byran 'aware' of pending fee increases
The Premier revealed, “In addition to local consultations, I travelled to St Thomas, where I attended a meeting of the Inter Virgin Islands Council in which the proposed changes to our legislation was shared with Governor Albert Bryan and his delegation.”
He also said updates and revisions to the initial proposals were again shared with Governor Bryan in a subsequent meeting in St. Thomas, however, another meeting for further engagement following the bill’s first reading, about two weeks ago, was delayed due to scheduling challenges.
Premier Wheatley also revealed that the same courtesy was not extended to him and his administration as before securing a meeting for updates, they learned via the internet of Governor Bryan’s letter to the President of the USVI Senate requesting an emergency session.
Premier accuses USVI of trying to bully VI
This session would consider proposals for 25% tariffs on imported goods from the VI and the levying of a transit fee on travellers passing through the US Virgin Islands to and from the VI.
“The news took me by surprise because Governor Bryan has been a true friend of the BVI…However, on the issues of our territories’ economic relations, I believe dialogue would have been the best course of action to raise any concerns as opposed to any attempts to bully us,” he said.
Premier Wheatley said he, along with his government, wants both sides to succeed, however, the economic imbalance that currently exists heavily favours the USVI.
“All I’m seeking is an appropriate balance so that the economic benefits of using BVI waters are fairly shared. We are not seeking to cripple the USVI Marine Industry. We are confident that they will be able to do well even with fee increases,” he added.
Premier Wheatley said he has invited Governor Bryan to Tortola to discuss the issue in person and in greater detail.
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26 Responses to “'We will not be bullied'- Premier Wheatley to USVI Gov't”
long before you took political office our people had a relatively good understanding with London Our People were able to move freely in and out of the USVI up to this Day
Hopefully these relationships will continue