UPDATE: VI & USVI agree to ‘crunch the numbers’ again on charter fee hike
The proposed increases to charter license fees formed part of amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act. The proposed fee hike had angered the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert A. Bryan Jr, who sought to retaliate with a 25% tariff on VI goods entering the USVI.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert A. Bryan Jr, along with members of their delegations, met at the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Conference Room in Pasea Estate this morning to iron out an amicable solution.
“We will go back, we will crunch the numbers, we will reflect the true cost to do business for BVI-based boaters and make sure, of course, USVI-based boaters, that there is something that is fair in comparison to what BVI-based boaters pay,” Premier Wheatley stated after the discussions.
Standing alongside Governor Bryan Jr, Premier Wheatley added he would hold off on amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act.
“I made a commitment not to go back to the House of Assembly and pass this legislation until we come together once more to ensure that we are a lot closer together than we were previously.”
‘Communication is key’- Gov Bryan Jr
Governor Bryan Jr noted that the discussions were important as everyone is feeling the financial crunch.
“This is not a Virgin Islands problem, [or a] Greater Virgin Islands problem. This is something that is happening internationally. As we face these political hurdles, communication is key.
“Coming here and understanding the problem, understanding all the different moving parts, the devil is always in the details, gives us a greater playing field in which we can make an agreement on, and I think what we decided to do today was to crunch the numbers and to get back to one another in terms of what makes sense for our people on both sides and, of course, the industry,” Governor Bryan Jr stated.
'Every friendship has disagreements'- Premier
Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley thanked the Governor and his delegation for coming to the VI to have discussions.
“Every friendship has disagreements sometimes but of course the true test of the friendship is what happens when we have those disagreements and that we have dialogue.”
He said a lot was said in the media “back and forth” but that he always had faith and trust that discussions would be cordial yet intense.
“The important thing is that we were able to discuss common ground, areas of cooperation. And while we were not able to reach any firm conclusions today, we made a commitment to go back and be able to crunch the numbers to make sure that we maintain equity, and we made a commitment to equity in the relationship,” Premier Wheatley stated.
See previous article published March 7, 2025
VI & USVI in ‘intense’ negotiations after yacht charter fee increase row
- negotiations taking place @ FSC Conference Room in Pasea Estate
The leaders of the Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, along with members of their delegation, are currently locked in intense negotiations to arrive at an amicable solution to the row that has erupted over the Virgin Islands’ proposal to increase yacht charter fees for operators outside of the VI.
According to reports reaching our News Centre, the negotiations are taking place at the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Conference Room in Pasea Estate.
The US Virgin Islands delegation, led by Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr, includes Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, and a few senators.
The VI delegation, headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), includes Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and senior civil servants.
The negotiations are said to be “intense” but “productive”.
USVI threats
Governor Bryan, in a public broadcast on March 3, 2025, made it clear that while the VI has the right to develop its industries, it should not do so "at the detriment of the United States Virgin Islands industry."
He had also threatened to impose 25% tariffs on goods into the USVI from the VI and to seek assistance from the White House to get it implemented.
Premier Wheatley, at a press conference on February 28, 2025, 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 had added.
See related article below:
VI should not expand charter industry @ ‘detriment’ of USVI’s- Gov Bryan
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