USVI Governor concedes boating disparities; Negotiations near completion
Recognising; however, the imbalance in regulatory and economic obligations between USVI charter boat operators and their VI counterparts, Governor Bryan openly admitted the status quo was unsustainable.
“It really isn't fair for us to be able to send a boat over to the BVI, unlimited, and their charter boats — who are nestled there, employ people who work there, eating there, getting rents there — they're having the same amount of payment as the US Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan stated.
To this end, he said, “...we looked at an option where there is unlimited access, but there's a cost for that.”
According to Governor Bryan, USVI charter boats contribute between $20,000 and $26,000 annually to the USVI government, while in the VI, similar vessels average a contribution of $40,000.
Collaborators, not competitors!
This discrepancy, he argued, creates a natural competitive advantage for USVI operators — one that, left unaddressed, undermines the fairness of the system.
“I think one of the things that's essential in terms of negotiations is that both parties walked away a little bit uncomfortable, And that means that it was a fair negotiation.”
To this end, the Premier and Governor jointly affirmed their commitment to moving beyond competition toward cooperation, recognising the interconnectedness of their tourism industries.
“We are not competitors,” Governor Bryan said, “We actually are collaborators; The US Virgin Islands is a product of the BVI tourism, and BVI is a product of the USVI tourism.”
Unlimited Access
According to Premier Wheatley, “I want to see how we can come closer together and ensure that economic prosperity is growing — that the pie is growing for us — and that we can effectively compete with other jurisdictions by the quality of the service and that persons get value for money.”
With negotiations reportedly 95% complete, Premier Wheatley confirmed that some concessions were granted by the VI in order to reach consensus.
“We did make some level of concessions based on friendship and based on the robust negotiation from the USVI; And possibly there may be more concessions to come once we go back and we crunch the numbers. But all in all, I'm very pleased — just the spirit of friendship that has been displayed today.”
Technological Solutions
Additionally, both leaders also agreed to establish a Marine Task Force to examine policy and regulatory frameworks and to recommend improvements. The aim is to streamline cross-border processes and enhance the user experience for boaters from both territories.
“We decided… that we would form a marine task force to take a closer look at policy and regulatory issues,” Dr Wheatley announced.
“I made a real commitment to ensuring that the boaters that come from the United States Virgin Islands… process more quickly and that we use technological solutions… so instead of waiting in lines at our ports, they are on the beach at White Bay or at The Baths having a good time.”
The VI delegation to the USVI included Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA; Director of Shipping, Mr John M. Samuel; Acting Commissioner of Customs, Clinton G. Romney; and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Carolyn E. Stoutt-Igwe.
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
Follow Us On
11 Responses to “USVI Governor concedes boating disparities; Negotiations near completion”
A .. &^$ , the governor of st Thomas has roots in Montserat
I wonder what under hand dealings was made
The US Virgin Islands should prioritize boosting the involvement of its indigenous communities in the marine sector. Time and again, these communities find themselves working tirelessly to support the interests of others. Instead of championing their own needs, the black community often dedicates its efforts to enriching the lives of other racial groups.... the more things change the more they remain the same!