VI charter fees harming USVI jobs & economy- Federal Trade Report
The report, dated December 2025, suggests that the changes to the VI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act are a trade-distorting measure.
Since the new fees took effect on June 1, 2025, some charter operators have chosen to relocate to the VI. The Virgin Islands Consortium (VIC), in an article on Monday, January 12, 2026, said some charter operators have even been forced to close.
Under the new fee structure, annual multi-night charter licenses that previously cost around $800 have now increased to $24,000 per vessel. Day-trip licenses have risen from $200 to $8,500 per vessel, in addition to customary customs and immigration charges that can add another $900 to $1,200 or more for each entry.
Charter professionals warned of ripple effects
While USVI Governor, Albert A. Bryan Jr and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) held extensive discussions in 2025, before the fees came into effect to quell the concerns of the neighbouring US territory, USVI charter operators were not satisfied with the outcome
They argued that the effects would trickle down. Executive Director of the [US] VI Professional Charter Association, during a meeting in 2025, said, “Marine tourism is a vital economic driver to the USVI, contributing more than $100 million annually.” She warned that the then-proposed increases threatened the USVI charter industry’s growth and viability.
Ripple effects, according to industry representatives, would spread across suppliers and service businesses tied to charter activity, including provisioning, fuel, maintenance, restaurants, transportation, and marina operations.
The push for federal intervention
A coalition representing the US Virgin Islands maritime sector had formed, and by late 2025, it travelled to Washington, DC, seeking federal intervention.
The delegation, comprising Crown Bay Marina President Kosei Ohno and attorney Michelle T. Meade, briefed or initiated outreach with agencies including the US Department of State, the United States Trade Representative, the US Small Business Administration, and the US Department of Commerce, while coordinating efforts with the VI Delegate to Congress.
Ohono said they went to Washington on their break because the season was starting soon. “Without swift action, the US Virgin Islands will continue losing American businesses, American jobs, and critical maritime capacity.”
On December 17, 2025, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) met with representatives from Project Fair Waters, a coalition she described as “fighting against harmful charter vessel fees imposed by the BVI”. She also said the new fee structure is “detrimental to the economy and livelihoods” of the United States Virgin Islanders dependent on it.
VI seeking an appropriate balance
Premier Wheatley, in February 2025, said there was a “huge economic imbalance” between the USVI and the VI in the charter industry.
“The USVI charter industry, by their own admission, contributes just shy of a hundred million dollars to the USVI economy…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.”
Dr Wheatley dispelled rumours of trying to intentionally hurt the USVI’s marine industry, saying the VI is not “seeking to cripple” it.
He also said he was confident the USVI would still be able to do well even with the fee increases.
The VIC reported that the Bureau of Economic Research (BER) estimated that the charter yacht industry generated about $92 million for the US Virgin Islands in 2024 and supported approximately 800 jobs.
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21 Responses to “VI charter fees harming USVI jobs & economy- Federal Trade Report ”
So what if the USVI charge business is tanking! Like I’ve said before; they can sail around pedo island, Cruz and St. John if they don’t want to pay he admission fees to enter and use OUR waters, islands and beaches. When the USKKKA imposes rules (think tariffs, immigration controls) such as the exorbitant fee for certain countries passport holders ($15k) whether you’re traveling for business or personal- we can kick up but do what?!?
Americans want to BULLY the rest of the world into their corrupted ideologies - go sail around Guam or the Hawaiian islands. No more FREE lunches off of the BVI backs for greedy obese USKKKA parasites!
Y'all celebrating until we gotta travel all the way Barbados just to get in the USA.
Yes st Thomas ain no big deal but many of those who get much cheaper flights out of rock rely on their flights
So those with big money to fly directly out of BVI to go states will be fine. But the middle class and lower will be kicking rocks or flying to Barbados mehson