VI should not expand charter industry @ ‘detriment’ of USVI’s- Gov Bryan
Governor Bryan, in a public broadcast on March 3, 2025, sought to reaffirm the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between the USVI and VI, and his commitment to cooperation and mutual respect but 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."
"Our people are family, our economies are intertwined, and our success has always been built on a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect; It is in this spirit that I will be meeting with Premier Wheatley on Friday, March 7, 2025, to have an open and candid conversation about proposed increases on US Virgin Islands-based charter operations in the BVI and obtain an equitable resolution that builds our charter yacht industry, promotes its friendships, and creates economic wins for both territories.”
Economic impact
The Governor was explicit in his concerns that despite previous discussions on the matter, there had been no tangible progress from the VI side, telling media operatives, "Let me be clear, my intent yesterday, and today, and always, has been to find an amicable solution, one that is fair and equitable to both of our economic interests; I do not engage in diplomacy through headlines, but we have had this conversation over and over again with the BVI. Up to last year, we met and decided that things would change.”
According to the USVI Governor, although the VI has legitimate aspirations to expand its charter industry, this should not come "at the detriment of the United States Virgin Islands industry."
"A year has gone by, no change; The BVI is seeking to build its industry, something we fully understand; However, when those efforts will come at the detriment of the United States Virgin Islands industry, we must address them with respect, sensitivity, and above all, substance.”
‘This is not how families treat each other’- Gov Bryan
With this in mind, the USVI leader also stressed that fair treatment and equitable policies are fundamental to the relationship between the two territories, arguing that the USVI has always acted in the spirit of goodwill and partnership.
Adamant, "This is not how families treat each other, nor is it equitable,” he pledged that “As Governor of the US Virgin Islands, it is my responsibility to ensure that the interests of our people, our businesses, are protected, and that the industries that sustain our economy are not unfairly burdened.”
Despite the escalating tensions, Governor Bryan reiterated his commitment to diplomacy through dialogue and expressed confidence in finding a resolution that serves the interests of both territories saying, "...I remain steadfast in my commitment to working collaboratively with our neighbours to find a path forward that benefits both of our territories.”
According to the USVI Governor, “The strength of our relationship has been tested before, and each time, we have chosen cooperation over conflict; During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the BVI needed critical assistance, we did not hesitate to stand up and advocate for them, because that is what true partners do. That is what family does.”
As such, “...as I prepare to sit down with Premier Wheatley, I do so with the same commitment to partnership, the same respect for our shared interests, and the same resolve to ensure that the US Virgin Islands and the greater Virgin Islands, on both sides of the water, remain places of opportunity, prosperity, and fairness.”
See related articles below:
USVI charter operators must pay fair fees; 1992 rates unacceptable- Premier
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16 Responses to “VI should not expand charter industry @ ‘detriment’ of USVI’s- Gov Bryan”
This man good in his &^%$ head? Detriment? What does USVI have to offer boaters? NOT A &^%$%$£ THING! The BVI has all the attractions and natural resources, so we are in the driver's seat. If you don't want to pay the fees, sail to Water Island, St. John and then back to St Thomas. WTF is this guy on. The USVI's boating product is built on the BVI attractions and offerings so what does he mean we shouldn't build our industry to their detriment? It's not our fault that USVI is a ^%$£ sh*thole. If BVI people no longer have to travel via STT to get to the mainland and otherwise through their Airport, their entire economy would crumble. The BVI has the handle and they have the blade so I hope our Premier holds his ground. Defending the Virgin Islands (BVI) is just that, DEFENDING IT! Who it hur, IT HURT!
Both countries for over one hundred years have had close ties, especially the last sixty years. We need to be very careful not heed the advice of every Tom, Dick, Harry, Jack Spratt, and every Johnny-come-lately advice.
Wisdom says that this problem is not too hard to remedy through wise negotiations.
Wisdom seeks justice from the heart (mind) the seeks peace with strength.
The people of the USVI and B.V.I are close friends for life, but even close friends have difference some of the time. Close friends Negotiate their differences void of war of words, fist, and deadly instruments.
We would never agree on everything, but we should agree on the most important things for both our best interest.
Avoid foolish talking and unhelpful comments, please.
The Virgin Islands have the right to explore economic possibilities and create a thriving charter industry that benefits our people. We refuse to be held back so that the USVI can flourish at our expense. It's time our leaders prioritize the interests and well-being of our community, ensuring a fair chance for progress and development for the Virgin Islands.
We stand united and demand to be heard. We are a proud and resilient people, and we will not be diminished or overlooked. Our future is just as important, and we will vigorously pursue opportunities to ensure a prosperous path forward for everyone in the Virgin Islands.