VI-USVI situation is ‘not about money’- Hon Julian Fraser RA
Hon Fraser also commended Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) for the success of the recently held meeting between the two territories.
“Premier, I want to publicly commend you for the outcome of that meeting and the way you conducted yourself…you were doing an excellent job,” he said during Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The two sister territories had been engaged in negotiations since the VI announced plans to increase charter yacht fees under amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act.
Premier Wheatley and his team, which included the Deputy Premier; 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, met with Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr and his team on April 15, 2025, in St Thomas.
‘This whole thing is not about money’- Hon Fraser
“I have commended you for recognising this whole thing is not about money,” Hon Fraser continued, congratulating the Premier on the outcome of the meeting.
According to Hon Fraser, when Governor Byran and his team came to Tortola for negotiations in March 2025, he was of the view the VI was going to make a “fortune” and “wreak havoc” on the USVI economy.
“When you told him that the revenue we intend to raise through this initiative was just three million dollars, he was like ‘geez, why am I here’. Considering that his budget is four billion dollars, and we are still half a billion”
This entire situation, he added, is more about the relationship, “It has to do with everything other than money”.
Premier Wheatley accepted the Deputy Premier’s commendations, extending his own thanks.
“I want to thank you, Deputy Premier, for being such a strong support for me in those negotiations, and we commend the entire team for a job well done.”
See related article below:
USVI Governor concedes boating disparities; Negotiations near completion
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20 Responses to “VI-USVI situation is ‘not about money’- Hon Julian Fraser RA”
Mr. Fraser, please get a haircut or groom yourself properly. This should be something in place about these representatives appearance. You represent the BVI on a public stage, you even travel internationally with yourself looking like you just rolled out of bed. It is ridiculous now and not funny.
ALAS, isn't that's why the conference is being held in the first place?
TO DECIDE NOT TO, by the leadership of the US Virgin Islands, pay, recommended fee structures, set, by our Premier?
WE NEED, Honourable Frazer, men and women in the leadership of this territory, who will, after all, maximize, by any means neccessary, tthe kittie jar, of " these beautiful islands, that we call home"!
LETS HOPE, Honourable Frazer, you can be counted, among one of those!