Anguilla moves to restrict foreign charter boats

As the USVI and BVI continue to clash over fees and restrictions affecting foreign charter vessels, Anguilla is moving to tighten its own rules for boats entering from neighbouring St Martin and St Maarten.

The Anguilla government is finalising draft legislation aimed specifically at regulating so-called “party boats” operating from the two neighbouring territories in Anguillian waters. The move follows complaints from coastal tourism businesses about the impact of some visiting vessels on their operations and guests.

Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson Hodge has stressed that the government is not seeking to prevent visiting boats from entering Anguilla. Instead, authorities want greater control over their operations while protecting local tourism businesses. The government hopes to have the legislation approved before the upcoming tourism season.

The development comes as the BVI faces pressure from the USVI over its own increased fees for foreign charters.

USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has objected to BVI fees and entry requirements, saying the increased fees have decimated the USVI charter sector, which relied heavily on BVI waters for much of its business. The BVI framework includes annual charges of $7,500 for certain foreign-based charter vessels with up to seven entries, or $24,000 for unlimited entries. Day-trip operators face an $8,500 annual fee.

Bryan has invited the BVI to official talks with the USVI and US federal agencies to resolve the dispute. However, there’s no official word from the BVI government regarding whether they’ve accepted the meeting to discuss the issue that many believe can lead to a bigger fallout with the United States.