Gov’t to revisit charter vessels law — Premier

The government is expected to soon revisit laws governing the operation of charter vessels and other similar craft entering the territory.

In mid-November 2022, the government relaxed a policy which required BVI trade licenses from charter operators who are not based in the BVI and work permits for crew members working on those vessels. The policy received mixed reviews.

But he told residents during a recent press conference last Friday that, “We will be returning to that legislation, which is the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act.”

Premier Wheatley said the government will be making more changes to the law which he said will help to recognise the value provided by locally based providers and also get fair value for those coming into the territory.

Dr Wheatley explained that the earlier policy was reversed because it did not have a basis in legislation and argued that it increased the administrative burden on government departments.

The Premier further noted that the relaxation of the policy helped to ease the commute for persons coming into the BVI.

Dr Wheatley said those revisions are among other discussions that are taking place to make the process more efficient through the use of technology, digitisation, examining processes, eliminating duplication, and making it easy on local departments.

USVI would have retaliated if BVI’s charter boating polices remained