MOU to be signed between BVI and USVI for boaters
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in relation to boaters moving back and forth between the respective territorial waters.
The Premier said this was a topic of discussion during the recent Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in the USVI last week.
“We discussed pleasure-boating, charter yachts, day-trippers, etcetera. We have come to some agreements in principle. There is a Memorandum of Understanding that we are going to be signing as it pertains to that. I do not want to give too many details as we finalise it,” Premier Wheatley said. “Certainly, in the mutual interest of BVI and USVI, fairness and reciprocity, and mutual respect are the principles that underpin the relationship between the USVI and the BVI. I am quite pleased with the meeting we had. We were able to resolve a number of issues and more details will be provided on that.”
He noted that while they have not discussed a reduction in rates and fees paid by boaters, his government will be looking at the legislation that governs the movements of boaters travelling between the two territories as it was changed during the pandemic period.
“So, in principle, we are going to take a look at some of the provisions in that legislation that may have caused problems for boaters coming backwards and forward. Again, details can be forthcoming,” Dr Wheatley said.
He added that boaters can traverse the waters back and forth as is common and that has been happening between the two territories for centuries. However, these latest discussions surround making the process easier as it pertains to things like business licenses and work permits.
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They will outsmart us again because our premier is not up to the task of negotiating on our behalf
its like u tellin us but your not tellin us..we know this is to give the us rights to come into our waters and search or move like local police in the name of being transparent or fair??, to who ??
Until the BVI removes or lowers all their ridiculous entry and exit fees there will be no change in the low number of visitors from the USVI.
The people of this country is setting back and allowing Natalio and the unity Gov to destroy us and give away our country. Natalio is worst than Fahie. He hasn’t one spec of accountability in him. He never gives details until it’s done.
Our fishing is scarce as it is with Pickering giving away our water rights allegedly. And now Natalio wants to give away our water rights to USVI in such a deceitful manner.
You all as a people can March for the UK not to impose the Registry but what about this.The BVI people need to get up and March say No to this and demand the Unity Gov to be removed. The Uk screwed us over by putting this yes man who never questioned or oppose Fahie in charge.
What low rate of visitors? The ferries are packed even in slow season.
The BVI needs to become a part of the USVI. Why the separation? Pride? Pride will get us nothing, but a fall.
Slowande’s favorite phrase— “not going into details “
What a ridiculous suggestion!
You need to talk to the BVI boat captains and companies have a discussion on what you the government wants to do with the USVI give us some kind of insight on what you may or have already agreed to that may not be in our best interest talk to the people that actually do this for a living the water taxis day charter charter company’s ferry’s and the sport fisher that I have seen many of times come out of the usvi and head straight to the North Drop not checking in so please be careful of what you may be giving away be mindful
Yet another sell-out. Where does work permit and Business Licenses come in? Boaters were going back and forth for decades. What changed. I could understand because of Covid, things were regulated but why the need for this MOU? You all can stay there, who know, know and who don’t know will wonder.It is alledged that every time this Coup Premier goes over-seas He makes all sorts of deals with his counterparts. But WE know every deal he makes. You all don’t know the half.
I don’t like calling people names, but you don’t seem too bright at all.
@WELL SAH, NOOOO SAH NOT AT ALL. THIS AIN’T ABOUT PRIDE. AS WE KNOW, THE MAJORITY OF YOU LIVE BY AND MAKE YOUR OWN RULES AND YOU WILL BE UNDER AMERICA RULES WHICH YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW OR ELSE…..
And get rid of those miserable immigration ladies. They are unbelievable.
Once again we will be blindsided by this unity government making decisions and agreements on the people’s behalf without first consulting them…talk about a lack of transparency.
He is full of s..t.
The US doesn’t require you to check out and they certainly don’t shake you down for all of those fees! Imagine if hundreds of boaters a day came over to shop, dine and spend their $$$?