BVI News

Premier clarifies: Foreign water taxis restricted to drop-offs at ports

File photo of travellers arriving at the Road Town Ferry Terminal after the April 15 reopening of the territory’s seaport to international traffic. (Photo credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

The territory’s leader has offered new information in relation to a change in the government’s policy that is expected to provide a more efficient and streamlined experience for the BVI’s guests entering by sea.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently announced that the government will no longer require BVI trade licenses for foreign-based water taxis and commercial recreational vessels conducting day or term charters nor will it require work permits for the crew working on these vessels.

But some operators expressed concerns following the Premier’s announcement over what they perceived as unfair competition and an uneven playing field between local boat operators and USVI operators with the change in policy.

Yesterday in the House of Assembly (HOA), Premier Wheatley clarified that some restrictions will still remain in place for foreign vessels.

“I wish to underscore that with the ease in requirements stated, foreign-based water taxi operators are still restricted to passenger drop off at the ports of entry and persons operating foreign charter companies are still required to obtain a commercial recreational vessel license from His Majesty’s Customs,” the Premier said.

According to the Premier, the territory must continue to do business within a legal framework.

Dr Wheatley further advised that other requirements such as the certificate of registration, safety commercial vessel certificate, and insurance for the vessels remain in effect. He further said the requirement for a captain’s license, valid STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificates, and a valid passport for all crew and guests remain. Applicable fees based on the level of charter engagement will also still apply. 

He assured that updated guidelines will be published by HM Customs for foreign charter companies to ensure everyone remains knowledgeable about the revised requirements. 

Premier Wheatley said the decision to remove the requirement for business trade licenses is an interim measure while the government continues to work on broader ranging reforms in the marine industry.

The Premier also pointed out that in making the new policy, the territory was able to avert retaliatory measures threatened by the neighbouring USVI government.

Shares

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

19 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. SMH says:

    How about dropping those entrance and departure fees or atleast lowering them.

    Like 9
    Dislike 7
  2. bottom line says:

    The premier is soft

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  3. Lol says:

    So he bowed to the USVI!

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
  4. ANDY says:

    And how about stop charging people this environment fee
    Look at the roads from the airport to west all these patches and uneven roads ridiculous the side of the roads from airport should be properly landscaped that as you come out of the airport it looks beautiful breath taking something to talk about
    Just fix the roads properly.

    Like 20
    Dislike 1
  5. Wtf says:

    Updated guidelines ‘will be published’? Wtf today is the 16th. Something became effective immediately on the 15th. This is after so-called months of negotiations. So what is meant by updated guidelines ‘will be published’? WHEN? Are these the headless chickens the former was talking about? And where is the tourism minister or transportation minister? On vacation? This must be news to them too. Wellmaboy.

    Like 18
  6. hmm says:

    Our leadership weak badd. What retaliation? This agreement only benefits the USVI! Nobody even want this man leading the country!

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  7. Licher and Sticher Good says:

    I am trying to figure out how does this benefit the BVI’s ferry/ charter operators or anyone from on our side. More supply and demand seemingly would come from their side as we do not have an airport and they have/ or can supply more operators than we have/ can find at any given point. The more you learn the more you wonder what are these ppl doing…

  8. Yup says:

    Slow Andy still got the environmental tax (white tax) in place? That surely helps tourism!! Especially when the Belonger is worse to the environment than any visitor.

    Like 6
    Dislike 3
  9. Can't please all the people. says:

    Stop trying to please all the people with all these explanations and clarifications, you are only tying up yourself
    ..U make a decision you already explained why. Move on .

    Like 1
    Dislike 2
  10. .COM says:

    My question is. How will this benefit our local independent charter captains? How will this benefit our LOCAL B.V.I landers ??? Let the government officials answer that. Think LOCAL.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  11. Here says:

    Here’s the deal for all of you like Slow Andy. USVI said stop your requirements or we won’t let your ferry’s into US waters. The USVI could care less if there is ferry service to the BVI. Actually they would prefer not to. Thus, unless Slow Andy agreed, no ferry service between USVI and BVI. How all you morons like the idea of only being able to leave the Territory is by plane. I think it’s great!! Keep the animals locked in the zoo.!!!

    Like 5
    Dislike 3
  12. ..... says:

    The ferries would not stop. Native Son for instance operates tours in the USVI, and their boats are registered in the USVI. I don’t think that Native Son is necessarily the only one doing this. That aside a majority of ferry workers and owners are dual citizens (BVI/US). Get a grasp of the facts.

  13. ok says:

    it benefits JVD by a huge way, the water taxis will still be doing the same just without the hassle of trade/work permits. All the restaurants and bars will also benfit throughout the BVI with all the extra charter boats.

  14. Premier needs to change the game. says:

    No ferry is illegal and the usvi makes too much money from the BVI guests to allow that to happen.
    What the Premier should do is going into a service agreement with silver for more flights at a cheaper price point to the BVI.
    This would drop the BVI passengers from the usvi airlift numbers which they base their numbers off.

  15. Anonymous says:

    The people of the BVI believe the only way it’s “fair” is if there is a double standard in place for their benefit. They can come to the USVI and charter all they want but close the doors to us??! It’s a joke. BVI restaurants are struggling and their entire tourism sector has suffered greatly from this. Far more BVI residents stand to gain from opening up to the USVI then the few charter outfits that will maybe do slightly less business. Not to mention the millions of dollars lost from entry fees! We are sister islands and we should all be able to enjoy these waters equally. The closed door policy will eventually be met with a USVI closed door and then everyone loses. Cooperation is the only path forward.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  16. Tired says:

    “According to the Premier, the territory must continue to do business within a legal framework” When has the BVI government paid attention the “legal framework” ?

  17. What happened to Our ferrying says:

    Did anyone else notice there are no constant ferry service from Virgin Gorda to St Thomas?
    Now it’s harder than ever to shop for stuff outside the BVI. People that want to fly in to St Thomas are getting stuck overnight.
    The BVI needs constant ferry services if it wants to be a major tourist destination. Remember the old hydrofoil? We are falling behind.

  18. Careful says:

    Reminder don’t bite the hand that feeds you- remember your airport isn’t capable of handling mainland flights so the continued use of USVI infrastructure (Cyril E King airport) will leave you beholden to the USVI whether you like it or not.

  19. Careful careful says:

    Reminder don’t bite the hand that feeds you- remember your airport isn’t capable of handling mainland flights so the continued use of USVI infrastructure (Cyril E King airport) will leave you beholden to the USVI whether you like it or not.

Leave a Comment

Shares