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Premier commended for successful charter talks with USVI

Fraser

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has publicly commended Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, praising his leadership during recent negotiations with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) over charter vessel fees.

On April 1, the BVI and USVI concluded talks, reaching an agreement on fee structures and operational measures to support the shared charter industry. Fraser said he remained mostly silent during the discussions because the Premier was managing the talks effectively.

“Premier, I want to publicly commend you on the outcome of that meeting and the way you conducted yourself. The [USVI] Governor was wondering why I was quiet, and I told him that you were doing an excellent job, I didn’t have to say anything,” Fraser said.

He also praised the Premier for clarifying to USVI officials that the BVI would not earn a significant amount of revenue from the proposed fee increases. Fraser, who represents District Three, emphasised that the charter industry between the two territories is about more than just economics, pointing to the strong familial and historical ties that bind the BVI and USVI.

According to Fraser, the USVI Governor became more understanding once he realised the limited financial impact on the BVI.

“When the Governor came to Tortola he was thinking we would make a fortune from this initiative and wreak havoc on his economy. But when the Premier told him that the revenue we intend to raise is only $3 million, he was like, ‘why am I here?’ Considering that USVI’s budget is $4 billion and we’re still half a billion. This whole thing between the BVI and USVI is more about relationship—it has to do with everything other than money,” Fraser explained.

With the fee dispute now resolved, the BVI government is expected to soon reintroduce the updated Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act, 1992 (CRVL), which will formalize the new fee structures.

Premier Wheatley has repeatedly stated that the fee adjustments are not primarily about boosting revenue but are instead aimed at modernising the maritime sector and harmonising regulations between both territories.

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11 Comments

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  1. BuzzBvi says:

    Thought we wanted independence. Now USVI telling us how to write our laws.
    What happened to the views of the BVI organisations and BVI people.
    You fight doing what the the UK says but jump to it when the US dictates you.
    We are led by fools.

  2. Consequences says:

    of this compromise may be the departure of BVI based charter yachts to the USVI. BVI government has over 40 years of promises to ‘modernize the maritime sector’ but only adds to the multiple layers of bureaucracy for BVI based charter yachts.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  3. Here we go again says:

    Fraser the Deputy Premier position was handed to you on a platter so of course you are going to continue to kiss the Premier’s behind and commend him. Go clean up the District that you are living in.

  4. Liberator understands says:

    Hon. Fraser is a skilled experienced politician who understands on which side the bread is buttered. He understands the dynamic -that the younger inexperienced politican may experience some anxiety and self doubt ,even some lack of confidence (and that is understandable) Liberator knows that it is his job to be the support beam , and publicly state it in a way that is not patronising or condesending.Even prominent figures, such as President Trump, have demonstrated the utility of orchestrated praise to solidify their leadership image. He regularly has his cabinet members do exactly that in press conferences.

  5. @liberator says:

    The technical description is “brown nosing “

  6. Chupes says:

    Fraser is such as political flip flop. He is driving an Audi. He gets a fat pay check. He is deputy premier and you know how he loves to feel important. So of course he will say that nonsense.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  7. @Chupes says:

    Fraser is to old to be driving around in an Audi, laughing my A off, you know when a man is going through men change of life aka man menopause. I’m surprised he is not riding around in a red corvette with the top down. Fraser when I see you behind the wheel of the Audi, all I can do is smile.

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
    • @@Chupes says:

      You got me cracking up. Home boy pushing an Audi whip. Guess he is trying to do the old man flossing and maxing. Older men don’t push Audi whips.

  8. One moment says:

    One moment in a year, month and day, some will end up helplessly flat on back, flies and maggots will take up residency inside their unclosable mouths as they lay in a bed.

    Funning, in ignorance and stpidity, may provide a consequence of the worst kind.

  9. CHAMPION JOE FRASER says:

    AYO PLEASE RESPECT THE UNDEFEATED ELDER STATESMAN because there is a reason why he is still winning {HE DELIVERS THE GOODS}

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