Premier delays vessel License legislation pending further talks with USVI
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced that he will not return the Commercial Recreational Vessel License Act to the House of Assembly (HOA) until an equitable solution is reached with US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
The announcement came following Governor Bryan’s visit today, March 7, where the two leaders discussed economic policies affecting the marine sector amid growing tensions between the territories. The amendments to Act propose increasing the annual fee for overnight charter operators from $400 to $24,000, while day sail operators would see fees rise from $200 to $12,500, according to local reports.
“I made the commitment not to go back to the House of Assembly and pass this legislation until we came together once more to ensure that we are a lot closer than we were previously,” Premier Wheatley stated.
While no final resolution has been reached, both leaders have agreed to review the economic data before resuming discussions.
“While we were not able to reach any firm conclusions today, we made a commitment to go back and crunch the numbers to ensure that we maintain equity,” Wheatley added.
Legislation expected by June
No new meeting date has been set, but Premier Wheatley expressed his intent to have the legislation passed by June.
“We would like to pass our legislation by June, which means we have work to do right away,” he said.
Both Governor Bryan and Premier Wheatley reaffirmed their commitment to their respective territories while maintaining a cooperative relationship.
“I think it shows how professional we are as Caribbean men and women to have differences on behalf of the people we represent, but at the end of the day, that’s my guy,” Bryan remarked.
“We all have a job to do, but beyond that, we can find solutions to some of these problems,” he added.
Tensions sparked by tariff proposal
This meeting followed Governor Bryan’s call for an emergency legislative session to discuss imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from the BVI. It was later confirmed that the proposed tariff was in response to the BVI’s draft legislation, which would significantly increase fees for commercial yacht charters entering BVI waters.
Premier Wheatley has raised concerns about economic imbalances favouring the USVI, particularly in the charter industry. As a result, his administration is reviewing the Commercial Recreational Vessel License Act, which has not been amended since 1992.
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THIS GUY SOFT
Wheatley is a major sc**t for even considering such tariffs. That revenue will go from hundreds of vessels a year to six vessels… hurting the BVI more than it will hurt the USVI. Focus on improving the relationship and increasing revenue.
This writer would suggest we might want to work on our presentations skills, increasing charter fees from $200 to $24,000 overnight is a shock to one’s system. It’s not what we are doing, but the way we are doing it that’s the problem.
Rushed decisions most times are wrong. Take your time Premier and sought this out. Our relations is important and crucial.
Repeal the 1992 CRVL Act. Submit the 2025 CRVL Act that eliminates ALL foreign based charter yachts from doing ANY commercial charters in BVI waters. Submit a separate 2025 Act to regulate all the foreign ferries and water taxis operating between the USVI and the BVI.
Sorry JVD but the day charter business from St. John is coming to an end. The BVI ferry businesses should be able to provide quicker service on the same boat from St. John via West End to JVD. Too many USVI day charter motorboats anchored off the White Bay beach is dangerous.
Weak SOB, all bark and no bite. Nothing int going to happen. We the people want a leader with teeth a real leader. Walwyn to the rescue.
Ah yes. Another well thought out rushed piece of legislation.
The Premier need to find $20 million to cover the budget shortfall fast. So, what does he do? He comes up with a master plan to charge 1000 USVI charter yachts 20,000 each to enter BVI waters. Hey presto no shortfall! The problem is that the proposed legislation reads like something out of the Donald Trump book on good governance.