USVI Governor prefers to keep feds out of marine charter dispute
USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr
USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. says he would prefer to resolve ongoing marine charter disputes with the BVI at the local level, even as officials in Washington appear eager to take a more direct role in the matter.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Bryan revealed that officials from the United States Department of State recommended convening a summit in the U.S. capital that would effectively summon BVI leaders to discuss longstanding concerns over charter fees and reciprocal access to territorial waters.
“We were also in Washington. We had discussions with the State Department about the BVI,” Bryan said. “They’re recommending that we have a summit in Washington where we summon the British Virgin Islands government and their leaders to Washington to discuss this.”
However, the governor made clear that he would prefer to avoid federal intervention.
“We think we could get this matter resolved in a local manner. We really don’t want the interference of the feds, but they seem very eager to resolve this matter,” he stated.
The dispute centres on charter yacht fees and access arrangements between the neighbouring territories, whose marine industries are deeply intertwined. For decades, charter vessels have operated fluidly between the BVI and the United States Virgin Islands, reflecting close familial, economic and historical ties between the islands.
In recent years, however, tensions have flared over fee structures and entry requirements. Bryan pointed to what he described as a significant disparity in seasonal costs.
“Right now, as you know, our yachts are paying $24,000 a season, while their yachts pay $4,000. It’s incredibly restrictive,” he said.
The BVI government has previously defended its fee regime as part of broader marine management and revenue measures, particularly as the territory continues to rebuild and strengthen public finances in the wake of hurricanes and other economic shocks. The marine charter industry remains a key revenue earner for the BVI, contributing hundreds of millions annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
Counter fees should be fair
Bryan acknowledged that part of the solution lies within his own jurisdiction. He said he has cautioned USVI marine stakeholders that their counter fees should be fair.
“The main thing in this is, I keep telling our yachting community, we need to come up with a fair rate to pay. And then we can really go back to the BVI and talk about this,” he said.
According to Bryan, documentation has already been exchanged between both governments, and efforts are underway to convene a bilateral meeting as early as this month.
“A lot of documentation has been put forward between the two parties, and we’re setting up a meeting with the BVI; hopefully, this month — March, we’ll be able to get with that,” he added.
Despite the governor’s preference for a regional solution, Washington’s reported interest in hosting a formal summit signals that the issue may be viewed through a broader diplomatic lens. Any US-led engagement would likely involve coordination with the United Kingdom, given the BVI’s status as a British Overseas Territory.
Dispute more that just fees
For many in the USVI and BVI, the dispute is about more than fees. Generations of shared heritage, intermarriage, and cross-border commerce have fostered a uniquely close relationship between the territories.
Bryan’s comments suggest he is keenly aware of those ties and wary of escalating the matter beyond the Caribbean. Still, with federal officials seemingly intent on inviting the BVI to Washington, the coming weeks could determine whether this maritime disagreement is settled around a regional negotiating table — or under the watchful eye of the US capital.
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Me thinks de Governor doesn’t actually want the Feds sniffing around St Thomas and asking too many questions right now. There is more in da mortor.
OF THE DUDE WHO CARRIED REPORTS ON THE (NDP) TO GOVERNOR JASPERT , AND BEGGED FOR A “COI” AND GOT IT , AND THEN THINGS BACKFIRED, WHEN HE GOT CAUGHT IN A STING OPERATION PLAYING RODEO GAMES, NOW WE GOT HIS CANARY ON HIS YELLO SITE DOWN THERE SINGING ” FREE MY HERO ” WHO’S UP HERE IN MIAMI ” CHILLIN ” AND PUTTING BIP RESISTANCE
You might be right but actually feds already oversee more than you think in the VI. Trump won’t pay any interest unless there is a financial assistance, as with pardoning criminals. (AF pay attention)!
If the Governor prefers to resolve this locally, why take it to the State Department in Washington first? The “summit in Washington” talk sounds like leverage/pressure. Also, what does “summon” actually mean here—an invitation, or a formal federal-led intervention?
The man is trying to used scare tactics , he is playing with fire , not knowing that it may get out of hand , and instead of help from Trump , this may ended up bringing federal investigations into government..
Even if our people are summoned, there isn’t any reason for them to go, nor should the Governor allow anyone to go. Once it becomes international it is the Governor’s purview.
Neither the US House nor Senate have any summoning of Foreign government representative’s ability, only the State Department.
I never see worse people strong-arming you for your own thing. What a pretencious good for nothing. St.Thomas economy is failing cant even keep power running in the place.
These billions in Fed grants are a pipe dream can’t believe anything this guy says. Natalio has opened a can of worms despite people telling him not to allow them to come into our waters. Now he cant even get the lid back on.
There is nothing to resolve. It is what it is and it ain’t changing. Something about people who try to ascribe certain levels of importance to themselves when they are nothing more than a delusional, uncreative, annoying mosquito.
“Right now, as you know, our yachts are paying $24,000 a season, while their yachts pay $4,000. It’s incredibly restrictive,” he said.
So BVI yachts are going down to USVI to do charters in their waters Governor? Really now? Please tell the whole story! You either pay our fees or charter within the USVI.
The Premier called his bluff, that’s all. He expected a panic when they ran to Washington. Nobody banned the USVI boats, we just decided to charge more for access to our natural resources which they make millions of dollars off of annually. Pay or stay away!
This man is a joke ,a few days ago, he went to the mainland thinking that trump was going to eat the BVI alive , it back fire on him and now he is coming with this none sense, why he didn’t say that before he went there. They told him, you have to deal with that , is nothing we can do .. now he is trying to use reverse psychology..
Is this the MAN who came her campaign for VIP to be reflected. Man you all in the same same
Joke is an understatement. This Man is an Id**t.
He First wrote to the Trump’s Administration. What did He expect? Now He Back-peddling pretending to be sorry? This Man is No Friend to BVI. The V.I. Government need to stand its Grounds and Leave the Rates as is. If they can’t pay the Fees let them send their Yachts to St. Croix and Puerto Rico. Everything has a Cost associated with it. If He did not write to the USA I could probably see the Premier giving it one more consideration, But Now? Take it or leave it. Bryon Had No Right going to His Feds. I must say what I Think is a Plus for Us, He probably wont be coming to Tortola Next Election Campaign Time to urge the people to Vote for his Friends…. Time will Tell.
Why isn’t Bryan subsidising the marine charter fees if he is so concerned? He can call it something nice like ‘Marine Charterers Support Subsidies.’
Bryan can take a fifth of that 25 BILLION he using to fix his roads and subsidise those fees, so we can fix OUR roads and improve OUR airport. We only need 5 billion of that 25 billion per annum. Then his captains can come and go as they wish.
We will then be willing to negotiate after 5 years.
Albert you came here campaign for VIP, you and Sloman had discussion on such, now you summoned Your FEDS on us. We’re the UK not Us in a way so take it or leave it.
Trump is seizing the one and only opportunity to thrashandle and mishandle the US and theBVI as a pronouncement to the World and MAGA at large why
BLACKS cannot successfully Governand maje he Trump look like the crumb that he is….My brain become addled when I think how Trump and his goonsare threatening with ultimatums that will hurt these VI and BVI…I am willing to bet that Bryan wont spill the vomitous ultimatums with which he was threatened that would make our blood crawl all ah we in this Lil part. I somehow envisioned Bryan promptly retiring and taking an out but the man that he is,he is above such and will remain loyalty to the cause…perhaps fill us in down the riad..Write a book as follows up to retirement.
He is not only our neighbor but friend and
family,and Tolian in mind and Spirit. Pray for us all!!
Pretty much that is the deal…give those white whealthy folks what they want or else,,,the audacity that these original Men are in charge..
to late Governor Bryan, you open the can of worms and drew attention to yourself. See how your involvement with Little Saint James Island going promote you worldwide. You should have thought about that! Karma has ways of dealing with illegitimate affairs regarding governance and it’s affairs.
He better go deal with answering his corrupt campaign allegations. Mon Ethos et al.
Like he told Epstein ‘I Got You!’
Bryan better go take several seats. Shameful self.
Why he don’t haul he MS.