USVI governor to visit BVI for charter fee talks on Friday

USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is set to visit the British Virgin Islands on Friday, March 7, to continue discussions with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley regarding the proposed fee increases on USVI-based charter yacht operations in the BVI.

During a joint press conference with Deputy Premier Julian Fraser on February 28, Premier Wheatley revealed that he had invited Governor Bryan to the BVI to further their discussions, though no date had been confirmed at the time.

On Monday, March 3, Bryan confirmed his visit in a live press briefing, emphasizing the strong historical and economic ties between the USVI and the BVI.

“For generations, the USVI and BVI have shared geography and an unbreakable bond rooted in history, culture, commerce, and most importantly, kinship,” Bryan stated. “Our people are family, our economies are intertwined, and our success has always been built on cooperation and mutual respect.”

He added, “It is in this spirit that I will be meeting with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley on Friday, March 7, to have an open and candid conversation about the proposed increases and obtain an equitable resolution that builds our charter yacht industry, promotes this friendship, and creates economic wins for both territories.”

Dr. Wheatley has acknowledged the interdependence between the two territories but has argued that the USVI benefits significantly from BVI waters. He has insisted that the BVI “will not be bullied” amid growing tensions over economic policies affecting the marine sector.

The Premier has raised concerns about an economic imbalance favoring the USVI, particularly in the charter industry. As a result, his administration is reviewing the Commercial Recreational Vessel License Act, which governs the charter industry and has not been amended since 1992.

The situation escalated when Governor Bryan called an emergency session with the USVI Legislature to discuss imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from the BVI and introducing travel fees for non-residents crossing between the two territories.

The upcoming meeting is expected to be a crucial step in determining how both governments will navigate the economic challenges facing their marine tourism industries.