Bishop: Our Natural Resources Belong To Us
At an inter-denominational service on January 18, Bishop Naaman Chalwell urged Virgin Islanders to protect their natural environment while still sharing it with visitors. His remarks come amid tensions with the USVI over new BVI charter licensing fees that have shifted yacht traffic and sparked political dispute.
Bishop Naaman Chalwell has called on Virgin Islanders to recognise that the territory’s natural resources are primarily for the benefit and stewardship of the local population — even as the BVI continues to welcome visitors. Speaking during prayer at an inter-denominational church service on January 18, the Community Worship Centre-linked clergyman of Long Look said the sun, sea and sand are God-given blessings that many outsiders desire. “It might not mean much to you but you see the sun, sea and the sand?
They are a mystery to many of those, and many others want to enjoy them,” he told worshippers. Chalwell encouraged sharing but warned against confusing sharing with surrendering ownership and stewardship. “God says, I give you natural resources,” he prayed. “Natural things that others crave after.
So when they come, just share it with them.” He added pointedly, “Finances (financial services) can go, but your natural resources — I give them to you.” His prayer comes as the BVI implements significantly higher charter licensing fees for foreign-based vessels operating in BVI waters — a reform that has already prompted a notable shift in yacht traffic.
Dozens of charter vessels have reportedly relocated from the US Virgin Islands to the BVI to operate under the revised framework, boosting marina use, provisioning and visitor arrivals in some BVI ports. USVI officials have warned the movement could cost their territory tens of millions in lost revenue and have taken the dispute to high levels.
USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. formally wrote to the US President, urging federal intervention and describing the fees as economically damaging to the USVI marine sector. Locally, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended the reforms as within the BVI’s sovereign right to regulate activity in its waters and to ensure those profiting from the territory’s environment make a fair contribution.
The Premier said he was surprised the issue was taken directly to Washington but stressed the BVI remains open to dialogue while refusing to apologise for protecting its interests. Bishop Chalwell’s remarks echoed that official stance, urging faith and confidence as the territory navigates external pressure. “Enjoy my faithfulness to you as a people.
And if you will obey me, nothing and no one will be able to defeat you,” he prayed. The message resonated with a broader national sentiment: the BVI will continue to share its natural beauty, but the stewardship and long-term benefits of those resources must remain in the hands of Virgin Islanders.
Primary source: BVI News