Bryan Wants Local Fix for Charter Dispute
US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has urged that a growing dispute over marine charter licensing fees and access with the British Virgin Islands be resolved locally, after the US State Department reportedly suggested a summit in Washington. BVI Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed displeasure that the matter was raised with the US federal government and reiterated the BVI’s right to set maritime fees, saying the relationship between the territories should be handled through dialogue (sources: BVI News).
US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has called for a regional approach to a mounting disagreement over marine charter fees and reciprocal access between the USVI and the British Virgin Islands, saying he does not want the issue elevated to the federal level. Bryan told reporters earlier this week that officials from the US State Department recommended convening a summit in Washington that would “summon the British Virgin Islands government and their leaders,” but he preferred a local solution (BVI News).
The dispute centres on new licensing fees imposed by the BVI on foreign‑based charter vessels operating in its waters and on how those fees compare to charges in the USVI. Bryan highlighted what he called a stark seasonal disparity, saying “right now, as you know, our yachts are paying $24,000 a season, while their yachts pay $4,000.
It’s incredibly restrictive,” a point he raised while urging stakeholders to craft a fair counter‑proposal so the USVI can negotiate credibly (BVI News). BVI officials have defended the revised fee structure as part of responsible marine management and an effort to bolster public finances as the territory rebuilds after hurricanes and other shocks.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, speaking at a press conference last Friday, said he was displeased that the matter was escalated to the United States federal government by the USVI, arguing the disagreement should have remained between the two neighbouring territories (BVI News). “We are friends, we celebrate that friendship every year,” Dr Wheatley said, adding that “the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands is bigger than myself.
It’s bigger than Governor Bryan.” He urged both sides to address differences through established mechanisms and mature dialogue, while also defending the BVI’s authority to regulate its maritime space. Premier Wheatley noted that negotiations have been under way since about 2022 and pointed out that the law governing these fees dates back to 1992.
He explained the revised fee schedule provides an option for foreign‑based vessels to pay roughly $24,000 annually for unlimited entry into BVI waters, with lower‑cost licences available for more limited access—he cited figures around $8,500 for some licences—and stressed the territory relies on these fees because it does not collect the same income or corporate taxes as the USVI (BVI News).
Governor Bryan said his administration has already exchanged documentation with the BVI and that a bilateral meeting is being arranged, possibly this month, to seek a negotiated outcome. He also told the USVI yachting community they must propose a fair rate so the territory can present a credible negotiating position to the BVI (BVI News).
For residents and businesses on both sides, the dispute is about more than fees: family ties, cross‑border trade and intertwined tourism markets mean any escalation could have real local impacts. If Washington presses for a summit, any US engagement would likely require coordination with the United Kingdom because the BVI is a British Overseas Territory, potentially turning a regional disagreement into an international diplomatic matter (BVI News).
Primary source: BVI News