Commentator Slams USVI Governor Over Fees
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has criticised USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr for appealing to US federal authorities over BVI charter fees, arguing the USVI benefits substantially from BVI waters and tourism exposure. Skelton Cline urged recognition of the economic value the BVI provides and warned that external pressure risks inflaming a dispute that affects both territories' marine and tourism sectors.
Claude Skelton Cline, host of the Honestly Speaking programme, has sharply criticised USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr for his public stance on charter fees imposed by the British Virgin Islands, saying the governor has misrepresented the dispute while benefiting from BVI maritime resources.
Speaking this week, Skelton Cline argued it was inconsistent for the USVI to highlight billions in federal support while objecting to what he described as modest fees charged by the BVI to USVI-based charter operators. He noted that USVI tourism marketing frequently features BVI anchorages and sailing routes and asked why USVI operators should not pay for commercial use of BVI waters: "You open the tourist book of the Virgin Islands of the United States, and more than 50 percent of the advertisement in their tourism book is in our waters," he said.
Skelton Cline singled out the figure cited for the charter levy — roughly $24,000 a year for a vessel — and said calls to Washington and threats of retaliatory measures placed unnecessary external pressure on the BVI. "Last night we heard Governor Bryan, at the same breath, talk about the $25 billion they received from the federal government and then talk about ranting and raving about the BVI and its fees," he added.
BVI authorities have defended the charter fees as legitimate charges tied to regulatory oversight, environmental management and the commercial use of territorial waters. The dispute escalated after the USVI signalled possible retaliatory steps and sought intervention from US federal officials, prompting concern among BVI tourism operators and the marine sector about potential disruptions and reputational damage.
For BVI residents, the row touches on two core priorities: protecting marine environments and preserving livelihoods that depend on cruising tourism. Many local businesses — marinas, tour operators, crew and waterfront vendors — rely on charter traffic and harbour usage, while BVI regulators point to the costs of monitoring, waste management and coastal protection associated with commercial boating.
Observers say the path forward should be negotiated, not litigated abroad: regional dialogue, transparent fee schedules, and reciprocal arrangements could reduce friction and recognise the shared economic value of inter-island cruising. As tensions continue, BVI operators and officials stress the importance of calm diplomacy to avoid harming the very industry both territories rely on for jobs and foreign exchange.
Primary source: BVI News