Fraser Rebukes Walwyn Over Maritime Fees
Deputy Premier Hon Fraser criticised fellow HoA member Hon Walwyn for warning of US intervention over the recent charter vessel fee increase and for raising sensitive bargaining points. His rebuke followed a December 4 letter from USVI Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr to US President Donald J. Trump seeking federal engagement on the fee change.
Deputy Premier Hon Fraser sharply criticised Member of the House of Assembly Hon Walwyn on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for comments he said were reckless and risked harming the Virgin Islands amid a bilateral dispute with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) over new charter vessel fees.
The exchange came after revelations that USVI Governor Albert A. Trump and his Cabinet in a December 4 letter asking for federal action. In that letter, the governor said the fee increase in the Virgin Islands has already destabilised the marine industry in the USVI and warned it risks long-term damage to the local economy, calling for "swift and coordinated federal engagement." At the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, some legislators chose not to comment on the matter.
Hon Walwyn, however, told members that the world is witnessing what he called 'Trump sovereignty' and suggested Washington could intervene in Caribbean affairs, forcing difficult concessions. He warned the Territory to prepare for tough negotiations and said the USVI might "throw everything on the table," including issues such as US visa waiver access and use of the US dollar by the Virgin Islands.
Hon Fraser, speaking in the Premier's absence, said he was disappointed such sensitive matters were being discussed publicly in the House. He stressed that the absence of Premier Wheatley from the sitting did not mean the government was inactive. Fraser recalled two substantive meetings with USVI officials on the issue last year, including one held in the USVI, and said those talks were serious and ongoing.
The Deputy Premier urged members to avoid unconstructive public commentary, saying it risks damaging the Territory. "Whatever you say or do, if it is not something constructive, leave it alone because you are only damaging the territory," he said, noting that the Premier is actively pursuing the matter.
For residents, the dispute highlights how changes to maritime and charter regulations can quickly affect tourism, inter-island transport and businesses that rely on yacht charters. Officials on both sides appear to be pursuing diplomatic and political channels, and Fraser's remarks signal the BVI government prefers confidential negotiation over public escalation.
BVI residents and stakeholders in the marine and tourism sectors are advised to follow official statements from the government for updates and guidance as talks continue.
Primary source: VINO