Premier Rejects Washington Talks Over Charter Fees
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has dismissed calls to escalate Commercial Recreational Vessel Licence discussions to Washington, urging the USVI to continue bilateral talks locally. He emphasised that the Inter-Virgin Islands Council remains the appropriate forum to resolve regional matters without external intervention. The Premier also clarified that the revised fee schedule regulates commercial operations rather than general entry into Territorial waters.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Wheatley has stated that there is no need to escalate discussions regarding Commercial Recreational Vessel Licence (CRVL) fees to Washington, D.C., reaffirming that the Territory remains fully open to direct bilateral dialogue with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).
Speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Premier Wheatley confirmed that he formally responded to USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. following a deadline proposed by the USVI administration for talks in the United States capital. The Premier expressed disappointment with the approach, noting that regional neighbours should resolve cross-border matters through direct communication rather than ultimatums.
Premier Wheatley explained that the Inter-Virgin Islands Council was specifically established as a bilateral mechanism for the two sister territories to address shared concerns directly. He cautioned that involving the United States federal government would inevitably require the formal involvement of the United Kingdom, undermining the local council framework.
Furthermore, the Premier highlighted that the regulation of Virgin Islands waters is a constitutional power devolved by the United Kingdom to the locally elected Government of the Virgin Islands. Addressing ongoing public debate regarding the updated fees, the Premier clarified that the charges do not represent a fee to enter Territorial waters, but rather a licence required to conduct commercial activities.
The schedule applies to all foreign charter operators, not solely those based in the USVI, and fees for locally based charter vessels were also adjusted accordingly. According to the Premier, the CRVL framework had not been revised since its initial introduction in 1992 under the Territory's first Chief Minister, the late Honourable H.
The original annual rates of $400 to $800 no longer reflected the modern value and scope of the commercial marine sector. Premier Wheatley noted that prior discussions had already produced significant compromises, including tiered fee structures for day-trippers, reduced per-trip costs after seven visits, and reciprocal arrangements eliminating trade licence and work permit barriers.
With Governor Bryan term-limited ahead of upcoming elections, the Premier expressed hope that the two administrations can continue to reset relations and work together constructively.
Primary source: BVI Government