Walwyn Criticised Over International Claims
An opinion piece published by Virgin Islands News Online says Opposition Leader Myron V. Walwyn was wrong to suggest the United States could punish the British Virgin Islands over recently increased maritime fees. The analysis argues Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley secured the best available outcome and explains why the US has no direct legal authority over the BVI on currency or fee-setting matters.
A commentary published by Virgin Islands News Online has taken aim at Opposition Leader Myron V. Walwyn for his public comments about potential United States intervention after the British Virgin Islands increased maritime licensing fees. The piece commends Premier and Minister for Regional Affairs Dr Natalio D.
Wheatley for negotiating what it describes as the best possible outcome for the BVI, and says Mr Walwyn’s earlier claim that the US Virgin Islands (USVI) were "eating our lunch" was misplaced. The authors argue that Mr Walwyn has repeatedly mischaracterised the limits of US influence over the BVI.
The central legal point advanced is straightforward: the British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory, not a US territory or an independent state, so the United States has no direct authority to dictate the BVI’s fiscal or regulatory policies. Fee levels for maritime licences are decisions made under the BVI’s domestic authority and ultimately within the remit of the United Kingdom as administering power.
The commentary — researched with contributions from Julian Willock, a political science graduate with a concentration in international relations, and attorney Ayana S. Hull — says even if the USVI suffers economic consequences from BVI fee changes, that economic harm alone does not provide a legal basis for US sanctions or punitive measures.
US sanctions are normally tied to national security, foreign policy, or law enforcement concerns such as sanctions violations or money laundering, not commercial competition between neighbouring territories. The article also revisits currency history. It notes the BVI formally adopted the US dollar in 1959 with UK approval, a choice made for practical trading reasons given proximity to the USVI.
The US did not grant or retain any legal right to revoke that decision, and the use of the dollar in the BVI is a matter of internal constitutional arrangement between the BVI and the UK, not a discretionary lever for a US president. That said, the piece acknowledges diplomatic and practical pressures can be applied informally: both territories have negotiated conveniences — including ease of movement for residents — that make cooperation mutually beneficial.
The authors urge political leaders on both sides to seek amicable resolution rather than public posturing, and call on the Opposition to avoid misrepresenting international law to the local public. The analysis was published on Virgin Islands News Online and reflects the views and research contributions of its named authors.
Primary source: VINO