After weeks of growing tensions over proposed charter fee increases, British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley and U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met on Tortola Friday for what both described as intense but productive discussions. While no final resolution was reached, both leaders committed to crunching the numbers and reconvening before any legislative action is taken in the BVI.
The discussions centered around proposed amendments to the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act of 1992 and the Cruise and Home Port Permit Act of 2001, which, if enacted, would significantly increase fees for USVI-based charter boats operating in BVI waters. The amendments, introduced on Dec. 31, would take effect on June 1.
“We made a commitment to go back and reflect the true cost of being able to do business for BVI-based boaters and make sure that USVI-based boaters have something that is fair,” Wheatley said in a brief presser afterward, assuring stakeholders that he would not move forward with passing the legislation until further talks were held. “I made a commitment not to go back to the House of Assembly and pass this legislation until we came together once more to ensure that we are a lot closer than we were previously,” he emphasized.
Bryan also acknowledged the regional economic challenges both territories face, saying that a collaborative approach is critical. “Everyone is feeling the financial crunch,” he said. “This is not just a BVI problem, or a USVI problem — it’s an international issue. Communication is key, and understanding the problem in detail gives us a greater playing field to reach an agreement.”
Despite recent public disputes, the leaders also underscored the deep ties between their territories. “Every friendship has disagreements sometimes, but the true test is what happens when we have those disagreements,” Wheatley said. “Governor Bryan has robustly represented the interests of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I did the same on our side.”
The discussion also expanded beyond charter fees, touching on ways the “Greater Virgin Islands” — a term both leaders referenced — could work together to expand their share of the global tourism market. “We have a great product,” said Wheatley. “We have great people on both sides, and we are anxious to find ways to work together to bring greater prosperity.”
Looking ahead, Wheatley and Bryan both signaled a quick turnaround for the next round of talks, as the BVI aims to pass revised legislation by June. “We are going to be expeditious,” said Wheatley. “We also have to speak with our own local boating industry, but we want to ensure that whatever we decide is fair and equitable.”
