Introduction to the Meeting

Island-hopping on sailboats is a popular pastime. Photo by Kristel Hayes on UnSplash.

Meeting Overview

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) met to discuss the economic impact of proposed fees under the “Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act” (CRVL).

The meeting was positive, although no final agreement was reached. Both territories agreed to continue working together to find solutions that benefit everyone.

Statement from Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley

Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley thanked Governor Bryan of the USVI for visiting the BVI and having open discussions. He said:

“I want to thank Governor Bryan and his entire team for making the time to come across the water to engage with us. Governor Bryan certainly represented the interests of the United States Virgin Islands vigorously, and I did the same for the British Virgin Islands. The key takeaway is that we found common ground and identified several areas of mutual cooperation. While we were not able to reach a firm conclusion today, we have committed to going back, reviewing the data, and ensuring that we maintain fairness and equity for both sides.”

Discussion Topics

Discussions focused mainly on charter boat fees, regulations, and making it easier to do business in ways that help both territories grow economically.

Statement from Governor Bryan

Governor Bryan said these talks are essential, not only for the Virgin Islands but globally. He added:

“Having these discussions is important. This is not just a Virgin Islands issue or a Greater Virgin Islands issue—it is a challenge being faced on an international scale. As we navigate these political hurdles, communication is key. Coming here to the BVI to discuss the issue, understanding the various moving parts gives us a broader playing field to craft an agreement that makes sense for both our people and the industry. What we decided today is to examine the numbers and work together on a solution that benefits everyone.”

Next Steps

Both territories agreed to keep reviewing data and costs to ensure policies are fair and balanced. Premier Wheatley committed to meeting again with Governor Bryan before finalizing the CRVL legislation. The goal is to pass the law in the BVI House of Assembly by June 2025.

Source: British Virgin Islands GIS.

Conclusion

The meeting between the BVI and USVI was a positive step towards finding a solution that benefits both territories. While no final agreement was reached, the commitment to continue working together and reviewing data is a promising sign. The goal of passing the CRVL legislation by June 2025 is ambitious, but with continued cooperation, it is achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act (CRVL)?

The CRVL is a proposed law that aims to regulate charter boat fees and operations in the BVI and USVI.

What were the main discussion topics during the meeting?

The main discussion topics included charter boat fees, regulations, and making it easier to do business in ways that help both territories grow economically.

What is the next step in the process?

Both territories will continue to review data and costs to ensure policies are fair and balanced, with the goal of passing the CRVL legislation in the BVI House of Assembly by June 2025.