Bryan, Wheatley agreed to pause proposed BVI charter-fee changes pending review

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley to discuss proposed BVI fee changes for non-BVI-based charter operations, according to a Government House statement published March 7, 2025.

The statement said Bryan raised concerns that the proposed fee increases and entry limits would affect U.S. Virgin Islands-based charter operators that rely on access to BVI waters and could disrupt marine businesses in both territories.

According to the statement, Wheatley said he would review the proposed fees and consider increasing the number of term charters allowed from the USVI to the BVI. The two leaders also agreed to pause implementation of the proposed changes while additional data was reviewed.

Wheatley said no final conclusions were reached during the meeting, but both sides agreed to examine the numbers and continue discussions on a possible agreement.

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach also attended the meeting, according to the statement.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-meets-with-bvi-premier-wheatley-productive-discussions-yield-commitment-to-review-fees-and-charter-operations/