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3 USVI charter companies relocate to VI over new fee structure

-CEO of &Beyond Yacht Charters says relocation makes sense
&Beyond Yacht Charter is one of three USVI charter companies relocating to the Virgin Islands following the charter fee increase. Photo: &Beyond Yacht Charter
Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), Mr Kennon Jones has accused the USVI government of not standing up for the local charter industry there. Photo: Facebook
Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), Mr Kennon Jones has accused the USVI government of not standing up for the local charter industry there. Photo: Facebook
Mr Collin Steyn, &Beyond Yacht Charters' Chief Executive Officer, said it makes sense to be based where the business is, following the company’s decision to relocate to Virgin Gorda from St. Thomas. Photo: LinkedIn
Mr Collin Steyn, &Beyond Yacht Charters' Chief Executive Officer, said it makes sense to be based where the business is, following the company’s decision to relocate to Virgin Gorda from St. Thomas. Photo: LinkedIn
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- Three charter companies from the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have chosen to relocate to the Virgin Islands (VI) following the implementation of the increased annual fee for foreign-based vessels.

The increase in fees to $8,500 from $200 came into effect on June 1, 2025, following amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act. 

USVI-based WTJX, in a June 16, 2025, article, stated that according to the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), Mr Kennon Jones, among the three chartered companies that chose to relocate to the VI is &Beyond Yacht Charters.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to mean lost jobs, lost income, and will hurt the overall economy locally,” he said, accusing the USVI government of not standing up for the local charter industry there.

Lost jobs & income in the USVI

The VIPCA, in a statement, noted that the marine industry supports in excess of five thousand jobs, pumping $166 million into the USVI economy. 

It added that for every vessel relocating to the VI or any day charter company that may eventually close, it is not only the loss of that direct business. The Association explained that there would be a ripple effect as a wide network of local businesses that support and benefit from the industry would also suffer.

It makes sense to relocate- &Beyond Yacht Charters CEO

Meanwhile, Mr Collin Steyn, &Beyond Yacht Charters' Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said the decision to relocate his fleet to Virgin Gorda is based on business. 

&Beyond Yacht Charters has a fleet of twenty-one vessels, and Mr Steyn said it would not be economically feasible to maintain operations out of Yacht Haven Grande on St Thomas now that the BVI government has implemented its new fee structure. 

“It makes sense to be based where the business is in some respects…And so, were there a bigger demand for chartering in the USVI, I think there would be a much different discussion.”

Mr Steyn said 99% of his clients request charters in VI waters, attributing the demand for the destination to aggressive marketing.

The other two companies relocating their business to the VI were not named. 

The VIPCA also called on USVI Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr. to implement reciprocal licensing fees for Virgin Islands-based vessels operating in USVI waters following the fee increase. 

Governor Bryan, however, according to WTJX, has defended the VI government’s actions as reasonable and economically necessary, adding that he would not impose reciprocal fees.

35 Responses to “3 USVI charter companies relocate to VI over new fee structure”

  • VIP 4 more years (17/06/2025, 09:37) Like (6) Dislike (30) Reply
    Now we see the bvi is the one eating the lunch of the usvi now you all could tell that power hungry Garrett to go home he will never be premier
    • Please... (18/06/2025, 09:14) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Are you serious? All of these charter companies derive as much as ninety-nine percent of their charter revenue aka (LUNCH) from the natural resources of the BVI, and you are suggesting that we are eating the USVI's lunch now?
  • c (17/06/2025, 09:49) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    No room in the marinas already. Sorry local boat owners; you’re out of luck.
  • good (17/06/2025, 09:53) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    and let more follow
  • Great for BVI !!! (17/06/2025, 10:07) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope they remain committed to that decision, after being frustrated navigating the bureaucratic complexities involved in establishing a business in the BVI.
  • smh (17/06/2025, 10:29) Like (8) Dislike (23) Reply
    Business is Business! But that is an outrageous jump from $200 to $8,500. Seriously, VI Government is being greedy and nonchalant.
    • Citizen (17/06/2025, 13:25) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why not say the $200 follow fee was extremely low for the type of business and income it yields. The new cost is a perfect sweet spot.
      • ? (17/06/2025, 21:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        The question remains how many of our ‘citizens’ will be employed by these upcoming businesses?
      • @citizen (18/06/2025, 07:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree one hundred percent, but how much are the fees in the usvi and other parts of the world.
    • J (17/06/2025, 13:48) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      Many persons don’t like Trump’s rules but have to abide by them. The same applies to the rules implemented by other countries. We have to do what is in our best interest.
    • @SMH (17/06/2025, 21:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really? How yiu figure?
    • @SMH (18/06/2025, 09:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, you feel that black people ought to keep consuming the bits left on 'OUR' plate while you savor 'OUR' dinner...but this is a new day, and you better Wake Up!
  • Arrion (17/06/2025, 11:10) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Money talks! Since yachts are always coming into the BVI waters anyway, they should relocate here and help us boost our economy and save themselves a lot of money due to the increase in USVI docking fees. This makes sense for both us and them.
  • 621796 (17/06/2025, 11:17) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVI is still the place to do business
  • goon (17/06/2025, 13:41) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Thanks Hon. Premier for making bold decisions despite the noise. If this was a negative story there would be over 50 comments, but it's positive so we are at 7. The Premier and his government made hard decisions that will result in positive economic activity for the BVI and they get no praise, but there is always some noise about Kartel, travelling etc. Do you guys really love the BVI or just hate the government?
    • No reason to complain (17/06/2025, 16:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You said it Goon , he made a good decision and the silent majority is with him so there is not alot of posts . All the post are positive . That the nature of politics , if the public did not agree they would have the right , I would even say the duty to voice their opinion. The kartel was pure foolishnees if you are a supporter I suggest leaving that alone so people quickly forget and hope that he learned from the experience.
    • Thank him for what? (18/06/2025, 05:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The premier doesn't ne need thanking, he didn't do anything towards this, our rates to register boats haven't changed.
      So just stop back riding.
  • Serious question (17/06/2025, 13:48) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Anyone of them hiring?
  • who (17/06/2025, 14:24) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They just come back home the BVI is home for them they have no way to sail in the USVi
  • 2024 (17/06/2025, 15:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    need to develop the airport so we can have air travel to and from major airports around the world: Such developments will have impact on the Ferry Service but air travel will be more fundamental once the airfare can be regulated

    Back in the day most of us went across the water for shopping but we can now shop online: Back in the days the record shows that BVI spent over 2 million dollars per annum in USVI Market

    Lets develope




  • Make Sense to relocate to the BVI (17/06/2025, 16:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would have relocate to the BVI with my business if I was in that industry. It only makes sense and is a wise business decision. Congratulations!
  • BuzzBvi (17/06/2025, 17:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of those 21 boats will need new crew as unlikely the crews are all VIslanders. The crews won't have work permits for the VI . Good opportunity for an employment open day and get the college kids jobs working these 21 new boats. And there of course the extra crew jobs with the other 2 companies that were kept secret. Many more jobs for VIslanders.
  • big boy (17/06/2025, 19:38) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    They went over their during covid and 99% of their business is in the BVI. That don't make any sense. What the hell u doing over their ?
  • 2024 (18/06/2025, 00:03) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    we may end up needing a VISA to enter the USVI

    Look out
  • Only Fair (18/06/2025, 05:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that we are getting their business again , I think it would be fair that BVI government make certain that they hire a high volume of bvi locals/residents
    • @Only Fair (18/06/2025, 18:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      True, but most likely they’re just gonna hire the Filipinos you know how they do us.
  • A thought (18/06/2025, 06:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We already have 20+ charter companies….most places that people sail to are already crowded. How much is too much? One boat on every mooring ball?
  • Rubber Duck (18/06/2025, 07:59) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yet again showanda is vindicated he is the best leader we ever had
  • bvi (18/06/2025, 08:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    That is good for the BVI!
    Can someone please explain why we are referring the the BVI as just the VI , but refer to St Thomas as the USVI? Sounds like we are trying to distance ourselves from the British!
    • @bvi (18/06/2025, 11:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please refer to the following site to assist with your query. https://bvi.gov.vg/content/about-territory#:~:text=The%20official%20name%20of%20the,the%20United%20States%22%20in%201917.
  • Karnage (18/06/2025, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Balance has been returned to the Force. You see now who was behind the scene kicking up dust.
  • WELCOME (19/06/2025, 03:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    To the real sailing capitL of the world.


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