3 USVI charter companies relocate to VI over new fee structure
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.
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35 Responses to “3 USVI charter companies relocate to VI over new fee structure”
So just stop back riding.
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
Look out
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!