Feds want to 'summon' VI leaders to Washington over charter yacht fees- USVI Governor
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Governor Bryan recently attended the National Governors Association’s annual Winter Meeting and the 2026 Interagency Group on Insular Areas Senior Plenary Session at the US Department of the Interior.
In his address to the USVI today, March 2, 2026, Mr Bryan said he was in Washington, where his delegation had discussions with the State Department about the Virgin Islands’ new charter yacht fee structure.
Amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing (CRVL) Act made provisions for increased charter fees. Under the new fee structure, which came into effect in June 2025, annual multi-night charter licenses that previously cost around $800 have now increased to $24,000 per vessel. Day-trip licenses have risen from $200 to $8,500 per vessel, in addition to customary customs and immigration charges that can add another $900 to $1,200 or more for each entry.
The USVI and marine vessel operators have accused the new fee structure of negatively affecting their marine tourism industry.
Feds ‘seem very eager to resolve this matter’
“They are recommending that we have a summit in Washington where we summon the British Virgin Islands government and their leaders to Washington to discuss this, [but] we think we could get this matter resolved in a local manner. We really don’t want interference with the Feds, but they seem very eager to resolve this matter.”
Governor Bryan added that a lot of documentation has been put forward “between the two parties and we’re setting up a meeting with the BVI, hopefully this month, March, we’ll be able to get with that but we had several discussions there on that issue of the right to enter into their waters and their right to enter into our waters.”
Mr Bryan reiterated that USVI-based yachts are paying $24,000 a season to enter VI waters while VI-based charter yachts are only paying $4000.
“It’s incredibly restrictive, but the main thing in this, as I keep telling our yachting community, we need to come up with a fair rate to pay, and then we could really go back to the BVI and talk about this,” Governor Bryan said.
See related article below:
USVI Governor asks President Trump to intervene in USVI-VI charter fee issue
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41 Responses to “Feds want to 'summon' VI leaders to Washington over charter yacht fees- USVI Governor”
Tell those jokes while they sort out a fair pay rate, considering they're taking home 70% to 80% of the industry's wealth to North America, Europe, and South Africa from every region.
Is he missing the point. If you would like to talk to our leaders please take the time to visit our country in the BVI and see what you are wanting free of charge and have a friendly chat with the local leaders. We look forward to your visit.
Not "Invite”.
Not “Request”.
But rather hop to it when the old trumpian fingers snap.
Step-n-fetch it.
Tell DC to “summon” the Minister from the FCO. (Cue sound of a finger snap)
(Actually a terrible plan, given that PM Sir Kier is sucking up to Trump as fast and as much as he possibly can.)
We in the BVI see how Epstein controlled you so we are not surprised by those who are again controlling you.
You are not only a sell out but you are disrespectful by trying to tell BVI how to arrange things to benefit its people and economy. We can’t and wont do that to the USVI so don’t try doing it to us.
Find other ways to help your people and the USVI economy instead of trying to strong arm and dictate the BVI into doing that for you.
It’s your last term and you think you don’t have anything to lose but when you’re no longer in office the one thing you should have had to fall back on is your reputation but hey…,.too late! Go to hell!
He went there thinking that they were going to back him up , and eat the BVI alive , but it back fire on him, they told him that nothing can be done about that , and now he is trying to use reverse psychology, now he is saying that it can be resolved locally , why you didn’t try locally before going to uncle TRUMP , hahahahah
Especially don't go near any airports in Opa Locka!
I will not attend that meeting summons or not. They cannot compel me to attend. Bryan full of sh** now.
This fee increase is less about being punitive and more about asserting the value of our territory and ensuring fair participation in our marine economy. External pressure from the USVI or Washington risks undermining our sovereignty and the careful management of our marine resources.
A fair solution is possible but it must recognize the BVI’s waters as a critical, high-value asset and balance the regional marine industry without compromising our rights.