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Some $13.99M generated in economy with yachts relocating to VI- Premier Wheatley

-said more than 90 yachts relocated to VI ahead of 2025/2026 tourist season
According to reports, more than 90 charter yachts relocated to the Virgin Islanda ahead of the 2025/26 tourist season. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) gives the State of the Territory Address at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on June 9, 2026. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) gives the State of the Territory Address at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on June 9, 2026. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands is beginning to experience the benefits of yachts relocating to the Virgin Islands from the US Virgin Islands since the hiking of charter yacht fees on foreign based vessels.

Speaking at the State of the Territory Address at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on June 9, 2026, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said more than 90 charter vessels relocated to the Virgin Islands ahead of the 2025/2026 cruising season.

According to the Premier, the vessels relocating generated "an estimated $13.99 million in direct seasonal economic activity for marinas, provisioning companies, cleaning services, restaurants and local businesses."

New fees 

The new fee structure came into effect following an amendment to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act.

For unrestricted foreign vessels under 115 feet, the annual licensing fee rose from $800 to $24,000.

Additionally, USVI-based vessels traveling to the VI are now limited to about 7 visits per season, with stays generally capped at 4 days and 3 nights per entry.

16 Responses to “Some $13.99M generated in economy with yachts relocating to VI- Premier Wheatley ”

  • Wellsah (16/06/2026, 16:36) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    now raise the charter fees on charters operated in the VI on them cheap ms
  • ok (16/06/2026, 17:40) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Need receipts
  • Warren Buffet (16/06/2026, 17:52) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    When there is bragging about an increase income but nothing to show from it, one must ask the question?
  • 13.99 Million? (16/06/2026, 18:05) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow, from of the looks of the road the water supply and other infrastructure it's really hard to tell.
    • BuzzBvi (17/06/2026, 06:20) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      All being kept for HOA salaries, the SECRET airport and PARTIES!!!!!!!
  • jack (16/06/2026, 19:26) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Bvi on the move
  • ronnie (16/06/2026, 20:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    UMMMM.....do the math
  • ok (16/06/2026, 20:56) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    So we just quoting figures with no data and supporting documents and reports to verify it? Show the people the proof please Mista Pre!
  • guy hill (17/06/2026, 07:11) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just remember people. Mr.Natalio Wheatley is the PREMIER of the/these Virgin Islands. Any questions?
  • Ok but (17/06/2026, 08:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good to keep a sense of proportion: $ 14 million (assuming this can be backed up) sounds like a lot but actually represents 3% of the Territories estimated annual GDP of $ 450 million. Barely enough to keep up with inflation. On the other hand, the Territory just took out a loan equivalent to 22% of the GDP.

  • Real (17/06/2026, 09:10) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    WHO THE HELL BENEFETIN NOT LOCALS WHAT THE PRAISE ABOUT GO THE BANK CANT GET A LOAN BUT ALL THEM WHITE FRIENDS FRONT LINE DONT GET DENIED
    • Wellsah (17/06/2026, 12:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I know you see all the auction banners, you know the banks want your land as collateral to get approved for loans so they can get the underlying asset when you can’t pay.
  • Godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom (17/06/2026, 10:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    $13,99M generated to whose economy, Premier Natalio Sajuande Wheatley. Is the $13.99M bogus figure, a figure that will be used to up the salary of minimum wages earners, low salary healthcare workers, low pension earners, infrastructural restoration and development, including sewerage and pipe water wasteful practices, wasteful frolicking activities, such as vile partying ungodly behaviors, a closing the now wide gap between the greedy rich, and the suffering hardship of Pharoah like treatments against the vast majority of the British Virgin Islands people continuing with no perceived action of change. In spite of, the long road has an end. The jump has a limit. The most violent storm cease to be after it energy is expended, and all false hope crashes in disgrace and shame, as was prophecided to be, maybe beginning next coming general elections 2027, maybe sooner.
  • Is so funny (17/06/2026, 14:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He feel like thas a lot cause he'n never handle nothing major in he life. The territory have the potential to earn 20x that if we would just get our house in order.
  • UK (17/06/2026, 20:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bring more white folk. It’s the future. Blue eyes especially.
  • UK (17/06/2026, 23:43) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am really attracted to whites. More please :)


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