‘We are allowing non-VIslanders to own the marine industry'- Skelton-Cline
Speaking on his show, Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM on June 10, 2025, Mr Skelton-Cline pointed out that if one goes to the north side of St John in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), they would not see “a bunch of charter boats” anchored in the bays.
Further, he said to get to St John, one has to take the ferry, which runs frequently on a schedule. He said this system also allows taxi operators to get a steady flow of customers.
Money, he said, stays in the USVI economy.
‘Ferry boat operators being decimated’
“Here in our country, we are seeing the ferry boat operators being decimated. We’re seeing owners of the local ferry boats making major investments in new equipment, and their numbers are falling because we have a policy here in this country, on the marine side, where we are allowing non-Virgin Islanders to own the marine industry in this country.”
Mr Skelton-Cline posited that there’s so much “space out of the tube” that courageous leadership will be needed to address the issue.
He said on any given day at White Bay, Jost van Dyke, for example, one can find “a slew of charter boats”, most of which are from the US Virgin Islands.
“The ferry boat that used to run to Jost van Dyke, St Thomas, Red Hook, they almost have ceased to exist, local people, local companies, and then the taxi service providers in Jost van Dyke have nobody to transport because they’re all coming by sea, all coming by charter boats, most of whom are not Virgin Islanders. So, local ferry boat operators suffering and, if the hammer doesn’t drop, they’ll go out of existence.
Charter boats in the bay
Skelton-Cline also bemoaned the fact that charter boats are allowed to anchor on the bay where there is no separation between swimmers and boats.
“So, what are you saying Claude? I’m saying that we gotta find a way…a systemic way, a structural way, to support our local ferry operators. They are already being decimated by airlift, [and] that’s not going to change in terms of airlift because we need to improve airlift. We need to extend the airport, but there are means and ways by policy, by legislation, by statute, to curtail what's happening in this country.”
The commentator argued that some of the ferry services have been handed down as part of a family legacy, and it is not “good enough to just see things die” because the services are still necessary.
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12 Responses to “‘We are allowing non-VIslanders to own the marine industry'- Skelton-Cline”
1. The reason you don't see charter boats anchored on St John is because anchoring is illegal. It's almost all national park where anchoring is prohibited.
2. Their north shore is exposed to the north swell, just like ours. It doesn't make for good anchorages.
3. The areas they have designated for mooring balls are consistently full, so the entire statement is BS.
4. Every boat that comes from the USVI brings with it people to the BVI. What do they do when they go ashore? SPEND MONEY—taxis, bars, etc. Let's not forget the egregious fees the BVI government charges them to wait at West End port for two hours just to clear in, so they can spend that money.
5. USVI are quickly building up attractions for these day boaters so they don't need to come here. This isn't because they particularly want to; it's because we are forcing them to stop spending their money here.
6. Virgin Islanders have a significant number of advantages over non-belongers. For starters the lack of a requirement for work permits, the ability to actually obtain a trade license, and perhaps even the seemingly optional-for-them payments of SSB, NHI, and inland revenue. The same people who invest in USVI businesses would invest in BVI businesses if it were not for the culturally predatory atmosphere towards inward investment and the blatant xenophobia towards outsiders that CSC continue to propagate.
The man is complaining about a problem he perpetuates.
If their business model is no longer working, its either they change it or change the way they do business. They have gotten too greedy. There are times we need to catch the ferry to the USVI to deal with a number of things and its so unfair the amount of fees being charged for the tickets, baggage, etc for a 30 to 50 minutes ride. I'm shocked by the high fees being charged for such shabby rides. Sometimes the inside Cabin are so hot and stuffy, the noise of the boat itself can sometimes cause headache or hearing loss, then there are no free amenities such as wifi, water or even free movie. All one can sit idly by and do is watch the outside scenery until it runs out, after which one can watch the pounding waves or if possible take a short nap.
If the Operators wish to stay in b usiness longer then they should make some changes. Here are a few suggestions:-
1. Explore different revenue streams by looking into offering a monthly weekend service to PR, SXM, SKB, STX, SVG, EUX or another Caribbean island. Its getting ridiculously impossible to get a flight out to one of these islands. Think about persons who would like the opportunity to visit these islands, shop, visit family or attend a particular Festival such as Music Fest in SKB.
2. Improve your daily Schedules - make it more time efficient for departures and arrivals and please leave when you are scheduled to. Thank you.
3. Enhance Customer Service - implement Computerised customer check-ins. It takes too long to check in both bags and people. Your check-in processa is too slow.
4. Prices - optimise ticket pricing strategies by offerring discounts during off peak travel; offer curated excusion packages by liaising with other businesses such as Hotels, Restaurants, etc.
5. Implement user friendly online booking systems, which can be utilised by persons with disabilities and persons who aren't computer litetate. The current online ticketing systems are dubious.
6. Create a Mobile App where anyone can access up to date info, access their bookings and real time info that may be deemed ne cessary to facilitate hassle free travel.
7. Offer services such as wifi, water, bush tea or coffee for free and snacks, sandwuches and local beverages and beer for a small fee. You can even offer blanket and small pillow complimentary for your elderly client and mothers with babies or toddlers free of cost. Since y'all want to act like aeroplanes charging for 'carry on bags' why not go all the way? Lol! I am sure these offerrings will enhance our overall experience, we'll even forget about all the exorbitant extra fees.
New Revenue Streams - Have you ever thought about selling T-Shirts, Mugs, Shot glass, etc emblazoned with the name of your Company? Most Tourist and even some locals would grab at the chance of owning stuff like this. During the local Festival, try selling a drink curated for your Company and offer it for sale in either your mug or shot glass...thats two for the price of one. Do you have a Ferry Mascot? If you don't, why not? If you do, why haven't you gotten several made which can be sold to children or their grandparents to take home as a souvenir? Another bright idea, some persons love to have their picture taken with either the Capt of the Plane or the Boat. In this case, why not offer for a small fee getting one's pucture taken with the Capt in front of the boat. The framed pic can then be couriered to the client. All these extras can be arranged during the initial purchase of the tickets and since you have the client's email info, please be mindful and keep in contact with them about the follow year's travel arrangement especially if they are annual visitors or own a home in the VI. You can also send them virtual birthday, anniversary or holiday greetings. Another revenue idea; the same Capt/client picture can be used to create cards, book marks, etc...the sky the limit.
I have lots more ideas but since i am unaware if any would be utilised, let me hold onto the remainding. Blessed Sunday y'all and good luck with your future business endeavours. It might be imperative that you look into data analysis with regard to what the immediate and needs of your customers, the current travelling trends and the behaviour of the market. Its time to start thinking outside the box!!!