Governor Albert Bryan has called for an urgent meeting between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVI) after several US federal agencies raised concerns about the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL) framework and its impact on USVI maritime businesses.

Bryan made the request following a September 17 meeting at the US Department of the Interior in Washington, DC, involving representatives from the Interior Department, US Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Office of the United States Trade Representative and US Small Business Administration.

According to the governor, the federal representatives questioned the status of the BVI licensing matter and its implications for USVI-based commercial operators, passenger movement and regional commerce.

Following the meeting, Bryan formally proposed that the two territories convene an Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington during the week of October 12, with relevant federal agencies participating.

He has requested written confirmation from the BVI Government by September 25, 2026.

“The US Virgin Islands has approached this issue in good faith and with respect for the BVI’s authority to regulate commercial activity in its waters,” Bryan said.

“But these regulations have consequences for US businesses, US vessels and US passengers, and the interest expressed by our federal partners makes clear that this matter extends beyond the waters separating our two territories.”

Federal representatives have expressed willingness to participate in a coordinated discussion between the USVI and BVI, while federal meeting space has been offered for the proposed October session, subject to final scheduling.

The BVI’s previously announced CRVL framework included annual charges of $7,500 for certain foreign-based term-charter vessels with up to seven entries, $2,100 for each additional entry and $24,000 for unlimited entries.

The framework also included fees of $8,500 for day trips and $2,500 for water-taxi licences.

The USVI Administration has raised concerns about the cumulative impact of the costs, entry limitations, preauthorisation requirements, vessel documentation, crew-clearance procedures and other conditions on USVI charter vessels, water taxis, dive operators and related businesses.

“Our businesses cannot be expected to operate indefinitely under escalating costs, uncertain procedures and requirements that affect their ability to compete and earn a living,” Bryan said.

“We are neighbors, and our preference is to resolve this cooperatively. But we also have a responsibility to protect the economic interests of the people and businesses of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

The proposed Washington meeting would address CRVL implementation, licensing fees and entry limitations, customs and immigration procedures, vessel and crew requirements, and standards for cross-border maritime activity.

The USVI is also seeking a documented work plan outlining responsibilities, deadlines, interim protections for affected operators and a schedule for follow-up.

Bryan said the October meeting could provide an opportunity for the two territories to reach a mutually respectful resolution before broader federal consideration becomes necessary.

“We have offered a clear path forward,” Bryan said. “The appropriate next step is for the BVI Government to come to the table with the USVI and our federal partners so we can address these concerns constructively and establish a stable path forward for the maritime economy we share.”

If the matter remains unresolved, relevant federal agencies may consider issues within their respective responsibilities involving maritime safety, customs, immigration, border security, transportation, trade and other federal interests affecting US vessels, businesses, passengers and commerce.

The Bryan-Roach Administration said it will continue coordinating with USVI maritime businesses, industry stakeholders and federal partners while awaiting the BVI Government’s response.