Bryan: BVI Charter Fees, De Minimis Relief
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Bryan: BVI Charter Fees,
De Minimis Relief
M.A. Dworkin
USVI - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. stated he would prefer to resolve the ongoing marine charter disputes with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the local level, even though officials in Washington appear eager to take a more direct role in the highly inflammatory issue.
Governor Bryan revealed that officials from the U.S. State Department recommended a summit in the U.S. capital that would effectively summon BVI leaders to discuss the USVI’s concerns over recent exorbitant increases in charter fees and longstanding concerns over access to Territorial waters.
“We were in Washington to discuss with the State Department about this problem with charter fees in the BVIs,” Bryan said. “They’re recommending that we have a summit in Washington where we summon the British Virgin Islands government and their leaders to Washington to discuss the matter.”
However the Governor made it clear that he would rather avoid federal intervention and try to settle the matter with neighbors who have been on a friendly basis for decades.
“We think we can get this matter resolved on a local level. We really don’t think the interference of the Feds, as eager as they are to get things resolved, is beneficial. Although we appreciate their concerns.”
The dispute centers on charter yacht fees and access arrangements between the two neighboring Territories, whose marine industries are deeply intertwined. For decades, charter vessels have operated fluidly between the BVI and the USVI, reflecting close familial, economic and historical ties between the islands.
In recent years, however, tensions have flared over the fee structures and entry requirements which has caused a significant disparity in seasonal costs for charters in the USVI.
“Right now, as you know, our yachts are paying $24,000 a season, while their yachts pay $4,000 a season. It’s incredibly restrictive,” Bryan said.
The BVI government has previously defended its fee regime as part of broader marine management and revenue measures, particularly as the Territory continues to rebuild and strengthen public finances in the wake of hurricanes and other economic shocks. The marine charter industry remains a key revenue earner for the BVI, contributing hundreds of millions annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
Governor Bryan acknowledged that part of the solution lies within his own jurisdiction. He has cautioned USVI marine stakeholders that their counter offer for fees should be fair.
“The main thing in this is, I keep telling our yachting community, we need to come up with a fair rate to pay. And then we can really go back to the BVI and talk about some compromise,” the Governor suggested.
According to Bryan, documentation has already been exchanged between both governments, and efforts are underway to convene a bilateral meeting as early as March 2026.
“A lot of documentation has been put forward between the two parties, and we’re starting to set up a meeting with the BVI,” he said.
Despite the Governor’s preference for a regional solution, Washington’s reported interest in hosting a formal summit signals that the issue may be viewed through a broader diplomatic lens. Any U.S. led engagement would likely involve coordination with the United Kingdom, given the BVI’s status as a British Overseas Territory.
For many in the BVI and USVI the dispute is about more than fees. Generations of shared heritage, intermarriage, and cross-border commerce have fostered a uniquely close relationship between the Territories.
Governor Bryan’s stance on the matter suggests he is keenly aware of those ties and wary of escalating the dispute beyond the Caribbean. Still, with federal officials seemingly intent on inviting the BVI to Washington, the coming weeks could determine whether this maritime disagreement is settled around a regional negotiating table or, for whatever their alternative agenda, under the watchful eye of the Trump Administration in the U.S. Capital.
White House Requests Docs on
De Minimis Exemption
The Governor also announced a new Territory-wide outreach effort to collect detailed, real-world documentation of postal fees and related impacts tied to the suspension of the federal de minimis exemption.
The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed many low-value shipments to move without added duties and related processing costs, was suspended for shipments affecting the Territories beginning in late August 2025, driving sharp and unexpected cost increases for Virgin Islands households and businesses when mailing packages to the U.S. mainland.
The outreach and documentation effort is being led by Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Office of the Governor, in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel, to ensure submissions are organized, verified when possible, and presented effectively in ongoing federal advocacy.
Since the exemption was lifted, Governor Bryan has elevated the issue repeatedly in direct federal engagement, including meetings with senior federal officials, coordinated Territorial advocacy, and formal appeals to the President for an exemption recognizing the unique realities of the U.S. Territories.
Most recently, during high-level meetings at the White House, Governor Bryan met with Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, where the Bryan Administration’s advocacy advanced to a more targeted phase. Governor Bryan said the White House encouraged the Virgin Islands to submit documented, case specific examples showing the actual cost impacts on residents and businesses, so the Territory’s request is supported by a clear record of harm and disruption.
“We are going to meet this moment with facts and documentation that cannot be brushed aside,” the Governor said. “This is about fair treatment for the people of the Virgin Islands and relief that reflects our reality as an island community that depends on shipping for daily life and commerce.”
To support this effort, the Office of the Governor is requesting that residents and businesses across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St, John submit their experiences, including how new fees have affected household budgets, squeezed small business margins, caused packages to be left behind, delayed essential goods, or resulted in unexpected charges at the post office.
Submissions should be sent to:
To help the Government of the Virgin Islands use each submission effectively in advocacy with federal officials, participants may be asked to include the following:
Name and contact information
Island and post office location
Date the package was mailed or picked up
Whether the shipment was personal, business related, or essential goods
Copies or photos of any notices, or receipts, if available
A brief description of the impact, including unexpected costs, inability to send or retrieve a package, business interruption, or delays in essentials.
Governor Bryan emphasized that providing information was voluntary, but noted that more complete submissions will strengthen the Territory’s case for relief.
“If this has impacted your household or your business, tell us what happened and show us what it costs,” Governor Bryan said. “We will compile this information and take it directly where it needs to go to keep pressing for the outcome our people deserve.”
The deadline for submissions is Friday March 27, 2026.
For more information, residents may contact the Office of the Governor through:
