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Claude Skelton Cline has warned that the BVI cannot afford a confrontation with the United States (U.S) over its charter vessel fees, arguing that the United Kingdom (UK) is too weak to protect the Territory from possible retaliatory measures.
Speaking on his radio programme on September 29, Skelton Cline urged Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley and United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to put aside their egos and negotiate a phased settlement.
“This is not the time for us to be picking a fight with anybody, especially the United States of America,” he said.
Skelton Cline stressed that the dispute has moved beyond the BVI and USVI and now involves the wider US Government.
“If this matter were to go any further, it would be a fight with the United States that we cannot win,” he warned. “Ants should not go fighting elephants and giants. You cannot make an emotional decision that has commercial implications.”
He said the UK would be unable to protect the BVI if the disagreement escalates under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
“The United Kingdom is in no position to defend us. The United Kingdom itself is in a weakened state, especially in dealing with America and the Trumpism that is prevailing at this time,” he argued.
“We are caught in the cracks between the UK and the US.”
Skelton Cline also pointed to the BVI’s constitutional relationship with the UK, claiming Premier Wheatley could not independently approach the US State Department without the involvement of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
He warned that retaliatory action could affect the Territory’s food supply, access to the United States and direct air service.
Skelton Cline noted that a significant amount of food shipped to the BVI passes through St Thomas or Puerto Rico after originating in Miami or Jacksonville.
He also raised the possibility of Virgin Islanders facing tougher US visa requirements or costly bonds similar to measures imposed on nationals of some Caribbean countries.
“Imagine what would happen if Trump placed visa restrictions on Virgin Islanders or put us in the same category as Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and some of our other Caribbean neighbours, where people have to find a $30,000 bond and go through a visa process,” he said.
“That’s the fight you want to have?”
Skelton Cline further warned that the BVI’s direct American Airlines service from Miami could be vulnerable if the dispute worsens or the route becomes commercially unviable.
“You want American Airlines to decide that this leg is no longer feasible and cut it on its own?” he questioned. “They cut it before, and they can cut it again.”
He acknowledged that Governor Bryan had mishandled the issue through his language but said the BVI should not respond in kind.
“Yes, Governor Bryan, in his language, has mishandled it. He needs to own that,” Skelton Cline stated. “But this should not be tit for tat. Let us show ourselves to be more mature, rational and reasoned, and address this matter.”
The dispute surrounds changes to the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing framework that took effect in June 2025.
The fees include $24,000 annually for unlimited entry by certain foreign-based charter vessels, $8,500 for day trips and $2,500 for water-taxi licences. Other foreign-based term-charter vessels can pay $7,500 annually for up to seven entries, with each additional entry costing $2,100.
The BVI Government has defended the charges as a legitimate effort to regulate commercial activity in its waters and strengthen the local marine sector. USVI officials and marine operators contend that the fees have harmed their businesses and forced vessels to relocate to the BVI.
Governor Bryan recently said US federal officials suggested bringing the BVI to Washington for negotiations before “harsh punishments or restrictions” are considered.
Bryan, who has proposed talks during the week of October 12, said the matter now involves several federal agencies. He warned that unresolved tensions could affect vessels, passenger movement and trade, although he said he wanted to avoid measures that could increase food prices in the BVI or restrict travel between the neighbouring territories.
Skelton Cline said Bryan appeared to have been summoned to Washington and given specific objectives and timelines, suggesting that the USVI Governor was no longer fully in control of the matter.
“Let us take him at his word. He said he was summoned to Washington and was not the one who escalated this matter to the Trump administration,” he said.
Skelton Cline urged both territorial leaders to pursue a compromise that recognises the BVI’s right to collect revenue while allowing USVI operators time to adjust.
“This is not about somebody tucking their tail and walking away. Let us take off our egotistical hats and hang them on the back of the door. This is about survival,” he stated.
He suggested an acceptable phased approach that would protect USVI businesses while eventually allowing the BVI to reach its desired fee level.
“This is not the time to fight, especially not with our family, friends and neighbours next door,” Skelton Cline said. “It is not even a necessary fight.”
Speaking on his radio programme on September 29, Skelton Cline urged Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley and United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to put aside their egos and negotiate a phased settlement.
“This is not the time for us to be picking a fight with anybody, especially the United States of America,” he said.
Skelton Cline stressed that the dispute has moved beyond the BVI and USVI and now involves the wider US Government.
“If this matter were to go any further, it would be a fight with the United States that we cannot win,” he warned. “Ants should not go fighting elephants and giants. You cannot make an emotional decision that has commercial implications.”
He said the UK would be unable to protect the BVI if the disagreement escalates under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
“The United Kingdom is in no position to defend us. The United Kingdom itself is in a weakened state, especially in dealing with America and the Trumpism that is prevailing at this time,” he argued.
“We are caught in the cracks between the UK and the US.”
Skelton Cline also pointed to the BVI’s constitutional relationship with the UK, claiming Premier Wheatley could not independently approach the US State Department without the involvement of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
He warned that retaliatory action could affect the Territory’s food supply, access to the United States and direct air service.
Skelton Cline noted that a significant amount of food shipped to the BVI passes through St Thomas or Puerto Rico after originating in Miami or Jacksonville.
He also raised the possibility of Virgin Islanders facing tougher US visa requirements or costly bonds similar to measures imposed on nationals of some Caribbean countries.
“Imagine what would happen if Trump placed visa restrictions on Virgin Islanders or put us in the same category as Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and some of our other Caribbean neighbours, where people have to find a $30,000 bond and go through a visa process,” he said.
“That’s the fight you want to have?”
Skelton Cline further warned that the BVI’s direct American Airlines service from Miami could be vulnerable if the dispute worsens or the route becomes commercially unviable.
“You want American Airlines to decide that this leg is no longer feasible and cut it on its own?” he questioned. “They cut it before, and they can cut it again.”
He acknowledged that Governor Bryan had mishandled the issue through his language but said the BVI should not respond in kind.
“Yes, Governor Bryan, in his language, has mishandled it. He needs to own that,” Skelton Cline stated. “But this should not be tit for tat. Let us show ourselves to be more mature, rational and reasoned, and address this matter.”
The dispute surrounds changes to the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing framework that took effect in June 2025.
The fees include $24,000 annually for unlimited entry by certain foreign-based charter vessels, $8,500 for day trips and $2,500 for water-taxi licences. Other foreign-based term-charter vessels can pay $7,500 annually for up to seven entries, with each additional entry costing $2,100.
The BVI Government has defended the charges as a legitimate effort to regulate commercial activity in its waters and strengthen the local marine sector. USVI officials and marine operators contend that the fees have harmed their businesses and forced vessels to relocate to the BVI.
Governor Bryan recently said US federal officials suggested bringing the BVI to Washington for negotiations before “harsh punishments or restrictions” are considered.
Bryan, who has proposed talks during the week of October 12, said the matter now involves several federal agencies. He warned that unresolved tensions could affect vessels, passenger movement and trade, although he said he wanted to avoid measures that could increase food prices in the BVI or restrict travel between the neighbouring territories.
Skelton Cline said Bryan appeared to have been summoned to Washington and given specific objectives and timelines, suggesting that the USVI Governor was no longer fully in control of the matter.
“Let us take him at his word. He said he was summoned to Washington and was not the one who escalated this matter to the Trump administration,” he said.
Skelton Cline urged both territorial leaders to pursue a compromise that recognises the BVI’s right to collect revenue while allowing USVI operators time to adjust.
“This is not about somebody tucking their tail and walking away. Let us take off our egotistical hats and hang them on the back of the door. This is about survival,” he stated.
He suggested an acceptable phased approach that would protect USVI businesses while eventually allowing the BVI to reach its desired fee level.
“This is not the time to fight, especially not with our family, friends and neighbours next door,” Skelton Cline said. “It is not even a necessary fight.”
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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