Anguilla is moving to establish stricter controls over foreign charter vessels entering its waters, as disputes over boat fees and territorial access intensify across the eastern Caribbean.
The Anguillian government is preparing new legislation to oversee so-called "party boats" arriving from St Martin and St Maarten. The initiative follows concerns raised by local coastal tourism operators about how these visiting vessels affect their businesses and clientele.
Anguillan Premier Cora Richardson Hodge has made clear that the government's intent is not to exclude foreign boats from Anguillian waters, but rather to establish tighter oversight of their conduct while shielding domestic tourism enterprises. Officials aim to enact the legislation ahead of the peak tourism period.
The regulatory push reflects wider regional friction over how charter boats should be managed. The BVI recently imposed steeper charges on foreign-registered charter operations: $7,500 per year for vessels with up to seven visits, or $24,000 annually for unlimited access. Operators running day trips must pay $8,500 yearly.
USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has rejected the BVI's fee structure, contending it has severely harmed the USVI's charter sector, which depends substantially on the ability to operate in BVI waters. Bryan has extended an offer to the BVI for direct negotiations involving USVI officials and US federal representatives to address the disagreement.
The BVI government has not publicly confirmed whether it will accept the invitation to hold talks.
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