Those who have followed the BVI Govt attempt to soak
boaters for new fees will be pleased and relieved.
There was a plan afoot to have new additional "Harbor
Fees" for all boats visiting the BVI:
The start-date for the new fees had been pushed
back until July 15th 2008.
The proposed port fees were to be as follows:
- $1 per foot for the first day in BVI waters
- $0.75 per foot for the second day
- $0.50 per foot for EVERY day thereafter
Customs were expected to be collecting these fees.
It would have made the fees there the highest in the world.
They have now suspended their implementation and
will study what the new fees should be with a report in
September.
Here is the message from Noonsite with full details:
Right now, Sue & I remain on Angel Louise in Connecticut
just off of Long Island Sound.
Ed
...ooo000ooo...
BREAKING NEWS: Cabinet indefinitely defers implementation of harbour
fees
Government Information Service
Cabinet has decided to indefinitely defer the implementations of
harbour fees for vessels entering or remaining in Territorial waters
or those using a BVI Ports Authority facility.
In a statement today, Premier Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE
revealed that the decision was taken at a specially convened sitting
of the Cabinet on Monday.
It was previously announced that the new fee structure would have
taken effect on July 1st but was subsequently deferred until July 15th.
However, the Premier explained that based on representations made to
Government by local associations, maritime agents and others involved
in the yachting industry both locally and abroad, the decision was
taken to defer the introduction of fees in an attempt to protect the
Territory's competitive edge as a yachting destination.
"After all the BVI has been known as the sailing capital of the
Western Hemisphere, if not of the world, and therefore it was
extremely important for Cabinet to consider the representations that
were made, as the Cabinet will do for any representation that the
people will make," the Premier stated.
He added: "It must be remembered that the yachting industry
contributes to the economy of the Territory and the yachtsmen enjoy
our waters from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke."
The Premier further explained that the yachting industry is a
significant contributor to the local economy and as such the sector
must be safe-guarded against adverse impacts.
"Cabinet reviewed the new fee structure and also we considered the
cost implications of the charges when compared to the rising cost of
fuel," the Premier said. He added that "In addition, Cabinet
determined that if the BVI were to implement this new fee structure,
the Territory may have become the most expensive destination in the
world for mariners and yachts."
In addition to indefinitely deferring the introduction of harbour
fees, the BVI Cabinet has agreed to establish a seven-member focus
group to review the said fees.
This group will be chaired by Mr. Peter Haycraft and will include
local agent, Mrs. Francis David, Acting Chairman of the BVI Tourist
Board, Mr. Terrance Ford; Managing Director of the BVI Ports
Authority, Mr. Vincent O'Neal; Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Wade
Smith; Ms. Lorraine Stoutt of Caribbean Transport and a
representative from the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel
Association. The group is expected to submit its report to Cabinet by
September, 2008.
For details of the current BVI cruising fees see here
http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/BritishVirginIslands/?
rc=Formalities#Fees
Ed Kelly (& Sue Kelly)
USSV Angel Louise - a Catalac catamaran
Our Skype Phone (202) 657-6357
Email: EdKelly ("at" symbol) netins.net
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