– Blasts Gittens for Weakening USVI Position

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. vows to take the USVI-BVI trade dispute to President Trump if necessary, accusing Senator Gittens of undermining negotiations. The canceled meeting will be rescheduled as officials work toward a resolution that protects USVI interests.

Following the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled meeting between the 36th Legislature and Bryan administration officials regarding the ongoing trade dispute with the British Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. condemned Senator Kenneth Gittens for weakening the territory’s negotiating stance. Bryan also stated that he is prepared to petition President Trump to impose tariffs on the BVI that could have significant economic repercussions.

The meeting was canceled after information was made public regarding the USVI’s lack of authority to levy tariffs independently. Senator Gittens had sought clarification from the Senate’s legal counsel on the issue, and the legal opinion confirmed that only the President of the United States has the power to impose such tariffs. Governor Bryan believes that by making this information public, the USVI’s negotiating position was undermined, leading to the sudden cancellation of the meeting.

“Whose side is he on?” Governor Bryan said, referring to Senator Gittens. “It’s about his ego. He isn’t about the Virgin Islands.” The governor had initially called for the emergency meeting to discuss imposing a 25% tariff on BVI goods in response to proposed legislation in the BVI that would significantly raise charter fees. USVI marine industry leaders have warned that such a move could severely impact local businesses.

Governor Bryan stressed that his administration is moving forward with decisive action against the BVI. He also revealed that if necessary, he would seek support from President Trump to implement the proposed tariffs.

“We are moving forward with our own strategy, and if we need help from the White House, I’ll get it from there too,” Bryan said. “I don’t think it will come to that, but I have shared my position with the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. He told me, ‘If you need my help, just let me know.’” The governor noted that his goal is to create an equitable and sustainable sailing and charter boat environment in the greater Virgin Islands.

The meeting has been rescheduled for next week, the governor revealed. He also noted that BVI officials have indicated a willingness to collaborate on a deal that would be beneficial to all parties involved. Discussions are expected to focus on finding a resolution that supports both territories’ economic interests while addressing concerns raised by USVI marine industry leaders.

Source: VI Consortium

The governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands does not possess the legal authority to impose tariffs on goods or services imported from the British Virgin Islands or any other foreign jurisdiction, according to a legal opinion issued by the Legislature’s assistant legal counsel, Sharline Rogers. The U.S. Constitution grants the power to impose tariffs exclusively to Congress, which has delegated that authority to the U.S. president through legislation, including the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934.

The legal opinion, delivered through the chief legal counsel of the Legislature, Amos Carty Jr., was issued in response to inquiries from Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens. It further stated that the governor cannot independently impose fees on goods and services entering the Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands or other foreign countries. While the Revised Organic Act grants the Legislature authority to impose customs duties on imported goods for consumption, no such authority extends to the governor.

The opinion comes as the officers of the 36th Legislature prepare to convene an emergency meeting with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today, Wednesday, February 26. The meeting was requested by the governor in a February 19 letter to Senate President Milton Potter, in which he urged immediate legislative action to address what he described as an “increasing imbalance in cross-border trade and travel.” Bryan proposed a tariff of at least 25% on goods imported from the British Virgin Islands and the introduction of entry and exit fees for non-Virgin Islanders traveling between the two territories.

Senate President Potter announced the emergency meeting on February 21, stating that the Office of the Governor would present briefings on trade imbalances, economic impacts, revenue projections, enforcement mechanisms, and potential effects on tourism and local businesses.

“We recognize the urgency of addressing economic challenges facing our territory,” Potter said in a statement. “The Legislature looks forward to engaging in productive discussion with the Governor’s Office while ensuring any proposed measures protect our local economy and maintain positive relations with our brothers and sisters in the BVI.”

Meanwhile, concerns have been growing within the local marine industry regarding proposed regulatory changes in the British Virgin Islands. At a town hall meeting on February 18, organised by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, industry stakeholders expressed alarm over steep increases in chartering permit fees for foreign-based vessels and new restrictions on home-based vessel definitions. One attendee suggested a retaliatory response to the BVI’s protectionist measures.

Despite these concerns, the legal opinion confirms that the governor lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs or fees on cross-border trade. Any action on the matter would require intervention at the federal level or legislative measures within the Virgin Islands’ constitutional framework.

Source: WTJX Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System