A proposed tariff set to be enacted by the United States government next month threatens to unravel decades of economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean. The new policy, which would impose a hefty $1 million port fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports, could raise shipping costs by thousands of dollars per container, potentially shifting the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean to foreign competitors. For Caribbean exporters, this tariff would be a major blow, raising the cost of goods and disrupting established trade relationships that total $92.3 billion annually.

While the United States government has framed the proposal as a trade measure aimed at countering unfair practices, it will have profound implications for Caribbean economies that depend on efficient, cost-effective shipping services to move goods. Most of the vessels serving the region were built in China, meaning the vast majority of Caribbean trade will be directly impacted by this policy.

For Caribbean businesses, the stakes are high. With rising shipping costs, many companies could be forced to either absorb the additional costs or pass them along to consumers. Both scenarios are unsustainable. Higher prices on exports to the Caribbean would make American goods less competitive, pushing businesses in the region to turn to other nations for supplies. The result? U.S. exports to the Caribbean could plummet, damaging a $92.3 billion trade relationship and costing both U.S. and Caribbean businesses valuable market share.

The proposed tariff will also hurt the livelihoods of many Caribbean workers who rely on a robust, affordable shipping network to support industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Rising shipping costs could result in fewer goods reaching the islands, driving up prices and making it harder for businesses to operate. For smaller Caribbean economies, the impact could be even more severe, as many rely heavily on U.S. imports for basic goods and supplies.

Tropical Shipping, a key player in U.S.-Caribbean trade, has raised its voice against the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal, warning of the far-reaching consequences for both American and Caribbean workers. “This tariff will not only raise costs for Caribbean businesses but will hurt American workers as well,” said Tropical’s President and CEO in a letter to the USTR. “American workers in port operations, warehousing, trucking, and logistics will feel the impact, while exporters from the U.S. will find themselves less competitive compared to foreign rivals.”

At its core, the proposal threatens to destabilize Caribbean economies by driving up the cost of goods exported from the U.S. and weakening the region’s reliance on U.S. ports. The Caribbean is the United States’ largest trading partner in the Western Hemisphere, and this tariff would directly reduce the volume of goods passing through U.S. ports, ultimately harming jobs in both regions. It would also make it increasingly difficult for Caribbean countries to maintain consistent access to the goods they need, further straining already delicate economic conditions.

The Caribbean’s stake in this decision is clear. Tropical Shipping is urging businesses and individuals across the region to submit comments to the USTR, outlining how this tariff would affect their operations. This simple step could be a turning point, helping to prevent a trade policy that could ultimately disrupt the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

For more information about the USTR Section 301 proposal and how to submit your comments, visit the USTR Public Comment Page.

Tropical Shipping remains committed to protecting the interests of both Caribbean businesses and American workers, recognizing that both regions are interconnected in ways that cannot be ignored. The outcome of this decision could have lasting consequences for U.S.-Caribbean trade — a relationship that is essential to both economies’ continued prosperity.

– Defends government support for entertainment events like BOB

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has dismissed reports that the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) contributed an additional $50,000 to the upcoming Black on Black Concert, set for Saturday, 15th March. Speaking on The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Wheatley called the claims “false” and warned against misinformation.

“The claim that the BVI Tourist Board put in $50,000 is simply false. It’s inaccurate journalism,” he stated.

He clarified that the BVITB operates with its own budget and that sponsorship decisions are handled by the Board’s Managing Director. However, he reaffirmed that government support for major entertainment events is a strategic investment.

The government’s initial sponsorship of $220,000 for the event has been a subject of debate, with some critics questioning the allocation of public funds to support a concert featuring an artist with a controversial history.

However, Premier Wheatley has defended the investment, suggesting that the economic benefits derived from tourism and related activities justify the expenditure. He remarked that such events stimulate the tourism product, leading to increased spending in areas like accommodation, car rentals, and local businesses.

Steve E. Parillon of YOLO Promotions confirmed that the BVITB’s contribution was “less than $10,000,” significantly lower than some public estimates. He emphasised that such sponsorships are standard practice for major local events. “The BVITB is a sponsor, and they have always been a sponsor of our events,” Parillon noted in a recent interview.

Hon. Wheatley also highlighted the necessity of government support for such events. “If you want to have these events, they must have a certain level of government support. Without it, quite honestly, they won’t happen. You have to spend money to make money. When you stimulate the tourism product, the returns are significant,” he explained.

Addressing the broader impact of entertainment tourism, the Premier highlighted successful past events, including the Buju Banton concert, and the upcoming Vybz Kartel performance. “You’re going to find people flying in, filling up hotels, Airbnbs, and villas. Some can’t even find a place to stay, so they stay with family and friends. They’re renting cars, spending money, paying environmental levies, and departure taxes—all of which support our economy,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Wheatley reaffirmed his commitment to growing the tourism sector, citing that 2024 saw the second most visitors in the territory’s history. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “We’re going to continue working our strategy, and I hope the people of the Virgin Islands will understand the broader impact of what we’re doing.”

Hon.  Wheatley’s comments underscore the government’s ongoing support for entertainment tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the Virgin Islands.

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted targeted searches at two residences, in a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, March 11, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of an AR-15 rifle, a 9mm Glock pistol, 52 rounds of ammunition, and 260 grams of cannabis. The arrests bring the total number of firearms recovered in 2025 to eight.

Following the operation, all four individuals were taken into custody for questioning, with subsequent investigations resulting in formal charges. Raheem Blyden, 32, of Crabbe Lot, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, keeping an unlicensed firearm, three counts of possession of explosives, and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another. Meanwhile, Shaika Jeffers, 31, Ayana Lennard, 29, and Chad George, 21, all of Sophie Bay, have each been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of explosives.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool underscored the urgency of addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the territory, stating that while the number of ammunition rounds recovered in just ten weeks reflects the dedication of RVIPF officers, it also highlights the alarming presence of illegal weapons. She urged citizens to recognize the gravity of the situation and support law enforcement efforts to combat gun violence and criminal activity.

“The reality should serve as a wake-up call to all law-abiding citizens. It is imperative that we unite in support of the RVIPF and other law enforcement agencies in their relentless efforts to combat gun violence and criminal activity. Only through collective action can we ensure that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work, and vacation,” Vanterpool stated.

The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to removing illegal firearms from communities and maintaining public safety. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Individuals with information can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or, for overseas callers, at (284) 800-8477.