The 36th Legislature will hold an emergency meeting with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to discuss proposed tariffs and new travel fees affecting trade and movement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, Senate President Milton E. Potter announced.
The governor’s plan includes a minimum 25% tariff on goods imported from the BVI and new entry and exit fees for non-Virgin Islanders traveling between the territories. His administration says the measures address economic imbalances in cross-border trade and travel, according to the press release.
“We recognize the urgency of addressing economic challenges facing our territory,” Potter said. “The Legislature looks forward to engaging in productive discussions 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.”
Bryan’s team will present details on trade imbalances, economic impacts, revenue projections, enforcement strategies, and the potential effects on tourism and local businesses, the press release stated.
For more information, contact Cosme Christian, chief of staff to the Senate president, at 340-774-0880 or cichristian@legvi.org.
