I just received this email from BVI Yacht Sales and it is NOT good news. Oh my, what is the government doing to the BVI's???

"BVI yacht Sales broker ....
Hello Sailors!

We are now two weeks into a total three week lock-down of all services in BVI, and having had closed borders and 24 hour curfew restrictions has really put a crimp on the economy of the BVI, shutting down all activities everywhere except the very basics. The local government announced last night that the borders will remain completely closed until the 2nd June, at which time they will begin to allow only citizens and residents to return to the territory, but with measures in place to protect the people here now. This restriction of travel for tourists and visitors will remain in place through at least the 1st September. Until then, they will not be allowed into the territory through that time and possibly beyond... time will tell and we will keep you posted.

What this has meant is that boat sales, as well as most other economic activity, have nearly halted. We have a few deals ongoing with boats not in BVI, but other territories are on restrictions as well, so this has been hard for all. The good news, buyers are still emailing us, talks are still happening and there is the potential for boat sales to take place either now while locked down, or soon after, given the high demand we are still experiencing. From the 25th April we may be allowed to move about in the day and be able to continue to conduct some level of works.

In the meantime, we are aware that many of you have your boats here in BVI, and had planned to either return to BVI to use or care for them, to have them sold before hurricane season starts, to have them put away and stored properly on land or in water, or possibly to have them delivered out of the area to locations required by your insurance. We understand that this may be a cause of stress or concern, and we are here to help. Furthermore, the recent enforcement of customs regulations concerning the Registered Agent in the BVI has become an additional problem.
What does this mean?
Every vessel whose owner is not in the territory must appoint a registered agent to be responsible for the vessel while in BVI. This agent will bear full legal responsibility for the vessel in all cases, and must be appointed by law regardless of the vessel on the hard or in the water. The Registered Agent will bear all fines, fees, or costs incurred against the vessel while in the BVI. This is clearly a significant risk and responsibility for the Agent, and a further cost for the boat owner who is not here themselves.
If you have not made a plan for what to do with your boat during this time, or you want to discuss the plan you have in place to be sure its the best option, please write back to us now so we can fill you in on the options available, and help you the best we can.

This is going to continue to be a tough time, and it might be that in the depressed economy we see following the release of travel restrictions that it may not be the best time to sell your boat, but the asset must be protected none the less, so drop us a line and lets be sure you get the best strategy in place to protect your assets here in the BVI through the time to come. We have many recommendations for management and agent companies and will ourselves be involved in assisting you as well.

We are here to continue to work together with you."