I suspect the BVI was stung by charter companies relocating boats to the USVI during the covid lockdown. The USVI was really booming. They are taking a stance to try and prevent a big resurgence in the USVI charter industry.
And I am going to bet the charter company has been asked this question more than a few times, giving them more frustration that people "just don't understand what we're going thru." With the advent of CoVid, the general decline of customer service and levels of irritability seem to have accelerated - and you might have been caught in the downdraft.
You're gonna have a great trip, regardless. Next trip will just be in the BVI!
Have fun!
