Anyone can spin it the way they like....... but the charter business is NOT dead in the USVI.

Any transition to and growth in, the BVI was, at least in MHO, due to a wide combination of things. 9/11 and changes in clearing between the 2 territories, BVI rules and regs for vessels registered elsewhere, some perceived advantages won by doing business in the BVI VS the US, and.. as always, the perception of " more time to explore the BVI" when you start on Tortola vs starting in St Thomas.

The BVI could lose some of those perceived advantages if the government makes it more difficult, and more expensive, to charter there.

Actions have an equal and opposite reaction. Intentions are not always rewarded in the way one hopes. Weather is what you get, not always what was forecast.

Taking it to the point where tourists and boat owners alike need a team of international lawyers and accountants doesn't seem to me to be a " growth perspective".

I'm sure others will disagree <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />