I believe the boat agent issue reflects the expenses the BVI government incurred following Irmaria. Many boat owners had no insurance; others took their insurance payouts and bolted. The government was left holding the cleanup tab. Those who saw Trellis Bay with its dozens of boats on shore (only recently removed) or the sunken boats still littering Manuel Reef can attest to the problem. Not sure the agent solution is the best, but understand the problem.

As far as houses, I believe Hawaii requires rental properties to have a local representative, so that could happen. But so far even hurricane-damaged properties have still had residual value.