Well it it has been an interesting few days around the BVI with meetings going on left and right over the proposed Harbor Charges. The BVICCHA, the Charter Yacht Society, even the tourist board I hear are all working hard to have these fees rescinded until a full impact study can be done. Even the private sector down here is sitting up and taking notice. There has been some comment that even if they are rescinded, the negative publicity will affect us. Perhaps, but I thoroughly believe that it is the negative publicity from one corner of the sector to another, private, crewed, charters, recreational, etc that is forcing the government to take a look at these things. The internet is a big world.
I have had many people ask me why we stayed. I guess the simple answer is that we love it here, and no matter where you go, even if the grass looks greener today, tomorrow they may impose their own onerous hoops. There have been many times that we thought about sticking the boat in the middle of Road Harbor with a sign on it that said "FOR SALE" due to government (insert whatever the new thing was we had to do/jump through or pay!)
Most of the Caribbean Countries have tried this one on for size lately, with quick backtracking. Everywhere from St Martin to Bahamas. When we were in St Martin a couple months ago, we were shocked at how full the marinas were on the french side and how empty on the dutch. That is because Dutch St Martin has heavy fees for even being anchored on that side now when you check in, so many more boats are going to the french side. Although then, technically, even when you take your tender across to the Dutch side you are breaking the law!
There are people weighing in on these Harbor Charges from the Caribbean 1500 Rally, Private cruisers, charter boats, marinas, restaurants EVERYWHERE! All the message boards are abuzz and every boat owner here who knows anyone in government is making phone calls left and right.
Even those of us who have lived here for a long time cannot figure out the ambiguity and meaning of many of the items.
So, I do expect there to be many changes in all of this before the 15th of the month. I keep on thinking about the saying "blood from a stone" and that is about what I feel like lately.
Anyways, more this weekend, off to a great aunts 50th wedding anniversary tonight!
