An opportunity for the Captains and crew to discuss ways to improve the Virgin Island tourist industry.

The preview of the charter fleet is closed for the day and I am headed back for a shower and to change into my “whites” for the Governor’s reception with Governor deJongh (right), Lt. Governor Francis, and Senator Hill.  Walking towards Havensight to find a taxi, I looked back at the fleet with the sun setting and snapped another example of why everyday is magic in the Caribbean.  The place to snag a taxi is at the Rum Hut, and the bartender, Megan, secures one for me.  The taxi driver, Joseph, picked Jason and me up, and I noticed a change of clothes in his Taxi.  It ended up that Joseph was going to stop by the Boat Show reception, too, in order to hear the Governor’s remarks.

I had told Shelly Tucker, the chairperson of the event, that I would volunteer to be a bartender at the reception so I could meet some more unforgettable characters.  Well, it worked.  Next to me were two guys, Kevin and Cheech, who had just opened The Tap Room, the second brewery in the U.S. Virgin Islands – St. John Brewers. ( A past posting had me visiting Fort Christiansen’s Brewery on St. Croix.)  They had an overwhelming response to their Virgin Islands Pale Ale.  My suspicions turned out correct.  I met a bunch of unforgettable characters and I ran into some of my new friends that I have met the past few days.  Holy Moly!  When the crews are not on charter they kick back and have fun! 

In the midst of serving drinks to the boat show crew and guests, I did have a moment with the three government officials and spoke about two questions I had prepared,  “What is the long term plan for creating a sustainable tourist economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands?”, and, “Is there any possibility that the “6-Pack” rule” will be changed in the near future which would greatly benefit the Charter industry?” It was a lively dialogue with each of the elected officials.  They are very concerned about how to sustain an economy that fluxuates with the ups and downs of the mainland economy.  ALL of the service businesses rely on visitors spending money on-island.  They have various ideas as to how to create an economic environment in the Virgin Islands that is so attractive that it will be hard to resist for tourists and investors no matter what the economic climate is on the mainland. 

The BIG issue for the charter industry is the “6-Pack” law.  The law states that no charter can begin in the U.S. Virgin Islands that has more than six guests.  This requires that the fleet of yachts that are able to accommodate more have to pick them up in a different country.  That country is almost always the British Virgin Islands, which allows more than six charter guests to be picked up from their ports. 

The impact on the charter fleet is a MAJOR expense for them to sail or motor to Tortola to pick up their guests instead of having them fly into Charlotte Amalie and walk right on to their yacht.  In addition, the loss of revenue to the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands is significant.  All of the 8-Pack charter guests spend all of their hotel, airport tax, taxi fares, restaurant fees before and after their charters in the BVI. 

I had an extended conversation with Lt. Gov. Francis and his wife Cheryl, and Senator Hill about this issue.  They clearly understand the problem and the hurdle they have in resolving it, is that the U.S. Federal government is the one imposing this law on the U.S. Virgin Islands.  So, as a protectorate they do not have much clout on Capital Hill to impact the law.

After the reception I decided to walk down the docks and breath in the salt air and saw that Clasship I was all lite up and having a party.  I didn’t stop by, but I snapped this photo.  Another day of interacting with some of the professionals I most admire – charter crews, has come to an end.  I will check with you in the morning.  A great day is planned tomorrow for the Boat Show.  Bacardi Rum is showing up for the Master Blender contest and there will be a BIG party for the participants at Paradise Point in the evening.  We will talk soon…