The charges will be levied on all vessels entering and remaining in the territorial waters or using a Ports Authorities facility, according to Government Information Services. 

Efforts have been made for the past 18 years to bring some finality to the collection of harbour fees with little success.  In 1991, the statutory body awarded a contract to a Canadian firm, Sedley & Co., to study the financial position of the newly formed Ports Authority and recommend a fee structure that would “ensure the viability of the organization.”

In the mid-nineties, an ad hoc committee comprised of several port users was appointed by the then chief minister to study and make recommendations regarding the changes. Then in 1997, regulations and fees were approved — but never enforced. To date, no harbour charges have ever been collected by the Ports Authority, according to GIS. In April, Premier Ralph O’Neal urged the House of Assembly to pass new legislation during his 2008 Budget Address.

“This is one source of tourism revenue that the VI cannot afford to lose any longer and all, I repeat all, attempts must be made to set the house in order and collect the tax,” Mr. O'Neal said.

See full story in the June 12, 2008 issue.