Bryan, VIPCA Lay Groundwork for Marine Sector Growth, Blue Economy Investment

In a focused strategy session held earlier this week, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. met with the leadership of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Yacht Association (VIPCA) to advance a comprehensive vision for revitalizing the territory’s marine sector and expanding its footprint in the blue economy, Government House has announced. The meeting brought together longtime maritime advocate Oriel Blake and VIPCA’s newly appointed Executive Director Kenan Cummings, who joined Governor Bryan to discuss ways to strengthen the charter yacht industry, increase access to mooring infrastructure, and grow marine-focused workforce development initiatives. A key point of discussion was the governor’s full backing of the Marine Charter Business Revitalization Act, which proposes significant tax relief for charter and day yacht operators over a 10-year period. The act would cut gross receipts tax to 2.5%, reduce income tax liabilities by 50%, and offer targeted fuel concessions. These incentives ar...