In the USVI, I guess Nekton won't need work permits for its U.S. citizens. Certainly more and cheaper air service. Fuel costs aren't much different, maybe a little less. Food and other supplies (like booze) cheaper -- the USVI is a duty-free area. Don't know about boat repairs costs.

Can't believe that diving around the USVI is as good as that around the Belize atolls.

--Lan Sluder

Belizean Tour Guides are trained well and have the benefit of a life time of experience in local waters. Live aboard need to use local guides. A work permit for the cook might be another issue.
As a tourist diver I enjoy a local guide when I travel outside of Belize much more than a non local.
There is a law about using non citizens of Belize in work related to the tourism industry.I feel like its a good one.