Premier Urges Re-election of Kye Rymer
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley backed Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer during parliamentary debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, saying Rymer can modernise the territory's infrastructure if returned to office. Wheatley acknowledged early funding shortfalls and praised Rymer’s persistence on water, sewage, roads and the airport runway project, while noting public frustration remains over everyday service delivery.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has publicly urged voters to re-elect Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, saying the minister has the experience and leadership needed to modernise the British Virgin Islands’ infrastructure. Speaking during parliamentary debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, Dr Wheatley defended Rymer’s record and called on residents to keep him in office if they want “solid results.” The Premier said Rymer has worked to “overhaul, revamp, rehabilitate, and modernise” infrastructure across the territory and described his approach as persistent and solutions-focused.
Dr Wheatley acknowledged the scale of the challenges Rymer inherited: ageing water distribution systems, failing sewerage infrastructure and deteriorating roads. He said those problems were compounded by limited funding when the minister first took office. “He did not have the money to solve the water challenge, and he did not have the money to solve the sewage challenge,” the Premier said, adding that the situation only began to change after the government secured major external financing.
The Premier praised Rymer’s efforts to secure reliable supplies of asphalt and to strengthen the government’s capacity to maintain roads once rehabilitation work is completed. He also highlighted Rymer’s personal commitment to standards and workmanship, saying the minister “believes in giving his best to whatever it is he’s involved in.” Since taking office, Mr Rymer has overseen several high-profile initiatives.
Cabinet declared water infrastructure a national critical priority in an effort to accelerate repairs and system upgrades that aim to reduce chronic shortages. Rymer has also advanced the long-awaited runway extension at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and is credited with helping restore non-stop flights from the United States to the BVI after about two decades without them — a development with potential benefits for residents and tourism.
Supporters credit Rymer with pushing long-deferred upgrades and setting a course for sustainability, while critics say water reliability and road maintenance still fall short of everyday expectations. Those tensions were reflected in Parliament as the energy and water Bill moved through debate.
For residents, the outcome of the debate and the coming election matters in practical terms: continued access to financing, effective oversight of utility services, and operational capacity for road and airport works will all affect daily life, business and tourism. With those stakes in mind, Premier Wheatley urged voters to back continuity in the infrastructure portfolio so the government can continue current projects and deliver measurable improvements.
Primary source: BVI News