Rymer Calls for Modern Marine Policing
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has warned that outdated marine policing methods are ill-suited to tackle rising violent crime and maritime threats in the Virgin Islands. He urged investment in CCTV, drones and satellite surveillance to improve detection, intelligence and coordination among police, customs and immigration.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has criticised what he described as outdated practices in the territory’s marine policing and called for greater investment in modern surveillance technology to counter violent crime and brazen robberies unsettling communities across the Virgin Islands.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Rymer acknowledged a recent spate of violence, offering condolences to the families affected and noting that the territory has recorded its fourth murder for the year. He warned that if the trend continues it could undermine national development and social stability.
Rymer said law enforcement agencies must be prioritised and properly resourced to carry out their duties effectively. He specifically criticised prolonged patrols at sea that rely heavily on fuel and chance encounters, saying: "The days of sitting on the water just hoping, burning fuel — those days are done." He argued these approaches are no longer fit for purpose in a maritime environment with increasing criminal sophistication.
The minister urged investment in technologies such as CCTV systems, drones and satellite surveillance. He said drone technology would allow authorities to monitor illicit activities within communities, across the territory and throughout its maritime space, including for miles beyond local waters.
Rymer pointed to examples of US operations in the Caribbean and South America where satellite technology is used to track activity at sea, often without direct confrontation. "They’re not out in the water in any fight; you don’t even know where they’re appearing from. I think we should utilise whatever technology there is for our surveillance," he added.
Rymer said modern crime-fighting strategies would strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering for multiple agencies, including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Customs Department and the Immigration Department, enabling a more coordinated approach to national security.
For residents, improved maritime monitoring could mean quicker response times, better deterrence of smuggling and more targeted patrols that conserve resources. Implementing such a shift will require capital investment, training, data-sharing arrangements and clear legal frameworks to address privacy and oversight concerns.
Rymer’s call signals a push for budgetary and policy decisions that would move the BVI from largely reactive sea patrols towards integrated, technology-led maritime security. As the territory grapples with violent incidents on land and maritime threats, the minister urged lawmakers to consider these investments as part of a broader strategy to protect public safety, preserve the tourism-dependent economy and maintain social stability.
Primary source: BVI News