Rymer Rejects Rerouting $100M Loan
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has dismissed calls to shift part of the Virgin Islands' $100 million loan away from road rehabilitation toward revenue-generating assets such as ports and airports. The debate, prompted by commentator Claude Skelton Cline, highlights tensions between immediate infrastructure needs and concerns about long-term debt repayment.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has rejected calls for the Territory to reallocate portions of a US$100 million financing package away from road rehabilitation toward revenue-generating projects such as ports and airports. The discussion was sparked by comments from broadcaster Claude Skelton Cline on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, who argued that roads ‘‘don’t produce no money’’ and urged the government to consider investing borrowed funds in assets that could directly return revenue to help service the loan.
Skelton Cline said the Territory should be “nimble enough to recalibrate, rethink, remap what we’re doing.” Speaking to ZBVI News, Rymer disagreed, saying good roads are fundamental to daily life and economic activity. “Roads are a way that you get around. That is something in any modern country… you want to make sure you have good roads,” he said, adding that there will always be critics regardless of policy choices.
Rymer outlined ongoing efforts funded through the loan, including road repairs, drainage improvements and other public works designed to improve transportation, safety and resilience across the islands. He also noted the government’s recent purchase of an asphalt plant, which is being used to carry out remedial road works territory-wide.
For many residents and businesses, improved roads can mean safer travel, reduced vehicle operating costs, quicker emergency response times and better access to tourist sites and commercial centres. Those indirect benefits can support the broader economy — including tourism and inter-island services — even if they do not generate toll-like revenue streams.
Nevertheless, concerns about borrowing for projects that do not directly raise income have prompted calls for closer scrutiny of how the loan is spent. Proponents of redirecting funds argue investments in ports, airports and the western seaport could produce direct income or increase cargo and passenger throughput, potentially helping to service debt obligations.
The government says the current programme targets longstanding infrastructure deficits while building resilience to storms and sea-level impacts. As work continues under the US$100 million package, politicians, commentators and residents are likely to continue debating the balance between immediate infrastructure needs and longer-term revenue generation.
Officials have indicated they will proceed with the planned road and drainage projects while monitoring outcomes; residents and businesses will be watching for visible progress and evidence that the investments improve daily life and support economic recovery.
Primary source: BVI News