Rymer: Road Conditions Unacceptable, Repairs Coming
Minister for Communications and Works Kye M. Rymer acknowledged the poor state of several roads across the Virgin Islands at a press conference on December 12, 2025, and promised targeted repairs and major infrastructure contracts. The government says multiple projects are underway or in design, and short-term patching and longer-term overlays will begin soon.
Minister for Communications and Works Kye M. Rymer told the public on Friday, December 12, 2025, that he will not offer excuses for the poor condition of some roads across the Virgin Islands. "The state of some roads is unacceptable," he said, taking direct responsibility while outlining both immediate and longer-term actions to improve the territory's road network.
Rymer said the government has launched a number of major road infrastructure projects focused on rehabilitation and resilience. Works are planned or under way in Sea Cows Bay, Greenland, Shepherd Hill, Fort Hill, Ridge Road, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, and Anegada. The Paraquita Bay Road was recently completed, he noted, while other key projects on Upper Johnson Ghut/Long Trench, Fort Hill, and Windy Hill are in the design or development phase with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).
Acknowledging public frustration about delayed overlays, the minister referenced earlier comments from Dean H. Greenaway, communications specialist at the Ministry, that technical problems were to blame. Rymer confirmed that some delays stemmed from challenges at the asphalt plant but said those issues were not due to negligence. "These issues were not the result of negligence or any desire to leave people uncomfortable," he said.
For short-term relief, Rymer announced targeted road patching scheduled to begin over the coming weekend. He also said the government has signed several major infrastructure contracts, including one for a road in Sabbath Hill, and that better conditions are coming. "I assure you that better is coming," he told reporters.
In a further step to improve main thoroughfares, Cabinet has approved an overlay of the road from the Western Ferry Terminal to the Road Town Ferry Terminal. Rymer said those works are expected to start soon and will include overlaying, fresh road markings, and the installation of centerline cat's eyes and reflectors to improve night-time visibility.
For residents, the upgrades aim to reduce vehicle damage, improve safety for commuters and school transport, and support tourism and emergency services. The minister did not provide firm completion dates for all projects but said the combination of immediate patching and ongoing contracts should bring noticeable improvements in the months ahead.
Primary source: VINO