Smith Accuses Opposition of Scare Tactics
Junior Minister Lorna Smith accused Opposition members of using "scare tactics" during debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill 2026, which proposes merging the BVI Electricity Corporation with the Water and Sewage Department. Smith rejected claims that government arrears, right-of-entry provisions, and exclusive water supply rules pose major threats, saying the merger will benefit consumers and workers.
Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith has accused Opposition members of deliberate alarmism during debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill 2026, which seeks to merge the BVI Electricity Corporation with the Water and Sewage Department. Speaking in the House of Assembly, Smith said she listened carefully to the Opposition's contribution and took issue with language and arguments she said were designed to alarm the public. "This is not true.
In fact, the government's bill, as far as I understand it, is in the region of $580,000. Out of a total budget of the corporation of 70 million dollars," she told lawmakers, referring to arrears cited by critics. Opposition members had warned that government arrears and certain bill provisions could undermine the proposed merger.
Smith rejected that depiction and characterised such claims as scare tactics aimed at discouraging public support for the combined utility. Smith also addressed concerns about Section 12 of the bill, which deals with right of entry. Critics suggested the provision would allow officers to enter private property at will.
Smith said those fears were misplaced and highlighted language in the bill intended to limit inconvenience and require compensation for damage. "But again, I see it as a scare tactic because the rest of that paragraph on right of entry says that … provided that the corporation shall cause minimal inconvenience and damage as possible, and shall repair all damage caused or make fair and reasonable compensation for any damage caused," she said.
Another point of contention raised by the Opposition involved provisions governing water trucks and exclusive supply rights. Smith noted similar provisions already exist in law and argued it was misleading to suggest the measure would suddenly prevent water truck operators from continuing their businesses.
Smith maintained the merger represents a positive step for the territory, promising improved coordination, efficiencies, and potentially better service delivery. She urged the House and the public not to conflate legitimate oversight with unfounded alarm, saying, "This merger of the Electricity Corporation and the Water and Sewage Department represents a new day for both departments, and indeed, more importantly, for this territory." The bill remains before the House of Assembly for further consideration as lawmakers weigh the possible benefits and risks of consolidating the territory's energy and water utilities.
Primary source: BVI News