Walwyn Backs Rymer for Water Funding
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn told the House he has been pressing for resources to fix the territory's failing water system and accused other members of defending a government that has not provided those funds. Walwyn said his criticism of Works Minister Kye Rymer is intended to secure support for repairs, not as a personal attack, and pointed to a Bellevue pipe burst the morning of the debate to illustrate ongoing problems.
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn told the House of Assembly that he has been forcefully advocating for Works Minister Kye Rymer to obtain the resources needed to fix the territory's struggling water system, even as some ministers defend the government's pace and approach. "I am batting for you to get money to fix your problem, and you get up defending the man who ain't giving you the money, over me who batting for you," Walwyn said during debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026.
Walwyn emphasised that his sharp public criticism should not be read as a personal attack on Rymer. Instead, he said it reflects an understanding of the pressures the Works Minister faces dealing with frequent pipe bursts, service failures and public frustration. "You are under enormous pressure," Walwyn told the minister, noting that a pipe burst in Bellevue occurred the same morning as the debate. "Up to this morning, a pipe burst up Bellevue… you are under enormous pressure every day." The opposition leader said his objections to the bill are rooted in concerns about funding and the timing of measures, not opposition to reform itself.
He told the House he repeatedly raises infrastructure challenges because he believes Rymer needs stronger backing from Cabinet and the public purse. "I harass you," Walwyn said, addressing Rymer, "because you have a man over here who understands the pressure you’re under." Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and several other government and Opposition members acknowledged Rymer's desire to tackle the issues within his portfolio, expressing sympathy for the minister's efforts to secure resources.
Still, many elected leaders and residents remain critical of how quickly the government is addressing ageing and failing public infrastructure. For BVI residents, the debate underscores ongoing concerns about the reliability of water service and the practical impacts on households, businesses and tourism.
The Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, now under scrutiny, has become a focal point for questions about how the territory will fund repairs, manage the utility and deliver more consistent service. Lawmakers from both sides signalled a need for clearer commitments on funding, timelines and accountability as the debate continues.
Residents will be watching closely for concrete plans and resources to reduce bursts, restore service reliability and prevent further disruptions.
Primary source: BVI News