Willock Commends Nanny Cay Water Initiative Amid
Former House Speaker and political hopeful Julian Willock has commended Nanny Cay Resort and Marina for maintaining its free drinking water programme established after the 2017 hurricanes. The initiative provides essential relief as several Tortola communities continue to navigate persistent water supply disruptions caused by aging infrastructure and leaks.
Former House Speaker, government advisor, and District Three political hopeful Julian Willock has commended Nanny Cay Resort and Marina for continuing its free drinking water programme, an initiative originally established in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes to support surrounding communities.
Willock specifically praised General Manager Miles Sutherland-Pilch and resort owner Cameron McColl for their sustained dedication to corporate social responsibility. He noted that their ongoing efforts directly address an essential everyday need for families in Sea Cows Bay and nearby neighborhoods navigating persistent public water supply interruptions across the district.
Describing the initiative as a prime example of good corporate responsibility to always give back, Willock emphasized that Sutherland-Pilch and the Nanny Cay team consistently support community causes from the heart rather than seeking public recognition. The free water distribution connection is located directly on the Nanny Cay property, allowing residents during normal operating hours to fill containers with clean potable water at no cost.
His remarks come amid widespread public water supply disruptions affecting several communities across Tortola, including Pasea Estate, Jennings Hill, Fort Hill, Nottingham Estate, and Huntums Ghut. Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer recently reported that Water and Sewerage Department teams discovered four leaks while responding to complaints, including a major rupture near the Delta gas station in Pasea Estate that disrupted service to Road Town and surrounding areas.
Minister Rymer attributed the frequent breakages to aging infrastructure, increased demand, deteriorating reservoirs, pressure-management difficulties, and severe drought conditions. He added that underground pipes made identifying leaks challenging and confirmed that the department is working on interim arrangements to assist households left without running water for extended periods.
Highlighting his long-standing partnership with Nanny Cay, Willock pointed out that corporate collaboration has delivered tangible community benefits over several years. These include sponsorship for the Third District Committee's annual Job Fair, educational supplies and financial donations for local schools, and direct employment placements for nearly 20 residents.
Reflecting on his public service philosophy, Willock stated that his objective has always been to leverage corporate relationships to deliver tangible benefits for local residents, adding that he remains committed to serving the people rather than pursuing personal gain. Access to reliable potable water remains an urgent priority across the Virgin Islands, with private sector initiatives like the one maintained by Nanny Cay serving as an essential lifeline for local households during public utility disruptions.
Primary source: VINO