The Virgin Islands economy is stagnating, plagued by crumbling infrastructure and a lack of strategic direction, according to Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton. Speaking at the January 17 press conference, Skelton criticised the government’s heavy reliance on cruise tourism and called for urgent reforms to revitalise the economy and improve residents’ quality of life.

“The economy is stagnant,” Skelton declared. “One of the major things the government relies on now is cruise tourism. While it’s doing well for our taxi drivers, restaurants, and tour guides, the local economy desperately needs a shot in the arm.”

Skelton highlighted the dire state of the territory’s infrastructure, citing roads, water systems, electricity, and waste management as areas in critical need of attention. Despite the allocation of $100 million for road repairs, he noted little visible progress.

“We can all see the disrepair. The roads are crumbling, the water infrastructure is failing, and garbage and derelict vehicles are piling up. Yet, the government doesn’t seem to have the capacity to fix these issues,” Skelton said.

He urged the government to tap into the Opposition’s expertise to address these persistent challenges. “We are advocating that the government utilise the skill set of the Opposition to help get these things done in the best interest of our people and our country.”

While the government recently announced record-breaking tourism numbers, with over one million visitors surpassing pre-2016 levels, Skelton questioned the effectiveness of this growth in boosting the local economy. He pointed out that cruise tourism accounts for 70-75% of these figures, with only 300,000 overnight visitors.

“Overnight guests contribute significantly more direct revenue to the local economy than cruise tourists,” he explained. “The government must shift its focus to attracting more overnight guests and ensuring sustainable tourism development.”

Skelton also criticised the government’s handling of the Tourism Conference held on Peter Island from January 13 to 14, where industry leaders and stakeholders discussed the future of tourism. He expressed frustration that the Opposition was invited only at the last minute.

“As members of the Opposition, we were not invited until the last second, and by then, we already had prior commitments. That’s a mistake on the government’s part and a missed opportunity for collaboration,” he said.

Skelton concluded with a call for the government to prioritise infrastructure repairs and adopt a more inclusive approach to governance. He stressed the importance of diversifying economic strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Our people deserve better,” Skelton stated. “The government must stop making excuses and start making real progress. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the lives and livelihoods of the people we serve.”

District Six Representative Hon. Myron Walwyn has issued a powerful call to action, demanding that the government address the British Virgin Islands’ crumbling infrastructure and move beyond what he described as a “defensive posture.” Speaking passionately on behalf of frustrated residents, Walwyn criticised the government’s failure to provide a reliable water supply, address poorly maintained roads, and ensure cleanliness across the territory.

“I am tired, and I’m sure that people are as well, of the defensive posture of this government when this issue is raised,” Walwyn said. “The blaming of previous governments is not helpful, and it’s frankly a demonstration of immaturity, which has become a hallmark of this government.”

One of Walwyn’s primary concerns was the territory’s ongoing struggles with inconsistent access to potable water. He called for immediate investment in the Water and Sewerage Department, highlighting the dedication of workers who are hindered by inadequate resources.

“The workers in the department are doing their best, but they are not getting the support and the resources necessary to effectively discharge their duties,” he said.

Walwyn urged the government to prioritise resolving the water crisis, a challenge that has persisted for far too long.

Walwyn also condemned the state of the territory’s roadways, citing delays, poor planning, and a lack of transparency in infrastructure projects. He specifically referenced the road between Manchester and Belle Vue, which remains nearly impassable weeks after being dug up for pipe installation.

“The terrible road infrastructure in the territory continues to prevail,” he said. “I am yet to see the wisdom in digging up roads all over the territory all at once with insufficient action to follow to fix them. If the government has a plan to fix the road infrastructure, they are certainly doing a great job at hiding it.”

Despite assurances that resurfacing work would begin last Saturday, Walwyn noted that no progress has been made, nor has any reliable update been provided.

The representative also raised alarm about the impact of derelict vehicles and overgrown vegetation, particularly during the peak tourist season.

“We are in the heart of the tourist season, and we have not found a proper way to address these issues,” he said. “This lacklustre approach to the cleanliness of our country cannot be allowed to continue.”

Walwyn’s comments come as the government nears its sixth year in office, a milestone he argues should be marked by progress, not excuses.

Territorial-At-Large Representative Lorna Smith, OBE, has issued a strong call for the government to address the long-standing neglect of Anegada, particularly regarding delays in land allocation, unpaid workers, and lack of economic support. Speaking at an opposition press conference on January 17, Smith criticised what she described as unfair treatment of Anegadians, urging immediate action to resolve these critical issues.

“While on Anegada, one of the things that concerns me deeply—and I believe it concerns all of us in the opposition—is that the land titles that were agreed to be given to Anegadians over a year ago are still not in their hands,” Smith stated. “What is even more annoying and concerning to Anegadians is that persons who are not from Anegada are able to carry on their developments ahead of Anegadians. I call on the government to fix these kinds of issues.”

Smith underscored the frustration among Anegadians over the delay, pointing out that their aspirations for land ownership have been stifled, despite assurances from the government. She criticised the disparity, noting that non-residents appear to face fewer hurdles in pursuing developments.

Adding to her concerns, Smith highlighted the plight of workers who played a pivotal role in advancing the work of the Anegada Lands Commission. “Last year, we approved supplementary provisions for the persons who had worked so hard on the Anegada Lands Commission, doing all the groundwork to bring between 60 to 90 land grants to approval. These people still have not been paid the monies owed to them,” she said.

Smith described Anegada’s treatment as unacceptable and akin to being “a distant cousin of the British Virgin Islands.” She called for the government to prioritise the island’s development. “I call on the government to bring Anegada to the centre, as I always say, and to give them the kind of attention that they need.”

Smith also touched on the exclusion of Anegadians from micro and small business grants. “There are a number of Anegadians who made applications for assistance under the micro and small business grants, and they were also left out of the fold,” she said.

She urged the government to rectify the situation, expressing hope for a resolution. “Having spoken to them, having spoken to the ministry and the Department of Trade, I hope they will receive the grants that they are eligible for this year.”

In her remarks, Smith expanded her criticism to include issues faced by other sister islands, such as Jost Van Dyke. She expressed solidarity with representatives advocating for fair treatment and equitable development across all islands.

“Anegadians deserve better. It is time for the government to step up and honour their commitments,” Smith concluded.