Politics
New Cane Garden Bay sewerage project may be reviewed

It is not too late to rethink the new Cane Carden Bay sewerage project that is estimated to cost taxpayers $4 million and span 18 months.
That’s the word coming from Deputy Premier and Minister of Communications and Works Kye Rymer during a question-and-answer session with Territorial At-Large Representative, Carvin Malone, during the January 26 sitting of the House of Assembly.
The government is planning to replace the low-pressure sewage system with a gravity system. However, it was obvious during the sitting of the House that Malone, a water and sewerage veteran businessman, is not impressed with the new project.
Malone started out by asking Minister Rhymer to disclose what practice was taken into consideration when the decision was first made to replace and/or repair the grinder pump system after 20 years of service.
In response, Minister Rhymer noted a correction: that the low-pressure system was installed in 1997 and not 1997 as stated by Hon. Malone. Rhymer then went on to give a brief history of the Cane Garden sewage project, a contract which was awarded to Caribbean Basin Enterprises Ltd. in 1996 and completed a year later. Though Rhymer did not mention it in his remarks, it is noteworthy to mention that Hon. Carvin Malone was the owner of Caribbean Basin Enterprises at the time the contract.
While Rhymer disclosed the estimated cost and time it will take to design, build, and decommission the new gravity system, he was not able to give a concrete answer, whether or not the generators — that are important to avoid spills into Cane Garden Bay waters — are included in the $4 million budgeted for the project.
It was after this exchange that Malone asked the minister if it would be too late to go back to the drawing board on this project:
Rymer responded by saying it is never too late.
Local News
Alliance Calls for United Front Against Gun Violence in Virgin Islands

Members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have issued a collective call for national unity and reflection amid a troubling rise in gun violence across the Territory, stressing that the situation must not be allowed to become the norm.
“The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory,” the Alliance said in a statement. “No family, no child, no community walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.”
The Alliance emphasised that the crisis is not defined by a single incident but reflects a growing pattern of firearm use that threatens to destabilise society. They warned that this violence is eroding the foundations of law and order, creating an environment where families live in constant fear.
“This is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” the statement continued, calling for a united national response. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity.”
To address the escalating violence, the Alliance has renewed its call for a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, which they said must involve coordinated efforts by the Government and various stakeholders. The strategy, they argued, should balance strict law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions aimed at reducing the root causes of crime.
The Alliance also called for immediate legislative amendments to close what they described as a critical gap in the Territory’s legal framework. They pointed out that while the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives is subject to a much lighter penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.
“It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm,” the Alliance said, calling for the penalties to be brought in line with those for firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
They also stressed the importance of proactive community support, including youth outreach, trauma support for survivors, and significant investment in crime-fighting resources.
“We refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence,” the statement said.
The Alliance ended their message with a call for unity, encouraging residents to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in addressing the recent surge in violence.
“The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come,” they said.
Local News
Opposition Members Meet With Governor to Voice Concerns Over Law Enforcement Review
Three members of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition met with His Excellency, Governor Daniel Pruce, on Monday, April 28, to raise what they described as “serious concerns” regarding the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and the Commission of Inquiry.
The two-hour meeting was attended by Hon. Myron Walwyn, Leader of the Opposition and Sixth District Representative; Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Second District Representative; and Hon. Stacy Mather, At-Large Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Opposition members said the meeting was a vital opportunity to present the views of Virgin Islands residents at the highest level of government.
“We were glad for this opportunity to raise concerns from the public with respect to the Criminal Law Enforcement Review,” Hon. Walwyn said in a statement issued after the meeting. “His Excellency listened intently and gave us the assurance that the concerns raised on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands will be given much consideration.”
Among the key issues raised was the Opposition’s strong disagreement with a recommendation that the Governor re-specify his powers under Section 60 of the Virgin Islands Constitution. That section outlines the Governor’s authority over external affairs, defense, internal security, and the public service.
The Opposition also objected to a proposal that would transfer responsibility for customs and immigration from the local government to the Governor’s office. They insisted that these matters remain under the control of locally elected officials.
Additionally, members voiced firm opposition to any suggestion that sea ports and airports on the sister islands be closed — a recommendation they argue would severely impact the local economy and increase the vulnerability of residents in those areas.
“The matters addressed in the Criminal Law Enforcement Review have significant implications for the governance and the future of law enforcement in our territory,” the Opposition said in a joint statement. “It is therefore critical that the voice of the people is heard and carefully considered in any reforms that are proposed.”
The meeting comes as Virgin Islands authorities continue to weigh a series of recommendations emerging from both the law enforcement review and the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, which examined allegations of corruption and poor governance.
Opposition members said they remain committed to ensuring that “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Virgin Islands people remain at the forefront of any ongoing or future reforms.”
Governor Pruce has not yet issued a public statement regarding the meeting.
Local News
Myron Walwyn Sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in the British Virgin Islands

Sixth District Representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has officially been sworn in as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition by Governor Daniel Pruce. The ceremony, which took place ahead of the House of Assembly (HoA) sitting on Monday, March 24, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the British Virgin Islands.
Walwyn’s appointment follows a formal request submitted to the Governor on Friday, March 21, by members of the recently formed opposition faction known as “The Alliance.” The letter, signed by Walwyn, Second District Representative Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, and Honourable Stacy R. Mather, called for Walwyn to replace Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as Opposition Leader. The Governor accepted the request in accordance with Section 70(5) of the British Virgin Islands Constitution, which allows opposition members to determine their leader by majority vote.
With The Alliance holding a majority within the Opposition, surpassing Skelton of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Eighth District Representative Honourable Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party (NDP), the transition was all but assured. This realignment comes in the wake of internal disagreements within PVIM, particularly over a recent attempt by Skelton and Penn to dissolve PVIM and integrate its members into the NDP. That effort led to a rift within the Opposition, prompting Mather and Turnbull to shift their support away from Skelton.
The political maneuvering has raised speculation about potential challenges from Skelton or Penn in response to the change in leadership. However, for now, Walwyn assumes his role as Opposition Leader, with the responsibility of unifying the bloc amid ongoing internal divisions.
Meanwhile, the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, continues to maintain its eight-seat majority in the HoA. With the Opposition now under new leadership, political analysts will be watching closely to see how Walwyn steers his faction in the months ahead.
ADVERTISEMENT:
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match
-
Uncategorized2 weeks ago
Festival Costs Outpace Revenue Despite $1M Intake, Says Premier
-
Uncategorized17 hours ago
British Virgin Islands Regulators Move to Wind Down Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1
-
Local News13 hours ago
BVI U19 Rugby Squad Departs for Dominican Republic Development Tour
-
Entertainment3 hours ago
Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
Chantel Malone Leaps to First Place Amid Headwinds at Tucson Elite Classic:
-
Local News2 weeks ago
King’s Baton Officially Handed Over to Premier in Ceremony Ahead of 2026 Games