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Rymer: “Resounding success” — over 60,000 passengers have used city shuttle service

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Collage of photos showing City Shuttle service

By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor


It is officially one year since government rolled out the City of Road Town Park and Ride Shuttle Service.

And Minister of Communications and Works, Kye Rymer, is calling it a “resounding success”.

In his statement in the House of Assembly Friday afternoon, the minister revealed that over the past 12 months, in excess of 60,000 passengers have used the service.

Below is the minister’s full statement:

Madam Speaker, this week – on 7 February, to be more specific – we recognised the first anniversary of the City of Road Town Park and Ride Shuttle Service, and I am pleased to report to this Honourable House that this service which provides essential transportation around the City, has been a resounding success.

For the past 12 months, in excess of 60,000 passengers have taken advantage of this convenient, easy, hop-on-and-off, complimentary service. We have seen the electric-powered shuttles traversing the City to full capacity at times. The service has been well received by the public as it affords city patrons the opportunity to leave their vehicles parked while moving around the City to conduct business or run errands during the work day.

I continue to encourage everyone to park their vehicles and embrace this advantageous, complimentary transportation service. Our goal continues to include reducing vehicle congestion and promoting more effortless movement within the City while reducing the Territory’s carbon footprint.

The service has maintained the use of six (6) electric transit shuttles. Each shuttle has a 15-passenger capacity and the maximum speed capacity is 25 miles per hour with 50 driving miles once fully charged.

The route continues to encompass significant businesses within the city centre. Passengers can board the shuttles from designated stops between the Red Cross Building and the Hospital area every 15 minutes, starting at 7:00 am and ending at 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Due to the low maintenance costs of these electric shuttles, we have been able to maintain this initiative as a complimentary service.

Road Town has been challenged with traffic and parking woes, which continue to be an increasing problem due to the Territory’s increasing population and physical development. While we welcome growth and development, we must continue to develop innovative ways to reduce frustrations and promote the ease of traversing the City. As a Government, and through my Ministry, we have implemented a number of measures to ease the problem as much as we can and we continue to look for opportunities for further improvement.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Communications and Works is mandated to develop and maintain the Territory’s infrastructure. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the infrastructure conforms to international standards to support enhanced community life.

As such, the implementation of the City of Road Town Park and Ride aimed to achieve the following objectives:

i. Alleviate parking lot congestion;

ii. Reduce traffic congestion;

iii. Reduce the use of fossil fuels and the effects of harmful emissions into the environment, and thereby reduce the carbon footprint of the Territory;

iv. Reduce parking on roadways which causes traffic obstructions;

v. Aid in pedestrianising the City; and

vi. Improve mobility within the City limits.

Research has proven that green public transportation contributes to a healthier environment by improving air quality, reducing vehicular movement, and reducing oil consumption. Therefore, the Ministry is strategically working toward a greener, safer, and pedestrian-friendly City of Road Town. This Park and Ride initiative has taken us closer to accomplishing these goals.

Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Department of Facilities Management for their efficient management of the shuttle service and to the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority for their continued support. I also recognise the dedication of the friendly drivers who are the linchpins of keeping this reliable service in operation.

It would be remiss of me not to recognise the passengers that use this service daily. To them, I express my sincere appreciation for their acceptance and commitment to parking and riding the shuttle.

The City of Road Town Park and Ride Shuttle Service is just one component of a comprehensive initiative to improve the Capital. Persons would be aware of the traffic turnaround initiative which was implemented to ease the congestion of traffic in Road Town. My Ministry and the Public Works Department are currently exploring the possibility of turning the traffic from the Road Town Methodist Church’s Burial Ground on Main Street to Flemming Street to a two-way thoroughfare. We have been monitoring the traffic flow patterns and are working on ways to make the flow of traffic more efficient. In addition, persons (motorists and pedestrians) would have noticed the three Solar Powered Crosswalk Signals installed along Waterfront Drive. In short order, two additional signals will be placed on DeCastro Street.

While we have done quite a bit of work and completed many significant projects in the Territory, I reassure the people of the Virgin Islands that my Ministry will continue to be committed to investing in improving our infrastructure and providing opportunities for a thriving economy and enhanced quality of life for all here in these beautiful Virgin Islands.

Madam Speaker, my team at the Ministry and I continue to stand committed to our vision to provide a high standard of internationally accepted public infrastructure and utilities. We remain committed to the growth and development of the Territory through high-quality infrastructures and transport systems to support residential and business communities. This vision is progressively realised with the execution of many development and maintenance projects and initiatives to enhance our beautiful Virgin Islands’ quality of life and living.

Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to invite Members of this Honourable House and the entire public to the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Newly Rennovated Road Town Market Square this Monday, 13 February, at 10:00am. I look forward to seeing everyone there. The reconstruction of the Market Square was one of our commitments when we took office and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver on this promise to the people.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for the time to share the anniversary of the City of Road Town Park and Ride Shuttle Service and the exciting developments in our Capital City.

Madam Speaker I thank you.

Local News

BVI Premier Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Establish Minister of State Position

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Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has announced plans to pursue a constitutional amendment to formalise the appointment of a Minister of State, a position currently not recognised under the British Virgin Islands’ constitutional framework. The revelation came during an interview on The Big Story with JTV’s Cathy Richards on March 11, where the Premier addressed recent shifts within his administration, including the return of Hon. Lorna G. Smith to government and the reassignment of Hon. Karl Dawson.

The changes, announced earlier in the day, saw Dawson’s removal as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, while Smith was designated as Minister of State. However, Wheatley acknowledged that the position does not yet legally exist, requiring approval from the United Kingdom to be formally established.

“In the Westminster system, there are different types of junior ministers, including Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries,” Wheatley explained. “While our current constitution allows for junior ministers, we would need an amendment to introduce the Minister of State designation.”

The Premier confirmed that he has informally raised the matter with the Governor and intends to discuss it further in an upcoming meeting with UK Minister for Overseas Territories, Steven Doughty. If successful, the amendment would provide the BVI government with additional flexibility in ministerial appointments.

Wheatley defended his decision to publicly designate Smith as Minister of State ahead of securing the constitutional amendment, stating that she was passionate about the role, particularly in relation to financial services—one of the territory’s key economic sectors. He emphasised that the move signals his administration’s commitment to expanding the governance framework to better reflect the needs of the territory.

“My point in communicating it is to let persons know that this is something we want to get done as quickly as possible,” he said.

While Smith is not a member of Cabinet, the Premier noted that she will be invited to Cabinet meetings as needed to discuss matters related to her portfolio. Under the current system, only five ministers can be full Cabinet members. Any expansion would require additional constitutional reforms, including a potential increase in the number of elected officials in the House of Assembly.

Should the UK approve the amendment, Smith’s position would become official, leaving a junior ministerial post open. Wheatley also indicated that his government may request an increase in the number of junior ministerial positions beyond the current limit of two.

“We would be asking for the ability to have different levels of junior ministers, and I believe it would be prudent for us to request more than just two,” he said.

As negotiations with the UK progress, the government’s ability to restructure its ministerial framework remains uncertain. However, Wheatley remains optimistic that changes can be implemented in a timely manner.

“We will see how quickly we can get it done,” he said, underscoring his administration’s push for constitutional reform.

The proposed changes come at a time when the BVI is preparing for broader constitutional negotiations with the UK. The discussions will not only address the Minister of State position but could also lead to wider governance reforms.

For now, Smith will continue to serve in one of the two existing junior ministerial roles until a formal decision is made.

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Local News

Premier Wheatley Congratulates Turks and Caicos Leader on Election Victory

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Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has extended his congratulations to Hon. Charles Washington Misick following his victory in the recent general elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In a letter sent on Monday, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the strong mandate given to the Turks and Caicos leader by the people, describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership. “The overwhelming support given to you by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a testament to the confidence and trust placed in your leadership,” Wheatley wrote.

As Premier Misick begins his new term, Hon. Wheatley offered his best wishes for the successful implementation of national initiatives. “I wish you and your team a successful term in office as you work tirelessly to secure the political, social, and economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the citizens,” he stated.

The BVI Premier, who currently serves as President of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), also expressed appreciation for Hon. Misick’s support in securing that position. “Please allow me to also take this opportunity to thank you for your support in my bid for the Presidency of UKOTA and express collective congratulations on your win on behalf of all the Overseas Territories,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of regional cooperation, Hon. Wheatley reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between the Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. “I look forward to your continued collaboration and support as we continue to work together as Overseas Territories leaders for the betterment of our people and to strengthen the ties between our respective Territories,” he added.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains focused on fostering strong partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands and other Overseas Territories to advance shared interests and address the unique needs of their communities.

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Local News

Henry Prince Appointed District Officer for Virgin Gorda

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Henry Prince has been appointed District Officer for Virgin Gorda, effective February 3. In this role, he will coordinate government activities on the island, oversee the management of the Government Administration Building, and serve as the primary point of contact for official inquiries.

Prince brings over two decades of leadership and managerial experience, having previously served as Director of Facilities at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Operations Manager at the Bitter End Yacht Club. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute, and a Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Leadership.

Prince expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Virgin Gorda community, stating, “The role represents the Public Service’s commitment to maintaining a standard of excellence across the Virgin Islands, and I am delighted at the opportunity to contribute to this progress. I look forward to working and engaging with colleagues and the community in this capacity.”

As District Officer, he will collaborate with Sister Islands Programme Coordinator Monel Nickie, as well as District Officers Carmen Blyden of Jost Van Dyke and Shirley Vanterpool Evans of Anegada.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, welcomed Prince’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of the District Officer role in ensuring government services are effectively delivered to Sister Islands residents. “Mr. Prince is a valuable addition to the Sister Islands Programme Unit, and I am confident that his skills and experience will allow him to succeed in this role,” she said.

The Government of the Virgin Islands continues its commitment to the effective administration of the Sister Islands through the Sister Islands Programme Unit.

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