Local News
Virgin Islands Government Takes Bold Steps to Upgrade Road Infrastructure
The Government of the Virgin Islands has recently announced a tender notice for Asphalt Paving and Road Markings to address the extensive road network in the Territory.
The project aims to cover over thirty-eight miles of primary roads and is seen as a crucial step in improving the quality and durability of the road infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, during his statement at the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. In his address, Minister Rymer expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Finance for their unwavering support and commitment to secure the necessary loan funding. This funding will enable the Ministry of Communications and Works to comprehensively address the Territory’s road network, a task that has been long overdue.
“In the interim, we have started, in several areas, to upgrade the primary road network,” Minister Rymer disclosed. He highlighted the recent completion of a stretch of road in Fish Bay as a prime example, demonstrating the government’s dedication to improving road infrastructure. Additionally, several other areas, including Ballast Bay, Great Mountain, Sabbath Hill, Hope Hill, and Little Dix Hill, have witnessed comprehensive works, including retaining walls, slipper and kerb walls, and overlaying to create high-quality roads that meet international standards.
Minister Rymer emphasized the critical role of proper drainage in road development and longevity, stating, “We understand the importance of drainage in the development and longevity of any road network; therefore, we have included over nineteen miles of curb walls and over nineteen miles of slipper drains to accompany the road reconstruction works.” He further explained that these drainage works are essential to prevent water from deteriorating the roads, which is a common issue in the region.
Highlighting the inadequacy of the current road patching efforts by the Public Works Department, Minister Rymer made it clear that such short-term solutions are insufficient to address the multi-layer deterioration that plagues many of the Territory’s roads. He stressed that all thirty-eight miles of road will be addressed comprehensively, ensuring that once the works are completed, Virgin Islands roads will meet the high quality and expectations of any roadway, anywhere in the world.
For those interested in delving deeper into the Minister’s statement and the government’s comprehensive road infrastructure plans, the full statement can be viewed on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.bvi.gov.vg.
The Ministry of Communications and Works remains committed to ensuring the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure, in line with international standards. This commitment aims to make public utilities reliable and affordable, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors in the Virgin Islands.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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