Local News
Virgin Gorda Community Angry Over Ongoing Water Disruption
Says Government Is Making Conflicting Statements Over Water Disruption Caused By Sargassum Seaweed At Handsome Bay
Residents and the business community of Virgin Gorda are extremely angry over the continued water disruption caused by sargassum seaweed at Handsome Bay after being assured by the Ministry of Communications and Works early this month that a permanent solution was being sought.
The Ministry of Communications and Works and the Handsome Bay water company, Aqua Design, both acknowledged that due to the overwhelming amount of sargassum seaweed, the pre-filtration system of the open sea intake was partially blocked disrupting the water distribution level in The Valley.
Earlier this month, Minister Kye Rymer apologised for the inconvenience caused by the reduced water supply and assured residents that a long-term solution would be implemented in the upcoming months.
The Ministry also stated that plant operators would continue to monitor the intake condition and make necessary adjustments.
However, the water woes have persisted, causing frustration within the entire community. Residents have reported water disruptions occurring twice daily, from noon to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
An angry resident, who requested anonymity, expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency from the sewerage department and water plant.
“So the water and Sewerage Department don’t have enough respect for the public to tell us what the issues are. We are the ones affected and we have a right to know what’s happening,” a frustrated resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told JTV. “And if the Director and the Minister both touting that the water situation has been rectified then why water off for most of the day.”
Plant production had to be reduced to maintain adequate pressure to the equipment. Failure to maintain over 30 psi to the equipment could result in catastrophic equipment failure.
Another expressed their frustration, stating that “water shuts off twice a day. Some areas now water for over a week. At-Large members (are) quiet, conflicting answers from (the) government.”
The sentiment that the water issues in Virgin Gorda are being disregarded by those in positions of authority is shared by both residents and business owners in The Valley.
Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Vincent Wheatley serves as the Ninth District Representative, while At-Large members elected in the 2023 general elections are Deputy Premier Lorna Smith, Education Minister Sharie deCastro, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton and Stacy Mather.
“I bet At-Large members don’t even have a clue. Does anyone really care? I’m just disgusted,” JTV was told.
There was some change when the tide shifted the sargassum seaweed last weekend, allowing for increased plant production.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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