“I am not afraid to stand alone, but I’m also happy to associate. For now I’m standing alone,” Smith said during an appearance on the Talking Points program on April 13.

Smith said he has begun canvassing opinions in the Fifth District and informed current district representative Hon. Kye Rymer of his intentions. He said he had previously declined to contest the district out of loyalty to a promise made to both his late mother and Rymer, but indicated that position has since changed.

He stopped short of declaring a formal candidacy, saying he is still assessing his options, including whether to remain independent or affiliate with a political party. “It could well be a party,” he said, adding that any decision would be based on “the common good of the people.”

Smith also rejected suggestions that he is aligned with the “all 13 must go” political movement, though he acknowledged discussions with various groups.

A longtime businessman, Smith said his interest in public office is rooted in concerns about social conditions and what he described as a growing disconnect between government and residents. “The people [have] been left behind for a very long time,” he said, adding that addressing those issues would require a structured, data-driven approach to identify and assist those most in need.

He also cited food security as a priority, calling for increased local agricultural production and community-based farming initiatives. Referencing the impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Smith said the territory remains vulnerable due to its reliance on imports. “We have to invest in ourselves,” he said, proposing container farming and localized food-sharing systems.

Election records show Smith received 922 votes, or 2.72 percent, as an at-large PVIM candidate in the 2019 general election. In the 2023 general election, he received 851 votes, or 2.35 percent, as an independent at-large candidate.

Asked why voters should support him if he enters the race, Smith said he would bring experience and a willingness to listen. “I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes. I will make mistakes, but I’m willing to listen,” he said. “I’m going to continue giving back in or out of politics.”

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“The long-standing issue of deteriorated road conditions in our territory, particularly here on Tortola, will be receiving immediate attention,” Minister Rymer declared during the press conference held today, April 18. “The government has recently allocated approximately $1.8 million to improve the most impacted stretches of roads.”

Highlighting the critical need for these improvements, Minister Rymer pointed out that frequent water pipe breakages have caused significant damage to the road infrastructure. Key areas slated for improvement include the diamond pump station leading into Enis Adams Primary School and the Little Dix Hill area, both of which are crucial for addressing the water issue.

“A portion of the allocated funds, $400,000, will be dedicated to the purchase of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and fittings,” Minister Rymer elaborated. “HDPE pipes have proven to be versatile and durable, making them an ideal solution for our water infrastructure.”

Contracts for these improvements are currently undergoing thorough vetting, with works anticipated to commence in the near future. The approved funds will cover the costs of acquiring HDPE pipes and fittings, as well as labor for road resurfacing.

“The deplorable state of our road infrastructure is a matter of great concern for this government,” Minister Rymer emphasised. “We are fully committed to addressing this issue, understanding its impact on the daily lives of our residents and the overall development of our territory.”

Minister Rymer assured the public that this allocation of funds is just the beginning of comprehensive efforts to rehabilitate the road network. “The tender for the 38 miles is currently being evaluated,” he added, signaling ongoing efforts to secure additional resources and implement long-term road solutions.

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Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, today, April 18, during a press conference, highlighted this unprecedented number of cruise visitors underscored the significant role of maritime tourism in the economic resurgence of the Virgin Islands.

This achievement marks a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Minister Rymer attributed this surge to strategic engagements and partnerships within the cruise industry, emphasising collaboration between government and private sectors.

“Partnerships are crucial, not only for the government but also for locally owned businesses,” Minister Rymer noted, highlighting success stories like JDS Candy’s, a small Virgin Islands business supplying products to cruise lines.

Reflecting on a recent delegation to the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 conference in Miami, Minister Rymer emphasised the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of the BVI’s cruise sector. The delegation, comprising key stakeholders such as the BVI Ports Authority, ECB, Romney Tortola Pier Park, BVI Tourist Board, and local private sector partners, facilitated crucial engagements with industry leaders, fostering relationships and staying abreast of emerging trends.

“Our cruise business is not only integral to our economy but also crucial for tourism and job creation,” Minister Rymer remarked, citing data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to the hospitality industry and government revenues.

An upcoming Bria study, expected as part of the partnership with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), aims to provide insights into cruise passenger spending patterns, enhancing strategic planning and resource allocation.

Exciting developments on the horizon include the addition of Four Seasons to the cruise portfolio, offering bespoke luxury travel experiences, and the return of MSC Cruise, enriching the destination’s offerings with smaller luxury lines and exploratory journeys.

Looking ahead to the 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons, Minister Rymer projected continued growth and increased calls to ports, emphasising the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement and visitor experience optimisation.

“As we navigate the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, sustainability and personalised experiences remain paramount,” Minister Rymer concluded, urging continued support for industries and collective efforts towards future prosperity and growth in the Virgin Islands.”

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With a weather alert from the Department of Disaster Management signaling the approach of a frontal trough, Honourable Rymer noted, ‘Our diligent response in the aftermath of thunderstorm Phillipe still shows our waterways in satisfactory condition. We are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property.'”

The primary objective is to preemptively address potential risks such as flash flooding and hazardous marine conditions that may arise as the weather system advances.

In light of the forecasted weather conditions, which are expected to deteriorate as the frontal trough nears, residents are advised to remain vigilant.

Showers and isolated thunderstorms are anticipated later in the day, with rainfall projections ranging between 2 to 4 inches. These conditions pose significant risks, including flash flooding in urban areas and hazardous marine conditions affecting small crafts.

Director of the Public Works Department, Mr. Jeremy Hodge, underscored the importance of preparedness and encouraged residents to promptly report any hazards or concerns.

The Emergency Response Team has been strategically deployed, with members assigned to monitor and evaluate the performance of waterways in each district. Their assessments will enable timely interventions in the event of excessive rainfall or emerging threats to public safety.

Minister Rymer

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