Premier encourages voters to re-elect Kye Rymer

Kye Rymer

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has voiced strong confidence in Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, saying he is capable of fully modernising the BVI’s infrastructure if given another term in office.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, the Premier said Rymer has performed well despite having the infrastructure portfolio – the central source of frustration in the society.

“I have full confidence that, through his sustained leadership, he will overhaul, revamp, rehabilitate, and modernise the infrastructure of the Virgin Islands. And I believe that he is taking the right steps — the steps necessary to be able to turn this situation around. And I believe that the people of the Virgin Islands are privileged to have someone such as himself in the position. And if you want to get solid results, you will keep him right there,” Premier Wheatley said.

He inherited deeply entrenched problems

He acknowledged that Rymer inherited deeply entrenched problems, including ageing water distribution systems, failing sewerage infrastructure and deteriorating roads — all compounded by limited funding in the early years of the administration. He said the minister was placed in a “difficult position” after coming to office without the financial resources needed to address those challenges.

“He did not have the money to solve the water challenge, and he did not have the money to solve the sewage challenge,” Dr Wheatley said, explaining that the situation only changed after the government secured major external financing.

According to the Premier, amid the frustrations, Rymer’s approach has been defined by persistence and problem-solving rather than political posturing. “When we run into a challenge, we come up with solutions,” Premier Wheatley said, contrasting that approach with what he described as dissenting voices in the community that highlight potholes and service failures for political gain.

He also praised Rymer’s efforts to secure access to asphalt and improve the government’s capacity to maintain roads once rehabilitation works are completed, acknowledging that setbacks have occurred but insisting they are being addressed.

Beyond technical competence, Prmeir Wheatley said Rymer brings a personal standard of excellence to his work. “This is how he lives his life — at a high standard,” the Premier said. “He believes in giving his best to whatever it is he’s involved in.”

Rymer’s record

Since coming into office, Minister Rymer has overseen several high-profile initiatives that have drawn mixed reactions from the public. Under his leadership, the Cabinet declared water infrastructure a national critical priority to accelerate repairs and system upgrades, responding directly to long-standing water shortages across the territory. He has also advanced the long-awaited runway extension at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and is credited for non-stop flights from the US to the BVI after a two-decade cessation. 

Still, public perception of Rymer’s performance has been mixed: supporters credit him with pushing long-deferred infrastructure upgrades and sustainability initiatives, while critics argue that some efforts — especially around water reliability and road maintenance — have yet to deliver consistently noticeable improvements in everyday life. 

Nonetheless, his visibility on major infrastructure files keeps him at the centre of debate on the territory’s development path.