USVI isn’t outdoing us in all areas — Rymer

Kye Rymer

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has challenged the long-running argument that the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is taking business opportunities away from the Virgin Islands because the BVI government has failed to act.

Rymer, speaking recently in the House of Assembly, dismissed suggestions that the USVI is “eating the BVI’s lunch,” a phrase used previously by Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn to describe how St. Thomas was drawing business away from the territory.

“We like to speak about St. Thomas — they’re eating our lunch and doing this and doing that. Just recently, two or three charter companies have moved to the BVI. Why are they moving here? Because we are so bad out here? No, because they see a benefit in coming here,” Rymer argued.

He pointed to signs that the BVI remains competitive, noting that K-Mart in St. Thomas is closing and that shopping centres like Tutu Park Mall are struggling, while BVI-based businesses such as CTL and Drakes Traders are attracting steady patronage.

“We are thriving in some instances, and where we are not – as a government – we will assist,” Rymer said, highlighting a new small business grant programme recently approved by Cabinet.

The minister also reminded the House that the territory is still recovering from the devastation of the 2017 hurricanes, which continue to strain the economy and government finances.

“This hasn’t been an easy road… but thank God we understand that we have more work to do, and the Lord will continue [to guide us] so that we can continue to do the work,” he added.

Walwyn has repeatedly argued that the BVI is being outpaced by its neighbour because of inefficiencies and government inaction. However, Rymer pushed back against that narrative, stressing that while some businesses may struggle due to their own management, the wider picture shows that opportunities are still being created and sustained locally.

The Minister further warned that political instability — including recent motions of no confidence — could disrupt recovery efforts.

“I feel this motion of no-confidence would have been like a grenade thrown into a room of our recovery,” Rymer said.