UPDATE: Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has launched a fierce critique against the proposed merger of the Water & Sewerage Department with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), calling it a misguided move that will not resolve the territory’s ongoing water crisis. During a heated debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, Walwyn emphasized the urgency of addressing the water issues head-on rather than consolidating struggling services.
Walwyn argues that this merger, currently advancing through committee stages, lacks the necessary focus on effectively solving the territory’s longstanding water problems. “The new corporation will not deliver reliable water any faster than the existing Water & Sewerage Department,” he stated forcefully. Highlighting alarming provisions in the bill that allow for government subventions to the new entity for up to 15 years, he noted, “This shows the government already anticipates the failure of this merger.”
The Opposition Leader expressed frustration over the lack of financial support for the Water & Sewerage Department, which he claims has been “starved of resources for years.” He questioned why similar long-term financial guarantees were not provided to the existing department, suggesting a disconnect in government priorities.
Walwyn raised further concerns about the potential merger’s impact on the financially strained BVIEC, stating, “You have a financially strapped corporation, and you’re going to latch it to a department that is underperforming financially.” Citing evidence from BVIEC’s general manager during the Standing Finance Committee hearings, he painted a grim picture of the corporation’s fiscal health.
In an urgent call to action, Walwyn reiterated his long-standing proposal for the government to allocate a significant portion of its $100 million loan to directly address the water infrastructure, including repairing aging and frequently broken pipes. “Why can’t the government use the money now and fix Water & Sewerage?” he demanded.
Despite Walwyn’s passionate objections, the government remains steadfast in its support for the merger. Works Minister Kye Rymer defended the legislation, asserting that consolidating water, sewage, and electricity services under one statutory body is crucial for the territory’s future. Government members argue that this merger represents a critical step that prior administrations recognized but failed to implement, insisting it will ultimately enhance management and improve service delivery across the utilities sector.
As developments unfold, many are left questioning whether this merger will indeed solve the pressing issues surrounding water supply or simply create additional challenges for the already strained utilities landscape. The debate continues to resonate with residents who are eager for real solutions to their water woes. The urgency for effective change in the territory’s water infrastructure has never been more apparent.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and follow the ongoing discussions surrounding the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026.
