BVIEC & W&SD merger: Opposition accused of using ‘scare tactics’
Speaking at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on February 3, 2026, Hon Smith said the merging of the two entities, BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and W&SD, would result in a symbiotic relationship.
‘Scare tactics’
Hon Smith also pointed out some of what she referred to as “scare tactics” of the Opposition, including that one of the biggest threats to the merger is the government’s inability to pay its bills.
“Madam Speaker, for the record, this is not true,” Hon Smith stated, adding that the government’s bill is in the region of $580,000 and that the BVIEC’s total budget is $70 million.
“So to make these comments, I see [them] as scare tactics, tactics to scare the public that will enjoy the benefits of the combined BVI Electricity Corporation and the Water and Sewerage Department.”
Another “scare tactic” by the Opposition was to say that Section 12 of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, was “too draconian”.
She said the section, contrary to the Opposition’s claims, did not give any officer or employee of the corporation the right to “just jump on somebody’s property and do as they will. But again, I see it as a scare tactic.”
Owners of water trucks need not fear
The Junior Minister also dispelled fears created by Opposition Leader Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) that owners of water trucks need to be concerned, due to Section 11 of the bill, which states the Corporation shall have the exclusive right for the supply of electricity and water in the Virgin Islands, and that any person who supplies, distributes, or sells electricity or water without the prior written permission of the Corporation or with the intention to deprive the Corporation of its income shall be guilty of an offense.
Hon Smith pointed out that similar legislation already exists in Section 6.1 of the Water Ordinance.
“So I see this, Madam Speaker, and referring to it and going to great lengths and telling people that they must be worried about their water trucks and whether they can carry on their business, it’s another scare tactic that is that really should not happen in this House.”
Hon Smith concluded that the merger of BVIEC and W&SD represents a new day for both entities, “and indeed more importantly for this territory”.
She also said she was pleased that the government would allocate a “significant amount” of the $100 million loan to alleviate the water and sewage problem in the Virgin Islands.
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14 Responses to “BVIEC & W&SD merger: Opposition accused of using ‘scare tactics’”
Hon. Walwyn is well aware that the clauses that he kept harping on already exists in the current legislation and there were no issues. Why then would there be issues under the new laws? This is where this bright boy bull$&!+ is dangerous for the Territory because here he is knowing full well that it is not an issue but giving the impression that he is educating persons and looking out for them. Then you wonder why nobody wants to be associated with this man? These are dangerous people and I'm happy that Hon. Smith called him out on this nonsense. Talking about water trucks and land take over knowing full well that is not what the spirit of the legislation speaks of and these things already exist today with no issues to either of them. As a Lawyer he tries to act bright but did he give alternate wordings for the legislation? No, all he did was sound the alarm trying to scare people. The young man has some bad ways and that is the reason why he is the cheese standing alone and will never lead the BVI. Nothing to do with any 'island man' issue, he was an 'island man' when he was elected overwhelmingly at-large two different terms. What has happened is the voters are seeing beyond the facade and realize it's smoke and mirrors.
It is completely self serving for the entities involved. It means that if you don't pay your water, then your electricity will also get cut. Everybody in the HOA are millionaires and have no problem paying their bills, so they have no concerns for the small man who will suffer.
Additionally why used a fail model of WAPA and then when Opposition does its job and raises concerns, then you call it scare tactics? We all have a right to be very very scared right now.
Instead of fixing W&S and its infrastructure, you opt to burden BVIEC with this dead weight and hope that things would improve?