Merger of BVIEC & W&SD 'is nothing more than genius'- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Hon Wheatley, during the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on January 30, 2026, voiced his support for the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, which proposes the merger.
He highlighted that one of the main challenges facing the current Water and Sewerage Department is access to funding. "Once it becomes statutory, they have the power to borrow or raise capital, and this is a key issue here for procurement."
The bill, currently being reviewed by a committee of the whole House, seeks to merge the two entities into a new organisation. Its goals include leveraging operational synergies, reducing startup costs compared to establishing a new utility, improving accountability, and addressing chronic water infrastructure issues. The initiative aims to streamline services and ensure sustainability.
Bill provides access to funding faster
Hon Wheatley emphasised that faster access to funds and the ability to obtain necessary resources in a timely manner will enhance the efficiency of the system.
He remarked, "This merger is nothing less than genius for solving a very long problem. We look at the independent core producer, and I am going through this whole bill; it is very well thought out, and it creates opportunities. So that's a simple merger, just to solve the water problem."
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23 Responses to “Merger of BVIEC & W&SD 'is nothing more than genius'- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
God help this country because some people hands have no difficulties bills paid then all will be well. Be careful what you send out when the poor lives poor and the rich lives rich then crime takes over my dear friends.
YET YOU WANT TO TELL FOLKS THEY MUST GET WATER FROM GOVERNMENT ONLY SAME WATER THAT RAINS FOR EVERYONE. WATS NEXT NO CISTERNS WHEN BUILDING
Now we have a “genius move”
Sewerage, however, is left to the Public Works Department!
How this transition of water, power, and poop, will ease the woes, in this territory, is left to be seen!
But to knock a project down, before trying?
Not good!
How will this genius merger benefit the citizens of the VI? Will our costs go down? Will the supply of water increase simultatenously? Will services be enhanced?
How will the water truck industry that provides for many small families be impacted?