Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Minister for Communications and Works, has revealed a more modern road infrastructure is coming for the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

A section along Windy Hill, Tortola blocked to vehicular traffic on November 19, 2024, due to road works in that area. Photo: Team of Reporters

Road Works in the Manchester Area in early December 2024. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Hon Rymer was speaking on Christmas in the Virgin Islands presented by the Government of the Virgin Islands hosted by Acting Director of Communications Mrs Karia J. Christopher.

“The reality is our infrastructure is failing. You mentioned the storms of 2017 hence persons are a bit tired of hearing about that, they want to see action on the ground, they want to see good roads within our Territory,” he told Mrs Christopher.

According to Hon Rymer, 2024 has been a “trying year” as the VI has seen excessive rainfall that has in turn caused continuous deterioration to the road network.

Remedial works before comprehensive works

“It’s just about a few weeks ago we really started doing remedial works on some of the most deplorable areas...we’re doing this throughout the Territory as a means of our initial stage of rehabilitation, we will do the comprehensive stage of rehabilitation in 2025,” Hon Rymer explained.

He added a “more modern” and “more comfortable” road structure is being looked forward to.

The Communication and Works Minister went on to apologise to the motoring public.

“We have been faced with these road works and persons are tired hearing about it and want to see something on the road and I’m happy and I’m pleased with what is allocated in the budget so that we can get those works done in 2025,” he said.

Hon Rymer also said he is excited to see what is to come in 2025.

“My ministry would have seen some of the most money ever budgeted for road infrastructure, for some of the works that we intend to do. So, I’m quite excited looking into 2025,” he said.