Barrier system developed for roadside use under RATED programme
The RATED programme provides temporary employment opportunities with various ministries and departments in the Public Service.
Hon Mather, who left the opposition to join the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government in December 2025, has been working closely with Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), on many programmes, including the RATED programme, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries, and the development of community programmes.
Focused 90-day strategy
In early March 2026, Mather announced the relaunch of the programme, bringing it back to the roadside with a focused 90-day strategy to sharpen operations and maximise results.
“This initiative is about much more than maintenance. It is about turning temporary roles into long-term careers in our local business and tourism sectors,” Mather said in a Facebook post.
He revealed that there are currently 200 dedicated residents aged 18 to 70 working hard, and pledged his commitment to growing those numbers through better training and smarter placement.
“I believe in leadership that listens, so I am inviting workers, partners, and the public to share your feedback and ideas. My mandate is to deliver for you by building skills, supporting our families, and strengthening our economy. Let’s work together to make this program a lasting success.”
Barrier system developed for roadside maintenance
Hon Mather, in an updated post on Monday, March 30, 2026, said that since the RATED Programme began, they have been dealing with the issue of loose stones from roadside grass cutting, which has been damaging passing vehicles.
“Instead of accepting the problem, I engaged our community to find a solution. A resident from District Two designed a lightweight, efficient, and practical barrier system to contain debris during roadside work.”
Mather said one roadside team will start using this solution as early as today, March 31, 2026.
“It's a prime example of community partnership and innovation in action. Our team shows real commitment, adaptability, and dedication to raising safety standards across the territory.”
The Territorial At-Large Representative added that programmes must be continuously reviewed and enhanced to ensure safety, efficiency, and value for everyone involved.
“I want to thank the men and ladies of the RATED Programme for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadsides A1,” Mather wrote.
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17 Responses to “Barrier system developed for roadside use under RATED programme”
Sorry he got lost so quickly there are still signs he could have been worthwhile.
We need fresh blood. Fresh thinking people not after power to help themselves and their friends.
We need politiicians that do not need body guards, 5 policy advisors cause they are too stupid to work it out for themselves. (Who voted for them??)
We need people with a fresh look, a care for the islands, care for the people (all of them), and a vision that is for us not for them.
The fact that this is being lauded as an achievement is so....sad!!! In 2026 we are having grand openings with balloons and cameras for a 10ft wall next to banco popular and here we are now celebrating what should be a simple thing used by Solid Waste cutting crews anyway, as an achievement. What the hell have we come to in the BVI? The next big achievement will be putting some bulls*&t at the roundabout and patting themselves on the back as it it's a great thing. The elected government is a reflection of the voting populace whether we like it or not. Let's see if we have any shame so that we can right this wrong and fast! Horrible!
I cannot and will not vote for 13 new faces that i have yet to evaluate based off of their community engagements to date. Where are they? Then when they get elected and have no understanding of how government functions - then what? Will they be loyal to their lobbyists and party donors and not the struggling constituents? Doctors and finance man concocted the NHI - yet the main beneficiaries to date have been private sector. Why in the past 3.5 years hasn't the NHI been reworked to stop the hemorrhaging of public funds to UNREGULATED private practices? So yeah - vote them same architects of systems we have today that don't work and bring in new faces who do not understand the critical issues affecting finances and wealth creation in these isles....fresh goes stale after awhile....
To answer your question- no I am not in support of that. Replacing the entire government with God knows who is a risk I dare not support. Do we need a reshuffle and mixing of the deck? Sure. Add maybe some new cards and replace the dinosaurs? Sure. But to throw out both baby and water? Nope.
Yourself…?