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Hon Rymer clarifies controversial curfew scooter ban

- Signs regulation on 3-week ban; Restriction does not affect persons going to & from work
Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has brought clarity to the 3-week ban on motor scooters, bikes and 3-wheel vehicles. Photo: VINO/File
While some residents believe scooters and motorbikes are being used as a nuisance, causing accidents and deaths, many young residents use scooters and motorbikes as a legitimate mode of transportation. Photo: Facebook/File
While some residents believe scooters and motorbikes are being used as a nuisance, causing accidents and deaths, many young residents use scooters and motorbikes as a legitimate mode of transportation. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The controversial 3-week scooter ban imposed by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), effective today, Thursday, June 4, 2020, has been clarified by the Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5).

The ban, which has been enacted to have all scooters, motorbikes and 3-wheel vehicles in the Territory off the road between the hours of 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM for three weeks, has come under fire by social rights activists.

Also, one failed politician trying desperately to make a comeback, Myron V. Walwyn- an ousted former Government Minister who is associated with a $1.6M school wall project which, according to Police Commissioner Michael B. Mathews, is the subject of a criminal investigation- also added to the conversation via a social media post, criticising the ban as “discriminatory”.

Does not affect everyone

In a Statutory Instrument (Regulations) signed this evening, June 4, 2020, by the Minister for Transportation Hon Rymer; however, it stated that the ban “does not apply to residents travelling to or from work”.

In addition, the order will expire on June 25, 2020.

The ban does not apply to any resident who works in the essential services areas, along with security guards employed by a private security service provider, Customs and Immigration officers among others.

While some residents believe scooters and motorbikes are being used as a nuisance, causing accidents and deaths, many young residents use scooters and motorbikes as a legitimate mode of transportation.

32 Responses to “Hon Rymer clarifies controversial curfew scooter ban”

  • Ghut Man (04/06/2020, 19:08) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks you mr minister
  • I agree (04/06/2020, 20:00) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Maybe dis lil 3 month ban will mek dem tink about wearing dem helmet and stop drivin rekless
  • eyes (04/06/2020, 20:01) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ghut man dont thank him so fast how would the police officer determine who to stop and who not to stop ,before the minister address the real problem which is the noise that some scooter make because of the altering of the muffler just confiscate the ones that have alter and the persons that have there scooter enjoy the freedom which they paid like everyone else to be on the road. Address the problem that everyone is complaining about the noise deal with that this bike curfew not going to solve the problem.
  • Nice (04/06/2020, 20:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Appreciation the clstification.. Nice...I need someone now to follow your foot step and come and explain the pair system form for covid benefit. If one party doesnt fill their form since both parties need to fill and submit. Whats the recourse..
  • tony montana (04/06/2020, 20:05) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Finally now enforce it and keep those idiots off the roads they, either that or sign them all up for organ donation because sooner or later they will be become prime candidates
  • Bald Head (04/06/2020, 20:28) Like (6) Dislike (27) Reply
    He trying so hard to be relevant. Sit yo @ $$ down, the people voted and it was more than clear that they did NOT want you.
  • Ghost (04/06/2020, 20:32) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you Min. Rymer for this clarification for there are responsible riders out there that are not nuisances.. it’s those knuckle-heads that have no respect for the lives of themselves and others and don’t care whom they disturb with their noise.. this curfew will save then from themselves..like I said the police need to do their jobs to patrol and monitor and if they’re not complying give them stuff fines.. I believe going forward a curfew for these Irresponsible bikers should be continuous..Let them learn that their actions have consequences... Great Move!
  • Steve (04/06/2020, 20:35) Like (44) Dislike (1) Reply
    At least people will be able to sleep at night for the next 3 weeks. Wish it were longer.
  • Joc (04/06/2020, 21:37) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am so happy that this Scooter ban is in effect. I am tired of these young people and old hardback men up and down on these scooters making noise. Leave the Ban in effect forever please. Let them use peddle bikes. Tell Myron go and sit down.
  • rattie (04/06/2020, 21:56) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    We still supporting you minister
  • ccc (04/06/2020, 21:59) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Funny man on the blue site trying real hard let’s tell him we do not want she
  • Blind eye (04/06/2020, 22:42) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know what the problem is please dont sugar coat this issue. Our youth are dying like flies and are also being seriously injured. The people of the territory is begging this government to pay keen attention to this matter. All riders are not careless but really and truly Peter paying for Paul. For heaven sake please dont let our streets be filled with anymore blood. Put politics aside and see beyond and help to save our young men. I love my young people but we have to save them by whatever means harsh decisions will save many including family and the territory out of misery and financial problems. Together we can save lives.
    • Mr Shovels (05/06/2020, 09:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Society has a serious problem if the people need government intervention to force them preserve their own life.
  • BuzzBvi (04/06/2020, 22:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do all the exempt people have to abide by the traffic regulations or is it business as usual. No helmet, drive recklessly, ignore red lights, pass on the inside, pass between cars, no mufflers, no insurance, no tax, no respect. You just need to be essentilal and then you can also be illegal. Or are the exempt drivers the ones that follow the law for the safety of themselves and others and are safe to be allowed on the roads. Just askin.
  • Silence (04/06/2020, 23:09) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am wondering where those social advocates were while the community complained for years. Our cries fell on deaf ears but suddenly, they need to speak on behalf of those being affected...nonsense! Sorry for the innocents but I truly wish that the law would become permanent.
  • Light sleeper (04/06/2020, 23:44) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Make this permanent. The selfishness of the few are making life miserable for the many. Be bold Minister. These selfish scooter riders don’t vote.
  • Illegal (04/06/2020, 23:49) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Round up and confiscate the illegal bikes. No plates, not insured, can’t be identified, reckless speeding on the roads and up to no good. How did the riders find the money to buy them? Is it a legitimate source? We all know the answers. Start with the bikes and you’ll find the answers too.
  • Help (05/06/2020, 04:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    the department with responsibility for ensuring law and order in this territory should have a plan because the law abiding operations of bikes must now suffer for the foolish. there is also a substantial number of automobiles on public roads in the territory with out any insurance also some people driving on public roads without drivers licenses what are the plans from commissioner of police, the mode of transportation is certainly not the problem however issue lies with the persons operating those vehicles. there is a serious lack of law enforcement and public safety on public roadways throughout the territory; one usually sees a large gathering of police at the scene of accidents but hardly any real presence of police patrolling the public roads on daily basics
  • Strong Rum (05/06/2020, 04:58) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am wondering, how can any reasonable, law abiding, right thinking residents of the BVI go against a move like this to get those reckless scooter riders who pose a threat to society off the road at a certain time. The former Min. Of Education should be ashamed of himself, talking nonsense about discriminatory. If he feels that way, after all he is a lawyer, file for a judicial review. He can find it convenient now to call the move discriminatory but has he ever hold a conversation with those reckless riders to point them in the right direction. These scooters are not just about noise but they are been used for all kinds of things, they are not licensed, not insured, drivers do not have license, they are not obeying laws so I wonder how can anyone go against this move. I am not saying that people must sit back and take what ever governments push down our throats but I find that every move this government trying to make people always wants to question. Some of them where they came from, dear not question their leaders about policies put in place but they want to come here and do it. Instead of making a lot of useless noise, people like the former minister should used his time and energy to point those reckless riders in the right direction, encourage them to obey the laws, to get their drivers license, to license and insure their scooters, to wear their helmets and to be prudent and careful riders, that’s what he should be using his time doing, not to criticize the move.
  • ? (05/06/2020, 06:12) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    people like make y they stay like that ! just saying please clean up the basketball court that's where the damn danger like you know what ?until den.
  • Memory (05/06/2020, 06:45) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    His name will always be mentioned. So it is so it will be written.
    • True (05/06/2020, 09:45) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      For being the most divisive politician in the history of the BVI. His own former college said so, not me.
  • please (05/06/2020, 07:31) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why mention Mr. Myron name and the investigation of the wall?. Stick to the issue.
    • wow (05/06/2020, 09:44) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      He became fair game trying to score political points on this issue. VINO right to call him out for his hypocrisy. For a minister who was responsible for young people when did he ever try to address this issue of young people recklessness on bikes and killing themselves. That's why his name need to be mentioned.
  • Not at All (05/06/2020, 07:31) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Myron needs to leave well enough alone.
  • BVI Airways, Wall, Ports & Sea Cows Bay Harbour (05/06/2020, 07:34) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    when they BVI going address white colour crime? Now that need to be banned also
  • my two cents (05/06/2020, 09:50) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Honestly I don't know why myron is still here talking ..he was in power and didn't do a thing for this country and the ppl all about him and his family . I am so happy with all the hard works that have put together by the VIP.. and dem bikes I am happy and can sleep at nights the noise was too much
  • jokers (05/06/2020, 14:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I THINK TRUTHFULLY THESE YOUNG YOUTH NEEEEEEEDDDDES TO KEEP THESE BIKES AS QUIET AS POSSIBLE BE, AND THE LAW MEN OF THIS COUNTRY NEEDESSSS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE QUIET AS CAN BE, ELS BE TAKEN AWAY PUT ASIDE AND BE LEGAL ,AND TRUTHFULLY SPEEKING DONT THINK THEY WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM AT ALL. NO MATTER HOW THEM KILL THEMSELF, DO IT QUIETLEY
    DONT DISTURB THE WHOLE NATION WHILE DOING SO.
  • RedStorm (08/06/2020, 11:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    It would have been wise for the minister to speak with the youths about riding. The main essence of it is for recreation, but it should be done in a manner that is discipline. Educate the youth in riding safe, on why the ride how they ride, and who should ride. I believe in the youth, and their right to ride. Doing all the stunt in the middle of the road or on Beef Island in the nights, indicate that they need a space to do so. So government, non-profit organizations, and philanthropists should support a place for sports riding. One such area is to build a race track for them, to give them a place to compete.


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