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Legislation in works to restrict old vehicle importation- Hon Kye M. Rymer

Minister for Works, Transportation and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) say the Government is working to restrict the importation of 8-10-year-old vehicles as a mechanism to stop the accumulation of derelict vehicles in the territory. Photo: VINO/File
The minister said it remains costly for government export vehicle metal as part of its campaign to get rid of all those derelict vehicles. Photo: GIS/File
The minister said it remains costly for government export vehicle metal as part of its campaign to get rid of all those derelict vehicles. Photo: GIS/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) say the Government is working to restrict the importation of 8-10-year-old vehicles as a mechanism to stop the accumulation of derelict vehicles in the territory.

The Minster was a guest on the Tuesday, October 13, 2020, edition of the Honestly Speaking show with moderator Claude O. Skelton-Cline.

Disposal of vehicles an issue

“We’ve been looking at the older vehicles… left hand, right hand and we're working on legislation at this moment to restrict the importation of vehicles after a certain age and if you still want to import them then the duty will be significantly higher,“ Hon Rymer told the listening audience.

“And that is because we have no real disposal mechanism in place as you mentioned and those are things that we're looking at,” he said.

Hon Rymer was at the time speaking on the importation of old, fuel-inefficient vehicle from Japan which, according to Skelton-Cline, has turned the territory into a dumping ground of derelict vehicles.

The Minister said it remains costly for government to export vehicle metal as part of its campaign to get rid of all those derelict vehicles.

Some older vehicles allowed

Hon Rymer said with the restricted importation, it will; however, be a structured system to allow for older trucks and other heavy machinery to still be imported under the new legislation.

The Minister emphasised that persons looking to import older vehicles will still have the option but with higher tariffs.

This he said would allow for the importation of antique vehicles.

42 Responses to “Legislation in works to restrict old vehicle importation- Hon Kye M. Rymer”

  • YET AGAIN (14/10/2020, 11:33) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    I understand where this is goin but Every single thing the poor man can live by, they stopping it...... what about the ppl that can't afford smg newer? Dont tell me to buy it local either cause when local ppl selling a used vehicle, yuh might as well buy a new one for the kinda price they does be calling GEEZUS MAN
    • Crazy stupidness and foolishness (14/10/2020, 12:47) Like (13) Dislike (14) Reply
      Let's ban the import of left hand drive cars, or start to drive on the right hand side of the road. It is a nonsense that we drive left hand drive cars on the left hand side of the road.
      • Stupezzzzzzzzzsss (14/10/2020, 16:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        You want us to change for you? We have been driving like this for years. We drive in the same direction as the United Kingdom and most of our cars are left-hand because we import most of our vehicles from the United States. What is your point? Do we have to be like other Caribbean countries or chose between the UK and US system for driving? I think not. TO BE HONEST, THEY SHOULD BAN THE IMPORTATION OF RIGHT HAND VEHICLES BECAUSE MOST OF THOSE PERSONS EITHER LEARNED TO DRIVE WITH LEFT HAND IN THE BVI OR CAME FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES WITH RIGHT HAND VEHICLES THEN COMPLAIN THAT OUR ROADS ARE TOO NARROW. We can drive, I don't know about ayo. Stay on ayo side!
      • agreed (15/10/2020, 07:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Makes total sense and would generally be safer. It would reduce a huge blind spot when going on left bends, would allow better visibility when overtaking, and would allow passengers, including school children, entering/exiting vehicles to do so from the curb/pavement side instead of in middle of the road. Plus BVIs are closer to markets that sell left hand drive vehicles. But, prob won’t happen since we’d rather choose the side of the road based on which side horse was mounted on back in the colonial days.
    • great (14/10/2020, 13:35) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
      Them down islandpeople like to have old vehicles here get them out
      • NB (14/10/2020, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        I swear you got cockroaches running around and multiplying in your head
    • Fed Up (15/10/2020, 02:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I do not understand where they are going with this, but I like the gist of what you are saying. This is to suppress the middle class and poor people. Address the problem and charge a dereliction fee on vehicles when you have to remove them to be processed. You dont always have to follow what other countries are doing. Think for yourself at times and stop being a follower. I have a left hand drive 2004, Toyota car that looks and is in excellent condition. Have zero issues. Bring a 2004 vehicle right now from a local dealer and it will look like crap and cost you an arm and a leg. Then when you buy it , it steady broke down. But they forcing you to go buy from these greedy unscrupulous dealers. Everything they are squeezing the poor man on.
      It is SICKENING how they are pressuring the poor in this country I call home.
  • trrefdrfds (14/10/2020, 11:50) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    To whose benefit will this law be interest of? Not the man struggling, living hand-to-mouth etc. An investment in a recycling facility help be a useful resolution. This venture can creates jobs, helps improve the environment, etc. Stop making lame excuses just to benefit the car dealers, banks and the likes...this should be considered a crime man!
  • Easy (14/10/2020, 11:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Charge a disposal fee for every vehicle imported. Require vehicles to be currently registered. Create a mechanism by which old vehicles can be disposed of. If only the govt could properly manage these monies, then there’d be a budget to dispose of these vehicles. Even if you import a new vehicle, it will eventually get old.
    • Cold as ice (14/10/2020, 12:49) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      The fund would be spent on the salaries and expenses of the staff collecting the money - Govt cannot save money - we know that! Look at the $10 environmental fee - where has it gone?
    • YO CRAZY (14/10/2020, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      FOR THE VIP TO USE THAT FOR CAMPAIGN MONEY?
      • We are different (14/10/2020, 13:57) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        These freedom we enjoy in the BVI is what makes the BVI different and the envy of the caribbean. We can't lose them by trying to be like the same country that talks about the BVI loves it's people... . Maybe a 15yr or older can bet a no no,. But don't take away the people freedom to spend their hard ow money the way they wish.. We are different and the world loves and envious for that...
  • Rubber Duck (14/10/2020, 12:53) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cut the import duty on electric vehicles to zero to encourage their use. We have free power from the sun. Home solar panels could be easily used to charge vehicles. Electric vehicles are less polluting, less noisy and less costly to the country because fuel does not have to be imported. We live on small islands where long range is not essential. Tourists would love it. Let’s do it.
  • Fair minded man (14/10/2020, 13:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Depend on the type of vehicle 8-10 should be allowed, if in good working and appearance. I think what Mis. K.M. Rymer should be more be more concern about is the reduction of the huge amount of rusted, twisted, and abandon vehicles, that are scatered all over this Country. And the huge rushed heep of vehicles on Pockwood's Pond dock, present a great eye soar to visitors, and the community at large.p

  • Rymer (14/10/2020, 13:19) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply

    While you are at, ensure that the legislation speaks to electricity power generators - age, usage, hours left & how maintained in past. We tend to pick up other people garbage. BVIEC generators maintenance costs too high - the taxpayers are suffering. Furthermore, we are in the tropics - what happen to sun powered electricity - solar energy?
  • now (14/10/2020, 13:36) Like (6) Dislike (17) Reply
    Ban them opposite side vehicles we not a island people country ban them right hand trash
  • facts (14/10/2020, 13:44) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    Kye going back in so easy
  • Car Buy (14/10/2020, 13:44) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sir, while I understand that it your duty to pass new legislation the reasoning behind this one not accurate. More then 90% of the vehicles imported from Japan works for very long periods and they are least among the numbers of derelict vehicles in the territory. Please seek some more information on this.
  • Here is the problem (14/10/2020, 13:51) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    After Irma 2017 I ordered one those same age vehicle, im not saying old im saying age, it was a 2004, When it arrived i was so surprised,, The vehicle looked new,, it smells new and works like new, ita been working without any problems to this date and its now 16yrs old.. I have no recrets,.. It cost me a total of about $3,500. PLUS insurance and license, Which bring total cost to get in on the road to about $4,000.00.. Im telling you most these cars work kike new....Actually better than some of those new cars....So to Judge a car on the age is not always the way to judge it.....
  • Hillllll (14/10/2020, 14:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Foolishness
  • confused (14/10/2020, 14:08) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Surely the mileage should be taken in to consideration? There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 10 year old car with low mileage. This idea seems to benefit the car dealerships here which will in turn encourage residents to get in to debt, as they are fooled in to buying new vehicles that lose a significant % of their value the moment they are rolled out of the show room. A different plan needs to be established that does not hit the pockets of those unable to afford expensive vehicles and who are not willing to buy a car on finance.
  • Good stuff (14/10/2020, 14:18) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Good move Honorable Kye. Whether right hand or left hand, there are too many old cars abandoned on the road side. Some of them haven't even been here a year good. Then the government has to foot the bill in discarding them. People will complain regardless. Damn if you do and damn if you don't.
  • GG (14/10/2020, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is a bold move..... this is about adding value to.thenterritory and raising the standards of living. We bout to start saying good buy to the lower class.
  • Yes (14/10/2020, 15:25) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    IT is time that the british virgin islands get a good clean up people from down the island think that the bvi is a garbage heap. British virgin islands people cannot go down to another island and do the things hat they are doing in the bvi, Hell no we cannot do it and it is time that all that type of shit stop. Kyle thank god you came on the scene get them out of trhe bvi , inforce the law the other caribbean islands will not do this for us we have to take on the island people and let them know that this is not their country. some of them really need to go back home and government need to send them home they are a problem to the bvi. Yes do what has to be done clean up the british virgin islnds again WE BVI LANDERS CANNOT GO DOWN TO THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AND DO THESE THINGS WHP VEX VEX. ALSO WORK ON THE SPANISH COMMUNITY SOME OF THEM NEED TO BACK TO SANTO DOMINGO HEIG TIME AND TELL THEM STOP HAULING IN PEOPLE TO LIVE IN APARTMENT
  • CALL A SPEAR A SPEAR (14/10/2020, 15:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS LAW IS TO OPPRESS THE POOR WISER AND SMARTER, AND TO PUT MONEY IN THE HANDS OF THE RICH. NEVER MIND THE FOOLISHNESS WHAT SOME HERE TALKING. IF THERE IS NO REAL DISPOSAL MECHANISM, THEN DON'T ACCEPT VEHICLES 8 TO 10 YEARS PERIOD, NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS.
  • Get rid of non use vehicles (14/10/2020, 16:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The main concern really, is getting all the cars that can’t be used off the side of the roads and in the bushes. The place look like a garbage dump. Everywhere you go from East to west, the place looks nasty.
  • Garbage Heap (14/10/2020, 17:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are a lot of derelict vehicles up FreeBottom hill that needs dumping.
  • nonsense (14/10/2020, 17:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    AYO DONT SEE IT HAVE A LOT OF TORTOLA PEOPLE USING THE SAME JAPANESE BUS TO RUN TAXIS, PEOPLE BUY WHAT THEY COULD AFFORD TO MAKE A LIVING IN THIS TIME ,MR MINISTER YOU NEED TO THINK AGAIN.
  • Gaza (14/10/2020, 18:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mi I ain't worrying God will help us 6 per hour Caine take out a car from the bank
  • Gaza (14/10/2020, 18:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alot of left hand car on the road too expat is all you problem
  • GG (14/10/2020, 19:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This government just keeps disappointing me. Every man have to give account for their soul. I wonder what he'll tell the Almighty when he asked him why he had the punish the less fortunate than himself. Think Hon.Rhymer of persons who would not be able to afford a mortgage or to buy those vehicle with cash. Think of the suffering you will cause. The premier can't be a man of God if they approve this. God is watching what you do with the power he gave you. Are you using to help people lives better?
    • Really (15/10/2020, 06:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean the pastor who start this fire. No everybody what white or black vehicle with a price that can ferd a nation. I have 2007 right hand and it works fine and I never got into an accident with it. Its good on milage ect. Just a set of rubbish.
  • Heckler (14/10/2020, 20:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Their new car dealer, friends, and campaign supporters will thank them again come next election
  • hello (14/10/2020, 21:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    U sound so foolish with island people...all the Caribbean island bigger than tortola...and I agree ban all vehicle under 10 yrs...and to u all u dont think tortola is a island hope when trump take back the us we will be saying the same thing...u all stop the foolish hating every body expat and bvi...we all are one.i think we say black live matter....
  • Sigh (14/10/2020, 23:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why don’t you focus on that mess on the roundabout first?
  • People (15/10/2020, 05:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Whar mt rhymer is doing is good i am from A NOTHER CAEIBBEAN COUNTRY AND MTY COUNTRY SOES NOT TOLORATE WUXH THINGS SO WHY THE BVI SHOULD ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN. PEOPLE OF THE OTHER CARINNRAN ISLANDS YOU ALL NEED TO STOP WHAT YOU DONOT LIKE FOR YPIR SELF DO NOT FO IT TO OTHERS. YOU ALL KNOW THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY FINES AND IN THE BVI THE PEOPLE FROM OTHER CARUBBEAN ISLANDS GET AWAY WITH A LOT OF THINGS REMEMBER IT IS NOT YOUR COUNTRY. WHWN ELECTION COMES WHO YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR IS YOUR BUSINESS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RUULES OF THE COUNTR I AM BEING FAIR IF BVI LANDERS WENT TO ANITHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRY TO WORK AND THEY WEE TOLS THAT THEY CANNOT BRING THEIR CHIKDREN THEY CANNOR CARRY THEM. I AM BEING FAIR RIGHT IS RIGHR PEOPLE RESPOND TO THE LAWS AMD YOU WILL LIVE HAPPY LIVES, DOWN THE ISLAND PEOPLE AS YHWY CALL US LEEP QUIET AND FOLLOW THE RULES BECAUSE OME OF US WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET NO BELONGERS AND OTHER STATUS IN THE BVI. TOU ALL CUSSING THE VIP GOVERNMENT SUPPOSE A NOTHER GOVERNMENT GETS ON NEXT ELECTION AND THEY SAY THAT NON BVI LANDERS GIT TI PACK UP AND LEAVE THE BVI THEN QHAT YOU WIL SAY, PEOPLE FOLLOW THE RULES THIS IS NOT YOUR COUNTRY STOP THE MADNESS YOU ARE IN A NOTER MAN COUNTRY,
  • @People (15/10/2020, 09:07) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am surprised that you spelt people and didn’t put peeple.. You are absolutely fake.. gtf on imposter.
  • smh (16/10/2020, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah, charge a disposal fee so you can complain about that too. You people really annoy me messon.


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