Stating that she is happy to know that the government is getting to the point of trying to solve the problem with Water and Sewerage Department once and for all, Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has chided the Opposition for using scare tactics on the public during the debate of the of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026. Photo: YouTube

Speaking at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on February 3, 2026, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) said the merging of the two entities, BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD), would result in a symbiotic relationship. Photo: VINO/File

Leader of the Opposition Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has been accused of using scare tactics in his opposition of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026. Photo: YouTube

Speaking at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on February 3, 2026, Hon Smith said the merging of the two entities, BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and W&SD, would result in a symbiotic relationship.

‘Scare tactics’

Hon Smith also pointed out some of what she referred to as “scare tactics” of the Opposition, including that one of the biggest threats to the merger is the government’s inability to pay its bills.

“Madam Speaker, for the record, this is not true,” Hon Smith stated, adding that the government’s bill is in the region of $580,000 and that the BVIEC’s total budget is $70 million.

“So to make these comments, I see [them] as scare tactics, tactics to scare the public that will enjoy the benefits of the combined BVI Electricity Corporation and the Water and Sewerage Department.”

Another “scare tactic” by the Opposition was to say that Section 12 of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, 2026, was “too draconian”.

She said the section, contrary to the Opposition’s claims, did not give any officer or employee of the corporation the right to “just jump on somebody’s property and do as they will. But again, I see it as a scare tactic.”

Owners of water trucks need not fear

The Junior Minister also dispelled fears created by Opposition Leader Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) that owners of water trucks need to be concerned, due to Section 11 of the bill, which states the Corporation shall have the exclusive right for the supply of electricity and water in the Virgin Islands, and that any person who supplies, distributes, or sells electricity or water without the prior written permission of the Corporation or with the intention to deprive the Corporation of its income shall be guilty of an offense.

Hon Smith pointed out that similar legislation already exists in Section 6.1 of the Water Ordinance.

“So I see this, Madam Speaker, and referring to it and going to great lengths and telling people that they must be worried about their water trucks and whether they can carry on their business, it’s another scare tactic that is that really should not happen in this House.”

Hon Smith concluded that the merger of BVIEC and W&SD represents a new day for both entities, “and indeed more importantly for this territory”.

She also said she was pleased that the government would allocate a “significant amount” of the $100 million loan to alleviate the water and sewage problem in the Virgin Islands.