Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), left, and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, have traded blows over the water shortage situation plaguing the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/Facebook/File

Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has said the water crisis is unfolding at a time when families are already struggling under the weight of rising food prices, soaring electricity bills, increased fuel costs, and a cost of living that continues to climb. Photo: Internet Source/File

Government has made significant investments to modernise the Territory's water infrastructure, including the reconstruction of four reservoirs. Photo: Team of Reporters

Road works across the territory are being used as an opportunity to replace outdated water mains, upgrade ageing pipelines, and modernise pressure management systems that are critical to improving the reliability and efficiency of the overall network. Photo: GIS

Hon Penn throws the first blow

It was Honourable Penn, who has served in the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and the Unity Government, who took the first swing, stating in a press missive on July 8, 2026, that “The people of the Virgin Islands have endured months of severe drought conditions, but what they should not have to endure is a government that has failed to adequately manage and provide one of the most basic necessities of life, water.”

The Opposition Leader further said the water crisis is unfolding at a time when families are already struggling under the weight of rising food prices, soaring electricity bills, increased fuel costs, and a cost of living that continues to climb.

“Yet instead of providing relief, this Government has allowed the water situation to deteriorate to the point where residents are effectively being forced to pay twice, through their taxes and again through repeated water purchases, to access a service that Government has a responsibility to provide.”

Honourable Penn urged Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Hon Rymer to address the situation, saying that the Government “cannot continue to stand by while families shoulder yet another financial burden created by its inability to ensure a dependable water supply. If Government cannot provide the service, then Government has a duty to help cover the cost of securing that service elsewhere”.

Hon Rymer counter punches

The Works Minister, Hon Rymer, in a statement also on July 8, 2026, acknowledged the frustration and hardship many families have experienced with the current water supply, adding that access to a reliable supply of potable water is an essential public service, and this Government remains fully committed to improving the system and delivering lasting solutions.

Hon Rymer, however, did not allow Hon Penn to just lay the blame squarely at the feet of the current government, adding that the public deserves more than political soundbites. “They deserve the facts.”

He also reminded Hon Penn that the current Government inherited an ageing and severely neglected water infrastructure after years of underinvestment, including during the period when Honourable Penn served in the previous administration.

“Distribution lines that are decades old, deteriorating reservoirs, inoperable pressure management systems, and the decommissioning of the Sea Cows Bay Water Plant as well as the Government-owned water plant at Baughers Bay have all contributed to the challenges we face today. These are longstanding issues that did not develop overnight and cannot be resolved overnight.”

Hon Penn was also reminded that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government has made significant investments to modernise the Territory's water infrastructure, including constructing four reservoirs and that critical rehabilitation works will be undertaken on an additional five reservoirs.

The Works Minister also highlighted that road works across the territory are being used as an opportunity to replace outdated water mains, upgrade ageing pipelines, and modernise pressure management systems that are critical to improving the reliability and efficiency of the overall network. 

Exercise ‘honesty & responsible leadership’- Hon Rymer

Meanwhile, appearing to have a solution, Hon Penn proposed a water assistance and subsidy programme for residents.

Hon Rymer; however, exposed the Opposition Leader when he said Hon Penn “is obviously aware that a Cabinet Paper is currently being worked on to address targeted relief for vulnerable households, and that this process is already underway.”

According to Hon Rymer, the subsidy programme requires careful design, clear targeting to ensure it reaches those who need it most, and a full assessment of its fiscal implications.

“These are exceptional circumstances that require honesty, cooperation and responsible leadership, not attempts to politicise a national challenge that has persisted for decades,” Hon Rymer stated.