Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Merger of BVIEC & W&SD 'a transformative step'- Hon Kye M. Rymer

-legislation to merge assented to by Governor Pruce
According to a press release, this merger between the BVIEC and WSD is a significant milestone in the modernisation of utility services within the Virgin Islands and paves the way for the establishment of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo), a unified entity that will be responsible for the delivery of electricity, water, and sewerage services throughout the Territory. Photo: VINO/File
The legislation to merge the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) has successfully received the approval of the House of Assembly and was assented to by His Excellency, the Governor Daniel Pruce. That’s according to Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The legislation to merge the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) has successfully received the approval of the House of Assembly and was assented to by His Excellency, the Governor Daniel Pruce. That’s according to Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The Ministry of Communication and Works will launch a Territory-wide Graphic Design Competition to create the official brand and logo for the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation. Photo: Internet Source
The Ministry of Communication and Works will launch a Territory-wide Graphic Design Competition to create the official brand and logo for the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The legislation to merge the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) has successfully received the approval of the House of Assembly and was assented to by Governor Daniel Pruce.

That’s according to Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer.

According to a press release, this is a significant milestone in the modernisation of utility services within the Virgin Islands and paves the way for the establishment of the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo), a unified entity that will be responsible for the delivery of electricity, water, and sewerage services throughout the Territory.

The release added that as part of the initial transition phase, members of the public will begin to see a more coordinated approach to public communications and, therefore, effective immediately, water and electricity interruption notices, service advisories, and other customer information will be disseminated through a unified public notification platform, providing residents and businesses with a single, reliable source of information regarding utility services. 

It also said that employees of both organisations have been formally informed of the legislative approval and ongoing transition activities. The Government remains committed to ensuring a smooth integration process while maintaining continuity of service to customers throughout the Territory.

Merger is a transformative step

The Minister described the merger as a transformative step that will strengthen operational efficiency, improve service delivery, enhance long-term sustainability, and create greater opportunities for coordinated infrastructure planning and investment.

Honourable Rymer said, “This is a historic moment for the Virgin Islands. The merger reflects this Government’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient public institutions that can better serve our people today and for generations to come. By bringing these essential utility services together under one modern framework, we are creating a more efficient and sustainable future for the Territory.”

Territory-wide Graphic Design Competition launched

Meantime, the Ministry is launching a Territory-wide Graphic Design Competition to create the official brand and logo for the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation and therefore, residents are invited to submit original logo and branding concepts that reflect the Corporation’s mission, values, and commitment to providing sustainable energy and water services to the people of the Virgin Islands. Competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, prizes, and submission details will be announced shortly.

“The new Corporation belongs to the people of the Virgin Islands,” the Honourable Rymer said, adding, “We want the public to be part of this exciting journey from the very beginning by helping to create the visual identity that will represent this new chapter in our history.”

Hon Rymer thanked Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and the Government of the Virgin Islands for their leadership, vision, and unwavering support in making this initiative possible. He also expressed gratitude for the support of the House of Assembly, His Excellency the Governor, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the important achievement.

23 Responses to “Merger of BVIEC & W&SD 'a transformative step'- Hon Kye M. Rymer”

  • FIRE (06/06/2026, 11:06) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    Bad move, don't like it.
  • HMMM (06/06/2026, 13:02) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Something needs to be done, anything to improve water supply, at present water supply is so bad...What can electrity dept do in the future to improve water supply that cannot be done now, it's been too long.
  • Real (06/06/2026, 14:03) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dead on arrival
  • Did it Again (06/06/2026, 15:46) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    BIG MISTAKE!
  • nonsense (06/06/2026, 15:52) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    The PEOPLE never agreed to this, y’all are going to rob us blindly, you eliminated the paper with the usage, talking bout making it faster n easier. We NEVER agreed! Let’s vote Kye Rhymer out! This is a terrible move. Y’all give yourselves a raise and going to kill the poor people!!!!
  • WHAT!!! (06/06/2026, 17:25) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Never mind that nonsense.
    Smooth out the road all ripped up from SCB to Palestina and beyond do you own shares in a garage because that mess is ruining our vehicles suspension.
    • @What. 100% (07/06/2026, 09:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why dug up the whole 7 miles of Road. Means 7 miles of bumping bouncing, uncomfortable driving, destroying of cars Very inconsiderate, . Why not focus on finishing two miles at a time, This more than inconsiderate.. this poor leadership and planning...
    • @What. 100% (07/06/2026, 09:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why dug up the whole 7 miles of Road. Means 7 miles of bumping bouncing, uncomfortable driving, destroying of cars Very inconsiderate, . Why not focus on finishing two miles at a time, This more than inconsiderate.. this poor leadership and planning...
  • Raw and Unfiltered. (06/06/2026, 18:49) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this a viable merger? “ The Minister described the merger as a transformative step that will strengthen operational efficiency, improve service delivery, enhance long-term sustainability, and create greater opportunities for coordinated infrastructure planning and investment.“ Is this real, core problem of water and sewage? Is storm water (drainage) included in this merger? Will this merger solve the water utilities poor operational inefficiencies, poor service deliveries? Will this merger solve the water utilities revenue challenges, the high ratio of expenses to revenues? A recent report showed that water hauled in $5M in revenues but incurred $26M in expenses. Will water utilities still need to be subsidized by general revenues? Will water and sewerage rates be increased to cover more of the operational cost? Can customers afford the rates to make water self-supporting?
    • Socrates (07/06/2026, 08:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Raw and Unfiltered, you asking many deep, relevant Socratic questions. I’m back to my observation perch.
  • concerned citizen (06/06/2026, 20:22) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    If this merger works, it will stop a lot of the madness the public is going through now. Paying for electricity online is easy, but paying for water is mostly impossible to do online. We have to climb that God-forsaken ramp outside, then climb those stairs, and then travel down the same way we came up, only to dodge the traffic on both sides of the road on that ramp. For seniors and handicapped people, this is gruesome, inhumane torture! Whoever thought of this location is an IDIOT! I hope something will be solved fast and work for us, the people. This is 2026, and they haven't figured out a simple solution to the problems. Let's pray for someone with a brain that works to lead us forward, and not like a 3rd world country.
    • @concerned citizen (08/06/2026, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's not true because I've paid for my water service online.
  • Ohh (06/06/2026, 20:35) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    If any two departments should be merged, it should be the BVIAA fire officers and the regular fire department. Having two separate entities performing many of the same emergency response functions can create unnecessary duplication, confusion in command structure, and inefficiencies in training, staffing, and resource allocation. Firefighters, regardless of whether they operate within the airport environment or the municipal system, share the common mission of protecting lives and property. A unified department would encourage standardized procedures, improve communication during major incidents, and allow personnel and equipment to be utilized more effectively. Instead of maintaining separate chains of command and administrative systems, a merger could strengthen teamwork, reduce operational costs, and provide a more coordinated response to emergencies. In an era where public safety agencies are expected to maximize efficiency and accountability, keeping BVIAA fire officers and regular fire personnel as separate entities may do more to divide resources than enhance public safety.
  • Buss ah move nah man (06/06/2026, 21:03) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    This dude again. Time to actually get things done. Announcements and statements one after the next. Where is the actual work that should be getting done and when will we see sustained results? Q&A
  • be fr (06/06/2026, 23:06) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lipstick on a pig
  • Anonymous (07/06/2026, 01:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just hoping for better service
  • Migoman (07/06/2026, 05:17) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can somebody say WAPA?
  • Non Political (07/06/2026, 07:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    We complain too darn much. Let us see how effective the merger will be first. BVIEC is very effective in their billing system, online payments, disconnection and reconnection. Hopefully the water system will get just as good. When current goes off you call and they are on the job immediately so we expect the same for water. Let us give them a chance.
    • @Non Political (07/06/2026, 16:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The problem isn't the department. When politicians get involved with who to cut and who not to that is where the problem lies. Unfortunately they interfere with bviec too
  • Rubber Duck (07/06/2026, 08:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a bad idea
  • Blackbeauty (07/06/2026, 12:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    What are the details for the logo competition?
  • David (07/06/2026, 21:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very bad move. This is one of the worst decision made by the government. Joining hogs on hogs leads to bad decision.
    The Governor has no idear what he has sign on to.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.