Inside the Hannah Hill Reservoir while work was being conducted in September 2026. Photo: Ministry of Communications and Works

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has said the Virgin Islands’ (VI) water system will not be rebuilt overnight. Photo: YouTube

Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), has been described as a high-performing minister who is passionate about getting the job done. Photo: YouTube

Premier Wheatley said this on September 30, 2026, on Virgin Islands Voice. "You're not going to be able to rebuild your water system overnight. It's going to take a lot of time, and in some instances it's going to be very painful, because when you do the work, when you're connecting the pipes, when you’re repairing the reservoirs, persons are going to be without water for some time.”

The issue of potable water in the VI has been ongoing for many years. The Ministry of Communications and Works, under the leadership of Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), has undertaken work to bring relief to the people of the VI. This includes repairs to reservoirs and replacing aged and broken water pipes.

Hon Rymer ‘very passionate’

“I believe that the minister is extremely passionate about getting the work done, you know, he’s a high-performing minister,” Premier Wheatley said of Hon Rymer.

The Premier added that Hon Rymer doesn’t like it when problems go unresolved. “He puts a lot of pressure on me to make sure he has what he needs to be able to get the job done.”

Premier Wheatley added that it is a team effort, adding, “I believe that all of the investment that we are making right now will create a situation that will result in a reliable supply of potable water for the people of the Virgin Islands.”

An additional five million dollars, the Minister revealed on the show, will be allocated for the water infrastructure.