Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has stated that he was previously unaware that some sections of the community experience prolonged internet and telecommunication disruptions following power outages.
Power outages and inconsistent internet service from local providers have been longstanding concerns in the BVI. However, Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull recently told Minister Rymer that his constituents have reported that internet disruptions are significantly worse after a power outage.
“Can the minister please say if he’s aware of these issues? What contingency plans and infrastructural investments are being considered to ensure that residents maintain connection during such occurrences?” Turnbull asked.
In response, Minister Rymer said he was not aware of such prolonged disruptions and suggested that service providers should be the first point of contact when customers experience issues.
“I’m not aware of any internet or telecommunication disruptions following power outages. Now that I have been made aware, I encourage customers experiencing these issues to contact their service providers. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, I’m encouraging you to engage the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) to log your complaint,” Rymer advised.
He added: “The TRC would be able to ascertain if the operator is compliant, as they are mandated to update the TRC about any service disruptions.”
Rymer also noted that the TRC is currently developing a five-year strategic plan aimed at improving telecommunication services across the territory.
Despite this, Turnbull expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s response. He pointed out that the service disruptions are particularly severe in Brewers Bay and Jost Van Dyke, and further claimed that the TRC has not provided adequate assistance to residents affected by the outages.
“On behalf of the people who are experiencing this in my community, and those who might possibly start experiencing this, I encourage you, Minister, to have this addressed as soon as possible so it doesn’t become a bigger problem,” Turnbull urged.
Kye ain’t aware of much at all. He is not aware that we don’t have water to take a bath. He is not aware how bad the roads are. He is not aware how awful the market looks. He is not aware that the admin complex isn’t fix after 6 years of being the minister. Every single thing under Kye is a mess.
Cant get the road by government house/queen elizabeth park completed
After a power failure it takes a while to reboot your router and the providers repeaters and equipment. Some people are too impatient.
He is also unaware that he is significantly underperforming and we really want him gone!
It’s the same as the water problem. Mainly, there isn’t the will to fix the distribution network. The internet connections from Tortola to the rest of the world have enough capacity to provide the fastest, least expensive internet on the planet but it needs to get from the building in Parham to the people. It’s an easy fix, could save people money and be an economic driver. Alas, no vision, no will.
strupes
Standard practice, the provider’s equipment shouldn’t go down in the event of a short power outage. In unstable power regions, like the BVI, power backup of minimum 4+ hours at the edge and 12-24+ hours at aggregation sites would be considered normal. This is a type of regulation the TRC would mandate of providers.
Also unaware that with all this Fintech talk, the number one and two things you need are a reliable source of electricity and stable and steady internet access. What a mess!
Mr UNAWARE , IS SAYING )> NOW YA’AL GOT TO BEAR WITH ME AND UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHATS ” GINE ON ” SO AM TOTALLY ” UNAWARE ” OF EVERYTHING , WHEN YOU GET RIGHT ROWN TO IT , BUT AM TRYING MY BEST HOPEFULLY ONE DAY I WILL GET IT RIGHT
Miniser, are you aware that the fish stocks of the Virgin Islands are next to depleted since decades now, and yet all the people get is talk from their respective representative.
While, international or foreign trawllers continue to reek havoc on what is left of our feeble stock.
Are there any legislation that can be drafted to stop the plunder? As, locals cannot find locally a decent fish to consume either in the restaurant, at sea or on the rocks anymore.
Governments over the years have totally neglected this source of food security.
Indeed, between foreign fishers and an expanding population, many of whom catch the babies, there is no wonder we cannot find a decent fish anymore.
Satellite internet will be available to all earthlings at affordable prices with very low power requirements(12v battery). So no more TRC, no more land based power, no more government involvement!!
While Hon. Kye Rymer has maintained a composed and professional public image, I find it reassuring that more members of the public are beginning to take a closer look at his track record. With the utmost respect, it must be acknowledged that there have been key areas where his leadership has not met expectations, particularly during times when Premier Wheatley was receiving the brunt of public scrutiny.
It appears that Hon. Rymer has adopted a deliberate, strategic approach to navigating the political landscape. However, it is worth reflecting on why certain media outlets—such as Guavaberry Media—have consistently refrained from holding him to the same level of accountability as others, despite legitimate concerns and the potential risks that have arisen under his portfolio.
As a community, if we are sincere about achieving progress and ensuring our issues are properly addressed, we must be willing to engage in open and balanced discussions about all our leaders. This includes respectfully scrutinizing the role and decisions of Hon. Rymer, rather than allowing responsibility to be disproportionately placed on any one individual.
Stop delaying Starlink! Local WiFi needs to either step up or step down! It’s ridiculous!