Power outages threaten tourism on VG, Wheatley cautions
Virgin Gorda’s recurring power outages are threatening the island’s tourism industry, Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley has warned, saying electricity failures and related water supply problems are undermining one of the BVI’s most important economic sectors.
Speaking in the House of Assembly last Friday, Wheatley said residents and businesses had endured months of electricity disruptions, prompting him to seek updates directly from the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) on planned remedial works.
“We’ve been having various challenges with power, electricity, a lot of fluctuations, a lot of power outages,” Wheatley stated. He said he had met with the corporation’s general manager and was encouraged that officials had identified the problems and developed a strategy to address them.
“I was happy to know that he’s quite aware of the challenges we have. They’ve catalogued them. They know exactly the approach they’re going to take to get the problem fixed with the infrastructure and the distribution,” Wheatley stated.
The legislator said the electricity problems extend beyond inconvenience because they also affect the territory’s water supply.
Sargassum creating operational challenges
He noted that sargassum seaweed continues to create operational challenges, particularly because Virgin Gorda’s water plants are exposed to the influx of seaweed.
“Sargassum in Virgin Gorda and other places is more than just a nuisance of a foul scent. But because the water, both of the plants are exposed to sargassum, it creates a water problem,” Wheatley stated.
He added: “Virgin Gorda is all about tourism, a lot of high-end tourism. And when you are asking tourists to come to Virgin Gorda and then there’s no power at times and there’s no water. It creates a real problem for us,” Wheatley stated.
Despite those challenges, Wheatley highlighted Virgin Gorda’s continued international recognition as a premier travel destination. He said the island had been ranked the third-best island in the Caribbean and 22nd globally in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
According to Wheatley, the rankings reflected more than the territory’s natural attractions. He said the assessment considered factors including culture, hospitality and visitor experiences, alongside Virgin Gorda’s beaches, luxury resorts and the Baths. Wheatley urged residents to celebrate Virgin Gorda’s achievements while continuing to work towards resolving the infrastructure problems affecting the island.
“It speaks to how, as a community, we need to come together, to work together, and celebrate something like this… Let’s put the bad things aside. Let’s work on fixing those things. Like I said, the power, the sargassum, the water,” Wheatley stated.
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Captain the ship is sinking. Captain the seas are rough. At this rate, what else will go wrong? What will be fixed?
10 district note how this man promote the woes of Virgin Gordians Daily, post infrastructure progress on Virgin Gorda daily, have parties for Virgin Gordians Daily, during Speedys price increase he was quick to be seen has anyone heard from him when a community member was abuse?
in these modern times reliable energy is basic human right, you’re an elected official and your public stance is it’s a detriment to tourism vs deteriment to those you serve?
Why doesn’t Virgin Gorda have its own power plant, given how important tourism is to its economy? What are the main challenges preventing this from happening, and why has it taken so long to resolve the ongoing power issues?
We are in the 21st century, and frequent power outages should not be the norm, especially on an island that depends so heavily on tourism and attracts visitors from around the world. Reliable electricity and water are essential infrastructure, not luxuries, and both residents and businesses depend on them every day.
When can businesses and residents realistically expect long-term solutions instead of continued delays and repeated promises?
Good Morning Mr. Ninth District!!! You Finally Woke Up? You Late. From 2019 To Present Can You Tell The People Of Virgin Gorda What Are Your Bragging Rights As A Politician And District Rep?
1. No Separation Of Passengers And Cargo. F
2. No Separation Of BFEC High School And Primary. F.
3. No Government Own Community Centre. F
4. No Clinic Hours In North Sound. F.
5. No Consistent Running Water. F.
6. No Consistent Electricity. F.
7. Virgin Islanders Still Occupying N.S. Community
Centre Basement, Yet Social Homes Built For
Families And friends. F.
8. North Sound Clinic Closed.F
9. North Sound Admin Bldg Closed.F
We Had Enough Of Nothing. We Voting Sharon Flax-Brutus For The Ninth!!!!!
As if the water issue in the entire BVI is not problem enough. This place is a wasteland man – an apocalyptic haven.
power outage would scare off tourist? what about vg residents who been getting power and water outage ?
will the tourist money come and fix those issues?
to hell with the residents who working and paying tax but cant get no light or water in them own country………. crazy….we more worried about tourist the our own… human rights being violated straight up.
this the same country talking about independence …. if yah think is bad now imagine if them got that…
while you home with no power or water the politicians and them family and inner circles will have solar power, generators and constant water access. while you work to pay their pay cheque
if it ever comes to that might as well give yah wallet to the criminals on the block