Sister island roads and facilities to be improved — Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said in a recent interview that the government has committed to addressing long-standing infrastructure and environmental issues affecting the sister islands.

Speaking on JTV, Dr Wheatley outlined his administration’s efforts to improve conditions in Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure and environmental management.

“Minister [Vincent] Wheatley has been working on this particular issue,” he said, referencing the state of healthcare facilities in Virgin Gorda. “I know when we had the budget, we did approve monies for, I believe, both North Sound and the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic in the Valley.”

The premier added that the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is expected to oversee some of the projects. “I expect very soon we’re going to be seeing works executed.”

Dr Wheatley acknowledged delays in key infrastructure projects, attributing them to bureaucratic hurdles. “I wish I could just click my fingers and a lot of things which, you know, need to be done, we just get it done,” he said. “But we have to go through the process.”

The premier also noted concerns over roadworks and government engagement with private landowners, citing recent disputes at Hodges Creek. “You would be surprised how many public roads are on private property,” he said. “If you take private land away to do a road, you have to compensate persons. Sometimes, persons may not even want compensation for the road. They may just want you to be able to have a conversation with them.”

Infrastructure challenges extend beyond roads. Residents of Jost Van Dyke have called for better utilities, solid waste management, and disaster preparedness. While Dr Wheatley did not provide a timeline for these improvements, he said his government remains committed to making progress.

Dr Wheatley called on residents to remain engaged in development discussions and to hold the government accountable. “We need all hands on deck,” he said. “We need everybody to recognise the urgency of the moment.”