USVI isn’t outdoing us in all areas — Rymer
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has challenged the long-running argument that the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is taking business opportunities away from the Virgin Islands because the BVI government has failed to act.
Rymer, speaking recently in the House of Assembly, dismissed suggestions that the USVI is “eating the BVI’s lunch,” a phrase used previously by Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn to describe how St. Thomas was drawing business away from the territory.
“We like to speak about St. Thomas — they’re eating our lunch and doing this and doing that. Just recently, two or three charter companies have moved to the BVI. Why are they moving here? Because we are so bad out here? No, because they see a benefit in coming here,” Rymer argued.
He pointed to signs that the BVI remains competitive, noting that K-Mart in St. Thomas is closing and that shopping centres like Tutu Park Mall are struggling, while BVI-based businesses such as CTL and Drakes Traders are attracting steady patronage.
“We are thriving in some instances, and where we are not – as a government – we will assist,” Rymer said, highlighting a new small business grant programme recently approved by Cabinet.
The minister also reminded the House that the territory is still recovering from the devastation of the 2017 hurricanes, which continue to strain the economy and government finances.
“This hasn’t been an easy road… but thank God we understand that we have more work to do, and the Lord will continue [to guide us] so that we can continue to do the work,” he added.
Walwyn has repeatedly argued that the BVI is being outpaced by its neighbour because of inefficiencies and government inaction. However, Rymer pushed back against that narrative, stressing that while some businesses may struggle due to their own management, the wider picture shows that opportunities are still being created and sustained locally.
The Minister further warned that political instability — including recent motions of no confidence — could disrupt recovery efforts.
“I feel this motion of no-confidence would have been like a grenade thrown into a room of our recovery,” Rymer said.
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Wakebup!!
I do not think
USVI residents woke up this morning to a dry pipe line.
Convenience is part of a good life
Since yesterday we have a dry pipe
Do not bury your head under the sand
May God help us! The ineptitude and dellusions of these so called leaders are staggering.
You forget your Covid policies? You gutted the tourism sector, your banks rolled in cash from moratorium, and the voter owned businesses (mom and pop operations) got crushed!
You and your fellow members are honestly DISGUSTING!
It is not just St. Thomas that is outdoing us. Everybody is outdoing us.
Is this guy on some kind of f**king drugs? THE BVI IS BEHIND IN EVERY F**KING WAY! LOOK AROUND!!!!!!!!!!! A few charters moving back here because it benefits them does not change the fact that we are far behind not only STT but many others. It is 2025 and we do not even have 200 hotel rooms available on Toetola. Kye STFU and do some real work! You built a dead market square and waste 1.5 mil on the container looking piece of s**t in Huntum’s Ghut! Do one thing with sense and stop talking S**T! WE ARE BEHIND NOW LET US START WORKING! I still cannot believe thus jacka** is using KMART an example and comparison.
@WTF correction it’s spell Tortola so calm down relax and take your time and use less explicit words those choice of words that you use make sound you what.
Comparison is the thief of joy, so stop trying to compare us to the USVI. Just get on with what you need to do get this territory functioning properly.
So why compare and say the UK is corrupt too and have its problems. What is that disparity ?
Is this guy for real? Go to the East Caribbean ever so often a new hotel open. Not only is USVI outpacing usthey leadership is what matters they have two Government we don’t even have a Government we have Fun a bunch of losers
Some USVI charter companies coming here with small boats is not a benefit. We already have small boats. We have spent years building for big boats, and now there is no room for them because we have too many small ones. Quantity is not quality.
“I feel this motion of no-confidence would have been like a grenade thrown into a room of our recovery,” Rymer said.
Let me see if I understand this statement correctly. So you walk slow and because I tell you that you are walking slow, you blame me for your slow walk.
We still here really talking bout we recovering from Irma?
What BS….
Everyday these Shallow Brain, So-Called Leaders Pride themselves on chatting Piss. Nothing that make sense. They take Turns deciding which one will come on talking Nonsense. this one needs to Resign. infact ALL of them need to Resign. But No Worries, We will Fire them next Elections Snap or Rap!!!
School Children could do a Better Job than this Bunch. We have NO Comparison!!! The BVI is just Limping and has been since 2019. I say VOTE THEM OUT!!! When they bring Money, Take It But still VOTE THEM OUT!!!!! We had Enough!!!
imagine usvi roads is trash and we still can’t compete with them in that….thats crazy mehson not even 3rd rate we 4th rate
It is. As is Haiti and South Sudan.
Before he concenrate on fix the BVI problems that he was put to magae, he looking at other Country, Rhymer you weak and very laid back, you need to go and find someone who can get the job done.
THIS BRAYING JACK ASS FROM ROUND HILL BOSS WE SICK OF YOUR BEHIND
The Hon Minister missed the memo.
Companies are moving here because the territory has written laws to exclude them if they don’t base here.
This cl**n knows they are spending over half a billion dollars yearly and nothing to show for it? It all goes to Civil Service maintenance, especially for rental properties and retirees, salaries, over priced projects and let us not forget fete, etc.
As a populous we are tired of this young, able bodied, intelligent Government trying to serve us bull for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Personally I am off the red meat so they can cut it out. They are incapable of doing what this country needs and frankly should get the hell out of the way and let us work on getting this country back to its past glory.
Hon. Rymer, please go and fix Main Street. Yet another area that is in dire need of help. You get a big fat F.
Running water when you get home from work: USVI ✅; BVI ❎
New Hotel Built since Irma and Maria:
USVI ✅; BVI ❎
A functional Airport with multiple International flights:
USVI ✅; BVI ❎
Free access nights in the Village:
USVI ✅; BVI ❎
A comprehensive plan on the way forward since Irma and Maria:
USVI ✅; BVI ❎
Politicians visiting the other territory ever chance they get:
USVI ❎; BVI ✅
Government salary increase (greedy bill) since Irma:
USVI ❎; BVI ✅
Quater million payment for an artist to perform:
USVI ❎; BVI ✅
Millions in flights out of the territory:
USVI ❎; BVI ✅
The minister speaking has been elected since 2019, almost 6 years.
They lie so much that it has become their reality.
When Trump starts to focus on this region and the BVI deliberate
failure to secure its
borders and the resulting havoc it has
created in thecregion and mainland.. ..tis going to be plenty bachanal in this lil
counterfeit dusty place.
and fed the crime in the USVI and mainland and how our criminals are caught only by the effort ofcthe USVzi, much cr our lack of
HAS EXOPOSED HIS INCOMPETENCE ON E AGAIN / LEAVE DAH WHITE LADY ALONE , AND TRY THE NATURAL HOME GROWN / THE WIGGED ONE ,SAYS IT CLEARS UP THE SENCES ( AND EVERY NOW AND AGAIN HE HOLLERS OUT ( FREE THE WEED ) OR EXCUSE YOURSELF , YOU AIN’T READY YET •
What’s with the concern for the USVI? CLEAN UP YOUR OWN BACK YARD. Didnt you see how the USVI treated us during COVID