We are like parasites now — Rymer
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has criticised the BVI’s reliance on neighbouring islands for airlift access, describing the behaviour as parasitic.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Rymer underscored the urgency of investing in the territory’s tourism infrastructure, especially as other Caribbean nations expand their airports and services.
“We are seeming to be like parasites now,” Rymer stated. He noted that islands like St Thomas, St Martin, and Anguilla are improving their tourist infrastructure.
“Everybody is expanding, extending their runways, and we sit down… saying, ‘They [BVI tourists] can come through, they can in-transit in those places,’” he noted while suggesting that the BVI’s reliance on other countries for air access hinders the territory’s ability to attract direct visitors.
Rymer highlighted the critical role of tourism in the BVI’s economy, alongside financial services. He pointed out that the tourism industry has grown since the 1960s, with developments like Little Dix and The Moorings marking the start of land-based and sea-based tourism. Today, tourism continues to shape the local economy, with businesses like villas, car rentals, and fishing ventures thriving because of this sector.
However, the Minister expressed frustration with the limited capacity of the BVI’s airports, particularly the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport. At 4,600 feet, the airport’s runway is significantly shorter than those in other nearby islands, which hampers larger aircraft from landing safely, especially during bad weather. He described how flights are sometimes forced to return to Miami or San Juan due to the runway’s limitations. “That is motivation or incentive for us to extend our runway,” Rymer declared.
Rymer also mentioned the increase in flights to the BVI, including American Airlines adding additional routes due to high demand and Caribbean Airlines expected to enter the market next month.
This growing demand, he argued, makes it even more crucial to invest in airport expansion to allow for direct flights to the territory.
“We need to invest in our infrastructure,” Rymer argued. He assured the House that the government is moving forward with plans for a business case for airport expansion approved by Cabinet, with further stages to follow soon.
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You’ll still be parasites as flights can only come in from maybe 3 US cities. Not from Europe, Africa, South America. It is a stupid plan wanted only so friends and cronies can suck lots of corrupt dollars out of it. VI benefit will be net zero.
One of the overlooked opportunities is the economic benefit we’re ceding to neighboring islands—the landing fees, passenger fees, fuel fees, transit expenses, and additional travel costs that could be spent here. In an era dominated by efficiency and convenience, particularly for visitors from the United States who are accustomed to things moving swiftly, the more time spent in transit only adds to their costs and frustrations. Time not wasted in transit is time spent at their destination—enjoying and, more importantly, spending money here. It is an elementary equation, yet one we continue to disregard.