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.