In December of 2021, videos were circulated of tourists visiting Road Town Tortola who had an extremely frustrating and difficult time maneuvering through the busy capital due to inefficient sidewalks suitable for disabled pedestrians.
Multiple videos sent to our newsroom showed a local athlete Mr. Franklyn Penn getting out of his vehicle and assisting a visiting couple after seeing their utter frustration with trying to maneuver through the town. The video posted by our newsroom received some 2.4 Million views. Once he got the tourist off the side walk, Penn then allowed them to go in front of his vehicle and followed them as they returned on the main road to the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park. The inclement weather did not add to situation. With Tourism being one of the main economic pillars of the BVI and industry partners continuing to do their best to reignite the industry, resident say matters such as this needs to be addressed.
In an invited comment Penn said, “I had to help, they looked so frustrated and disappointed.”
In an invited comment by our newsroom Minister of Transportation & Works Hon. Kye Rymer said, “As a matter of priority and safety for all our pedestrians, the team at PWD has been working on a comprehensive review of the sidewalks in the Road Town area. The results will yield a strategy to remedy any area that needs to be addressed for safety and accessibility.”
Over the year’s residents have taken to social media and local radio programming pleading for better road infrastructure and moreover mechanisms such as proper sidewalks which cater to locals and visitors with disabilities.
The issue is not one specific to the BVI, however residents are pleading for the matter to be addressed urgently and it seems as thou it is finally being given some attention.
Since taking office, Minister Rymer has sought to redevelop the Road Town Area, specifically with a rerouting of traffic in an effort to minimize traffic congestion. The studies of that are still to be shared on whether it has made a difference or not. In the meantime, motorists are asked to be aware of and exercise patience with tourist as they traverse through the capital.
Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer has said that his ministry stands firm on its vision of providing a high standard of internationally accepted public infrastructure for the Territory.
Honourable Rymer stated that works have begun on Administration Drive, the first of three phases of the Road and Sidewalk Improvement Programme for the City of Road Town. This phase he said is expected to include the stretch of road from Banco Popular to the Social Security building.
Acting Director of the Public Works Department, Mr. Jeremy Hodge has also shared that the department’s road and sidewalk improvement programme for the city, will provide consistency of movement for persons, abled or disabled, persons with strollers, wheelchairs, or electric mobility scooters.
Mr. Hodge said, “Persons with disabilities have difficulties getting on and off of our sidewalks, and there has been complaints. Also you will notice that there are some sidewalks that are failing, which are trip hazards, so those will be addressed.” The Ministry is asking motorist to exercise caution and patience as extensive road repairs and infrastructural work continues throughout the Territory.