A contract valued at $3,785,274.55 was officially awarded to Connect Enterprises Limited for work on Phase 2 of the Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Network Project. Photo: GIS

Residents of Cane Garden Bay have often complained bitterly about the stench emanating from the sewage station behind the Ivan Dawson Primary School. Photo: VINO/File

Some of the persons at teh signing ceremony for Phase 2 of the Cane Garden Bay Sewer Network System on February 10, 2025. Centre is Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: GIS

The signing ceremony on Monday, February 10, 2025, as such, marks a marquee moment in the long-awaited project, which is expected to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the area.

The project, valued at $3,785,274.55, provides for the construction and installation of sewage lines, alleviating the chronic sewage overflow issues that have plagued Cane Garden Bay for years and was awarded to Connect Enterprises Ltd. and its Joint Venture (JV) partner Q-Brew, with completion targeted within 18 months.

Three Premierships

Second District Representative, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, at the signing ceremony, spoke to the significance of the occasion, reflecting on the years-long journey since the contract was first awarded.

"Today is indeed a moment of deep significance, a testament of the persistence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Cane Garden Bay and the wider Second District community; For many years, the people of Cane Garden Bay have endured the inconvenience, health hazards, and the constant overflow of sewage from the 36 pump stations installed years ago—a system that exceeds even the number of pump stations in the entire island of St Thomas (USVI)."

Hon Turnbull also lamented the fact the project had spanned three premierships and two successive ministers of communications and works. “This is more than just a contract. This is home. Cane Garden Bay is not just a community—it is a pillar of our tourism industry and a place of culture, history, and livelihood.”

A Great Day

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was also present for the modest ceremony, reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges, not only in Cane Garden Bay but across the Virgin Islands.

"We have made the funding available to improve and upgrade our sewage infrastructure; This is a commitment that will extend itself to the entire Virgin Islands, as communities continue to grow and the need for functional sewage systems becomes ever more pressing."

Premier Wheatley also used the occasion to single out Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), for his strong leadership in tackling infrastructural issues, highlighting recent milestones, such as the successful commissioning of the Burt Point sewage treatment facility, advancements in Eastern Long Look, and progress on the Paraquita Bay treatment plant.

Hon Rymer echoed similar sentiments, describing the day as "a great day for the community and the residents of Cane Garden Bay."

Acknowledging the delays and challenges faced along the way, he reiterated for those present, "I can recall one of my first questions in the House of Assembly was pertaining to sewage in Cane Garden Bay, and all the issues that we faced, particularly during cruise ship season.”

With this in mind he recalled, “A year ago, we commissioned the wastewater treatment plant in Cane Garden Bay, and today, we take another significant step forward” and quipped, that upon completion of the project, residents would be able to "flush with confidence", eliminating the need for constant pumping of the lift stations.

Speed & Quality Execution

Meanwhile speaking on behalf of Connect Enterprises Ltd and Q-Brew, Ms Chassidy George expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead such an impactful project.

"As proud born and bred Virgin Islanders and residents of the Second District, this opportunity means so much more to us than just a contract; This is our home, our heart, and a community that serves as a vital tourism hub for the territory."

Ms George also committed that while the project is slated for 18 months, the contractors aim to complete it in record time without compromising on quality.

"We are fully committed to not just meeting but exceeding expectations; With over 20 years of combined experience in sewage treatment management systems, our team stands ready to deliver on this project with excellence, precision, and efficiency," she said.

She also extended gratitude to Premier Wheatley, Minister Rymer, District Representative Turnbull, and her entire project team, acknowledging their trust and confidence in Connect Enterprises Ltd and Q-Brew.