The Government of the Virgin Islands has allocated $7M in the 2027 budget for the long-awaited 'reopening' of Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) stated at the Continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on October 21, 2026, that tenders for work at the complex were awaiting Cabinet's approval. Photo: YouTube

Government has paid approximately $18.4 million to rent office spaces since August 2017, to house displaced staff due to ongoing repairs to the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex. Photo: VINO.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated in his Budget Address at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, on October 27, 2026, that seven million dollars has been allocated “for the reopening of the RT O’Neal Administration Complex”.

Premier Wheatley, however, did not state a timeline as to when the complex, which was severely damaged during the hurricanes of 2017, is expected to be reopened.

The Premier, who is also the Minister of Finance, previously told the House of Assembly that Government has paid approximately $18.4 million to rent office spaces since August 2017.

Tenders awaiting Cabinet approval

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) stated at the Continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on October 21, 2026, that tenders for work at the complex were awaiting Cabinet's approval.

“Mister Speaker, we have finally reached the stage where tenders have been received from the shortlisted companies.”

Hon Rymer further said the tenders received were returned to the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, “with the intent to be evaluated expeditiously for Cabinet’s approval.”

The Minister acknowledged that the tender process took longer than anticipated, since the tender was published in March 2026. He, however, said tenderers had requested additional time based on questions raised on the designs.

‘While I am sympathetic to the process, and I recognise the frustration that delays can cause, at various stages we must adhere to the established tender processes to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money. Proper procedure is not an obstacle to delivery; it is a foundation of sound public procurement.”