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Demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall has started

- No timeline for a new structure on plot of land
The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, which was built with money donated by a British philanthropist Sir Rupert Briercliffe in the 1980s but has stood in ruins for about a decade, is being demolished. Photo: VINO
The infrastructure and integrity of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall were further damaged in the two category-five hurricanes of 2017. Photo: VINO
The infrastructure and integrity of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall were further damaged in the two category-five hurricanes of 2017. Photo: VINO
Demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Friday, July 19, 2024. Photo: VINO
Demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Friday, July 19, 2024. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said today, July 19, 2024, there is no timeline for a new and improved structure following the demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said today, July 19, 2024, there is no timeline for a new and improved structure following the demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, which was built with money donated by a British philanthropist Sir Rupert Briercliffe in the 1980s but has stood in ruins for about a decade, is being demolished.

For now, the site will be used as a staging ground for materials for the ‘coming soon’ construction of the new Althea Scatliffe Primary School aka ‘Mighty Mighty Scatliffe’, according to reports.

In 2019, then Minister for Education and Culture Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) told the public that the structure known to many as the 'Culture Centre' would have been demolished and replaced by a performing arts facility.

The now Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Wheatley said today, July 19, 2024, there is no timeline for a new and improved structure.

“We have started stakeholder consultations” on having a multi-purpose facility, including a library, performing arts centre and museum, Dr Wheatley stated at a press conference today.

“But we are still in the conceptual stage,” he added.

Sir Rupert Briercliffe

Sir Briercliffe was knighted by King George V in 1919. He came to the Virgin Islands in 1957 and he resided in Pasea Estate on the main Island of Tortola until the time of his death on December 2, 1975. He was 86 years of age.

The funeral of Sir Briercliffe was held at the St George's Anglican Church, Road Town, and his remains were interned in the church's cemetery. It is our understanding that he was a wealthy man and left a fortune, around several hundred thousand dollars (in 1975), most of which, according to reports, was for community purposes on behalf of the people of the [British] Virgin Islands.

15 Responses to “Demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall has started”

  • Wellsah (19/07/2024, 17:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    thank you for your contribution
  • WAS HE BLACK (19/07/2024, 18:03) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    BECAUSE EVERY TIME WE READ ANYTHING ABOUT THE WHITES ON THIS SITE , IS ALWAYS THEM WHITE BOYZ ARE COLONIALISTS , YHRM WHITE BOYZ ARE SLAVE MASTERS AND THEY ARE BRINGING BSMACK A NEW VERSION OF SLAVERY
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (19/07/2024, 18:16) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    i hope that you british virgin islanders would remember and honor sir rupert briercliffe for donating money to build the briercliffe hall in road town tortola british virgin islands. no matter who human beings are always honor those who serve humanity and give to humanity to help the human race regardless of their race, color, ethnicity and nationality. always give thanks to everyone that have made contributions to the lives of british virgin islanders. do not be ungrateful and do not hate others that despitefully use you.
  • Remember (19/07/2024, 18:23) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope that at least a plaque is left on whatever building replaces it in his memory
  • BuzzBvi (19/07/2024, 18:25) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Conceptual stage. Think... Greenhouses, Airline, Administration Building, Roads, Water, Sewerage, Internet, Functional Legislators, Old Peoples Home, Racetrack, Fishing Complex, East End Fishermans Dock, Electricity Payments, Drug smuggling Associates, Using Register of Interests, DDM Alerts, Seaplanes, Postal Service, VG Water Ambulance, Incinerator repair, Street Light Repair, COI recommendations, Appointments to Boards, Prospect Reef, Removal of Fahie's Picture, Another Miami Office, details of contracts where the Cabinet waived the tender process, understanding what can be witheld in the Interest of National Security, Audits, Audits, Audits, Audits, Audits, Audits, Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, Audits, Audits, Audits.
  • bystander (19/07/2024, 21:35) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    I looked him up after this article. He was a doctor/medical administrator in the British Colonial Service. He promoted the education and training of local medical staff and doctors in the Caribbean and West Africa. A dedicated public servant it seems; which is in keeping with his donation of the Hall. Thank you Sir Rupert.
  • Lela (19/07/2024, 21:40) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sorry to see that being demolished. The building needed to be maintained. It was better than the multipurpose complex. What was said in there could clearly be heard and understood. ????
  • WOW (19/07/2024, 22:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    So much memories went down with that cultural center today. I hope whom don’t take long to rebuild a more sturdy structure.
  • bvibuzz (20/07/2024, 01:13) Like (0) Dislike (10) Reply
    what's the big deal it was an eye sore!!!
    • WHAT!!! (20/07/2024, 09:11) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ bvibuzz.
      The big deal is that it was donated for public use and was allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair.
  • Herbs Powa (20/07/2024, 03:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Festival village parking lot on the way.
    • hmm (20/07/2024, 12:40) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      VIP PARKING FOR THE QUEEN SHOW AND FESTIVAL VILLAGE FOR THE SPREEMIER AND HIS GANG
  • DOUBLE STANDARDS (20/07/2024, 04:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I THOUGHT THAT WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO BREAKDOWN HISTORICAL SITES? GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
  • THIS SPREEMIER (20/07/2024, 10:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    MASHNG UP EVERYTHING
  • new (20/07/2024, 13:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The new building should still be named after him.


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