Gov’t spent close to $5 million for rent in 2010-DGO report
According to the Deputy Governor’s Office 2010 annual report, the agency that coordinates most of the rentals for government, tax payers spent some four million, seven hundred and fourteen thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four dollars and sixty-seven cents ($4,714,854.67) in rental of government accommodations for the reported year.
This figure is only based on what were provided by government Departments and Ministries but it is believed that this figure is well over $5 million, if land lease, equipment rentals and leases by statutory bodies are added in.
The Deputy Governor’s annual report was laid before the House of Assembly on June 28, 2012, making it a public document.
Many departments outside Administration Complex rent office space
Many government departments outside the main Central Administration building in Road Town, the Virgin Islands’ Capital City, are renting office space/accommodation, and in some cases, entire buildings. For example, the Office of the Complaints Commissioner, the House of Assembly, the Audit Department, Police, BVI Shipping Registry, Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, BVI International Finance Centre, Customs Department, Survey Department, Library Services, and Department of Motor Vehicles, to name a few of the many departments that rent from private tenants.
In 2010, according to the report, the building leased for the East End/Long Look Branch of the Post office was renewed, as well as, the building that houses the Sandy Lane Centre, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Asphalt plant for the Public Works Department.
In 2010, there was an increase in rent for the Virgin Gorda public library from $475 per month to $1,500 per month, as well as, the Elections Office from $2,200 per month to $2,400 per month, the Court Reporting Unit from $2,191.59 per month to $2,352.58 and the Police Force Forensic Analytic Unit from $500 per month to $1,079.17 per month.
The Government of the VI took over the lease agreement for the office space for the BVI International Finance Centre with retroactive effect from January 1, 2009. The lease, according to the 2010 report, is for a period of 5 years with a monthly rent of $7,800 per month, which is located in the Haycraft building at Pasea Estate.
The report stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers moved out of the Central Administration Building into the TTT building on July 1, 2010, and the Immigration Department relocated to the RJT Edifice Building effective April 1, 2010 and the National Health Insurance Project office was move to the Betteto Frett building located on Wickhams Cay in April 2010.
The Deputy Governor’s Office list as its mission, to ensure effective public governance, which helps to strengthen democracy and human rights, promote economic prosperity and social cohesion and deepen confidence in government and public administration.
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