Land being sought for new HoA building- SFC Report
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Information in the Report on the Deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) appointed by the HoA of the Virgin Islands (VI) to examine the Draft Estimates for the Year 2025, show that Speaker of the House Hon Corine N. George-Massicote, who served as Chairman of the SFC, indicated that a new building was needed since the current location had been outgrown.
“She explained that even if the current structure were extended upwards, it would not be feasible. As such, a site for the new House of Parliament needed to be secured, one that would allow for self-sufficiency, and be large enough to rent out space to generate income. The Chairman expressed her vision for the future of the House of Parliament and emphasised that the process needed to begin immediately,” the report stated.
Hon Geroge-Massicote stated that while securing a location for the building, architectural drawings needed to be completed and should be included in the budget for next year.
$150K for architectural designs
Hon George-Massicote, the report added further reminded Members that the shift towards the Independence of the House, where there were previous restrictions, would grant greater autonomy to undertake various initiatives, particularly concerning staffing. The target for this transition would be mid-June next year.
Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) asked if a nominal sum should be put forward for the architectural designs for a building, to which the Speaker responded with an estimate of about $150,000.
Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) advised that something should be included in the budget for the architectural designs of the building if "we were serious" about what was being planned. He also agreed that $150,000 was sufficient to start.
Securing the land for new HoA building
Following an enquiry from Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) about the land for the new HoA building, Hon Skelton responded that mention was made that this was being worked on in partnership with the Premier and other Members of the Cabinet.
Hon George-Massicote indicated that she had previously mentioned that the land needed to be secured first and provided information on locations of the proposed sites.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated that discussions with the Minister for Lands was needed and indicated that he too supported the need for a new building.
According to the Speaker, having the new Parliament building on the seaside could “greatly enhance and add value to the tourism economy”.
Other members support need for new income generating HoA building
Several other members of the HoA voiced their support for a new Parliament building.
Hon Penn supported the need for a new building for the Parliament and advised that the necessary support should be sought. Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) while approving of the intended location, expressed satisfaction that the House had reached a stage where discussions were taking place regarding the future of the Parliament.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) also threw her support behind the future project, the need for funding the architectural designs and the suggestion that the building can be a “future tourist attraction”.
Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Hon Dr Karl Dawson (R1) echoing the thoughts of his colleagues said he could “see the future location as an area for sightseeing”. Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) also supported the new building
Hon. Smith suggested having a three-person committee look at the best location for the building and revert to Members of the House. Hon de Castro and Hon Wheatley both supported Hon Smith’s call for a three-person committee.
Meanwhile, Clerk of the HoA Mrs Bethsaida Smith-Hanley sought to help members understand that from the perspective of generating revenue streams. By having the new building attached to the boardwalk where there are the tourists, gift shops, breakfast nooks, and coffee shops revenue can be generated for the House.
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