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New Trellis Bay Rest Stop promises comfort for commuters & tourists

The new Trellis Bay Rest Stop was officially inaugurated on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Photo: Facebook
Mrs Delma D. Maduro, Chair of the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission said the project to build the new rest stop at Trellis Bay was a long journey following the devastation caused by the hurricanes in 2017. Photo: Facebook
Mrs Delma D. Maduro, Chair of the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission said the project to build the new rest stop at Trellis Bay was a long journey following the devastation caused by the hurricanes in 2017. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), lauded the collaborative effort behind the new Trellis Bay rest stop project. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), lauded the collaborative effort behind the new Trellis Bay rest stop project. Photo: Facebook
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- In a celebration of resilience, progress, and collaboration, the much-anticipated Trellis Bay Rest Stop was officially inaugurated on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Located at the picturesque coastal gateway, the formal commissioning ceremony brought together government officials, stakeholders, and community members to mark the completion of a project poised to enhance the tourism experience and inter-island connectivity in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Project a long journey- Delma D. Maduro

Mrs Delma D. Maduro, Chair of the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission said the project “has been a long journey, born from the challenges we faced after the devastating hurricanes of 2017. Today, we unveil a vital facility that not only serves as a transit hub but also elevates the aesthetics and functionality of Trellis Bay.”

The rest stop, she affirmed, includes much-needed public amenities such as restrooms, offering relief to nearby private businesses.

Marquese Maduro, representing the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), used his opportunity to emphasise his agency’s commitment to improving infrastructure. “By facilitating and improving the travel experience, this rest stop is a welcome addition to the Trellis Bay coastline,” he remarked, adding that the RDA was proud to partner with the Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism.

Progress delayed not progress denied- Hon Marlon A Penn

The facility, decorated in vibrant hues representing the VI’s natural beauty and picturesque landscape serves as a gateway to destinations such as Virgin Gorda and the surrounding islands. It aims to enhance the experience for both tourists and locals, supporting the tourism sector, which is one of the territory’s economic pillars.

Opposition Member Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), lauded the collaborative effort behind the project. “Progress delayed is not progress denied,” he asserted, reflecting on the journey from concept to completion.

Hon Penn also advocated for the maintenance of the facility, urging stakeholders to ensure its longevity saying, “We build beautiful edifices, but it’s crucial to keep them well-maintained for the benefit of all.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from Mr Malaki A. Smith of No Limit Construction, who expressed pride in delivering the project on time and within budget.

“We exceeded the original scope of works while adhering to the budget, thanks to the support of the RDA and other stakeholders,” he noted.

36 Responses to “New Trellis Bay Rest Stop promises comfort for commuters & tourists”

  • loki (06/12/2024, 13:42) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is there a contract or arrangement in place for the maintenance of this facility? Or will it quickly become an eyesore and embarassment like the Million Dollar toilets at Noel LLoyd Park?
    • Gut (06/12/2024, 20:57) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's already an eyesore. Who designed that should hang them head in shame.
      • @Gut (07/12/2024, 21:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        I’m wondering myself who designed the plan for this eyesore. I was wondering if the same designer designed the beach huts that they are calling the market.
  • Not serious (06/12/2024, 14:00) Like (50) Dislike (1) Reply
    Utter Rubbish, No One Building this or Responsible for this understood the Assignment. For years the community has asked a safe enclosed space to shelter from the weather, a space for our guests and college student/workers to wait for the public ferries, a place that actually servers as shelter from the sometimes cold and wet Trellis Bay. What was delivered is a Restroom/ Rest Stop?!? Is this a Highway? Is this another way to misuse the budget?
  • WEW (06/12/2024, 14:40) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    I'm sure it will get lots of use by the homeless
  • Again. (06/12/2024, 15:03) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    without vision the people perish. People its almost 2025. wake up ..
  • bbc (06/12/2024, 15:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    all the years nothing was done as the tourist groups take over
  • East Ender (06/12/2024, 15:20) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Question: Who will be cleaning these restrooms? Will they be locked after hours? Because, I tell you, the vagrants them and other lawless citizens may make a muck of the tax payers money!
    • resident (06/12/2024, 18:39) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Maybe they can have Speedy's lock it before the last ferry leaves.
      • @resident (07/12/2024, 09:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

        You all are so...backwards in this place. It is not Speedy’s responsibility to lock anything before the last ferry leaves. The responsibility is to hire someone full time to maintain, clean and lock up when the last ferry departs.not Speedy’s.Do things the right way and things will go well. The homeless is going to start squatting there soon.

        • resident (08/12/2024, 17:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @@Resident You're the backward one! To cover from 6 am to 10 pm seven days/week you would need three full-time workers. That would cost $150,000/year with salary, benefits and unfunded pension liability.

          Speedy's customers benefit the most, so let them unlock it at 6 am and lock it when the last ferry leaves.

          Put a cleaning contract out to bid for a private company to clean the place once/day. That might cost $25k/year. No government workers needed.
      • i hope not (09/12/2024, 07:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        That should not be a responsibility on speedy's staff.
  • Camper (06/12/2024, 15:28) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hut
  • Curtain (06/12/2024, 16:12) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Rain and wind you will still get wet. Planning needs wisdom at work.
  • Farce (06/12/2024, 16:36) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    What politicians would turn up and view this a a sensible photo opportunity taking credit for that!
  • CONCRETE (06/12/2024, 16:53) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    concrete the only material they know to waste money
  • CONCRETE (06/12/2024, 16:54) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    its a raised up square box made of concrete.
  • Xal (06/12/2024, 16:55) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see the security cameras in the photos. Street lights on the dock will help.
    • Climatechanger (07/12/2024, 15:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      With the threat of climate change and storm surges due to hurricanes and other storms, how long is this building which is just a "stone's throw" away from the ocean, expected to last?. Did the Government and Contractors take this into consideration?
  • west (06/12/2024, 17:16) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    big ups to no limit job well done!
  • VG (06/12/2024, 18:00) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sure you can see how time is wasted in government so many government opening a 2x4 facility.
  • disappointed (06/12/2024, 18:33) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    The design is atrocious and functionality grossly lacking. What is really going on in the BVI? Do we not see the simple yet tropically elegant designs on the outer islands. Just copy what works. The whole place going to hell on wheels. We need saving from ourselves. This is what happens when you send boys to do a man's job. SMH
  • Celebration (06/12/2024, 21:18) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Next thing the HOA will come out to celebrate every time they fill a pothole
  • @wew (06/12/2024, 21:59) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Do we realize the homeless is people to. Don't push them aside one of these days they may end up being our boss. Don't count them out, society need to play our part to bring out the best in them. All is not lost this building could be there Christmas gift as a means of rest just like us who would occupy ot for a short waiting period. Look out for the poor and needy. Our tax payers money is to benefit all including the less fortunate. Peace and blessings
  • BuzzBvi (06/12/2024, 22:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Benito has already written to the UN to see what we can do about this.
  • BuzzBvi (06/12/2024, 22:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are doomed.
  • Linda (06/12/2024, 23:02) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can the Government get together with the Tourist Board to finish the bathroom at Josiah's Bay? The Tourist Board built the wooden bathroom over 10 years ago but never put in the plumbing for toilets and sinks. Some of our Representatives came down over 6 years ago and posed in front of the bathroom, taking pictures so we thought it would be finished soon. Josiah's Beach is one the busiest beaches during the high season, and it has surfing, fun, and sun. Still nowhere for regular beachgoers to relieve themselves. There are 2 beach bars there, but the private bathrooms are only for their patrons, or else the regular public would destroy them like they have in the past. I cannot in my wildest dreams, figure out WHY THERE ARE NO PUBLIC BATHROOMS!!! Hundreds of patrons visit this beach and it is a downright disgrace they have to piss and $hit in the sea. Can our District Leader please address this and not give empty answers over and over? So tired and disrespected concerning this!
  • Not adding up. (07/12/2024, 06:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So, How does this fit into the Airport extensión and widening plan. For this Airport development to happen,.
    • @not adding up (07/12/2024, 09:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      It doesn't. As usual we put the cart to haul the Horse. It will be torn down whenever the Airport expansion begins. The nincompoops don't think they just do whatever they feel luke whenever they feel like. Its not their money but ours so why care if its wasted. Don't know why we continue to let these knuckleheads treat us this way as if we have no say in how our taxpaying dollars should be spent or in this case wasted. May God have mercy on all of us. This place on its way to hell in a hand basket.
  • Doll (07/12/2024, 09:19) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    A quick question, why is it that bvinews publised this same story showing the building's signage incomplete? However, VINO shows what the signage actually says/depicts. Was this an attempt by bvinews to portray the Government and VI people in a different light? Were they attempting to cause some type of embarrassment? One has to wonder what they were trying to achieve. I would have asked them directly. Unfortunately, we all know they pick and choose what is posted on their site. I was of the impression most journalist takes the time to be fair and equally balanced but i guess who am i to believe that bvinews feel the need to do just that. Well, let me mind my own business and go back to living the purpose the Lord has carved out for me. Peace & love, y'all.
  • Lb (07/12/2024, 09:27) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is laughable! Took at least 6 years to finally get to the point where you all built this horrible structure? A plan was approved 2 Directors ago for a more aesth pleasing and functional facility. You all stopped it playing politics. Now come bragging about this nonsense. Just the other day I saw tourists preferring to sit under the tree than sit under the building because the sun was blazing under the facility. No proper thought or planning. The structure design is an eyesore including the colors! The area is still a dirty filthy mess with trash bins, potholes, bad parking and barges offloading a bunch of crap. Old oil and deasil seeping in to the ground. No room for a little cafe or decent concession operation for tourists while they wait. Everyone in this picture should be fired for having the audacity to stand there proud of this catastrophe.
  • bella (07/12/2024, 21:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This project is 45 years behind and this is the best they can do? Shame.
  • smh (08/12/2024, 05:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yet another public restroom. What a waste!
  • hmm (09/12/2024, 04:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Delma you does look so dry and dead go and get some rest,ain’t everything you have to be in!!
  • time will tell (09/12/2024, 09:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have had the opportunity to witness this structure not being used to shelter from the elements. It rained before I got to Beef Island to catch the 9am ferry to VG. Not one person waiting for the ferry could use it and have a seat because every single bench was soaked from the rain. I was soo disappointed that I was speechless. I had no words at all. Shock and disbelief were all I felt while observing everyone waiting around the structure they should be sheltering in because there was not one dry seat to use. WE MUST DO BETTER!!
  • Nice (10/12/2024, 16:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    but that little 10 x 10 building cost almost 1/4 million dollars? Come on man. COI, look into this one too puppa


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