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Persons still living in North Sound Com. Centre since 2017 storms- Hon Malone

- said efforts being made to relocate those persons
One of the community centres already receiving repairs is the West End Community Centre, which received upgrades funded by the European Union. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), at the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on Thursday, April 29, 2021, said the North Sound Community Centre has not been serving its original purpose as it is still being used as a shelter. Photo: YouTube
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), at the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on Thursday, April 29, 2021, said the North Sound Community Centre has not been serving its original purpose as it is still being used as a shelter. Photo: YouTube
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Some three and a half years after hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the Virgin Islands and displaced hundreds of persons, forcing them to live in shelters, some persons are yet to return to normal living conditions.

This was revealed by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) at the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Hon Malone was at the time giving a status update on community centres repairs and upgrades.

Occupants to be relocated

According to Hon Malone, repair works for the North Sound Community Centre was completed in July 2020 and that works were slightly delayed as a result of the Territory wide lock down due to COVID-19.

The Minister noted; however, that the community centre has not been serving its original purpose as it is still being used as a shelter.

“It is important to note that persons who were affected by the 2017 storms continue to occupy the community centre.

“According to officials at the Social Development Department, efforts are being made to relocate the individuals so that the centre could be utilised for the purpose intended,” Hon Malone said.

Works progressing or soon to begin on community centres across VI

Meanwhile, Hon Malone reported that works are ongoing on a number of community centres while works are yet to start on some.

One of the community centres already receiving repairs is the West End Community Centre, which received upgrades funded by the European Union.

He said upgrades were done to the electrical and plumbing systems, kitchen cabinets and hurricane shutters. Additionally, a new concrete roof was constructed over the porch and a new restroom was erected on the top floor.

“Arrangements are being made for a ceremony for the handing over of the keys. The first District Representative together with the Territorial At-large representatives shall be informed of this handover date.”

Hon Malone said community centres also serve as meeting and activity centres for the territory’s golden gem programmes. “As we pivot and manoeuvre our way through the global COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors will soon be able to resume their weekly social gatherings.

“You’ll also be aware, Mister Speaker, that centres are also used as hurricanes shelters. And in this regard I wish to thank the EU for funding and upgrading various facilitates as SMART centres,” Hon Malone said.

26 Responses to “Persons still living in North Sound Com. Centre since 2017 storms- Hon Malone”

  • Ghost (02/05/2021, 10:43) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    Now u want to act people living in shelters long time instead of giving out contracts u should’ve funded the Irma repairs first get bills and things out the way then focused on the bvi
    • Ghost (03/05/2021, 17:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Ghost .. you know anyone can use another’s blog name but why do you have to use mine and not come up with your original name other than the one I use ..
      • pete (04/05/2021, 10:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I had the same problem for years. I switched and they still copied me. This is bad because if someone wanted to express and opinion, the original named would be identified with that opinion whether they agreed or not.
        • Ghost (04/05/2021, 14:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Yes Pete (this is the “original Ghost”.. You’re correct for depending on what they say, it will appear as if it’s your opinion when in actuality it’s not.. They’re a set of copy cats..
  • Carott Bay (02/05/2021, 10:47) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    When will repairs be done in Carott Bay etc. community center and schools. Did the Government forgot or don't care???? We do . I have never, not pay my property taxes.
  • WHY? (02/05/2021, 10:55) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    THANKS FOR INFORMING US, BUT WHY WAS THIS PIECE OF IMLPORTANT NEWS NOT BEEN A PRIORITY BEFORE NOW? TOO MUCH COVERUP. IS THIS TOO ALSO THE UK FAULT?
    • @Why? (02/05/2021, 13:37) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
      Why don’t you all go back to Europe if you are always finding fault with our government and our community. I guess the UK is perfect? Every issue good or bad comes with negative feedback against our people. Why then are you all here, if you feel that your people can do a better job at ruling over you? Then ‘Please’ for the love of God and mankind ‘return home’ amongst your own racist bigoted lot! You all are nothing more than a plague on the peace and human rights of humanity!
      • @@WHY? (02/05/2021, 17:36) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
        BECAUSE, AND I QUOTE, YOUR GOVERNMENT IS A BUNCH OF S. A. P. S. THE EUROPEANS IN YOUR COUNTRY IS NOT KILLING EACH OTHER OR KILLED A INNOCENT WOMAN IN HER HOME WITH A AK-47. THE EUROPEANS IS NOT GOING AROUNG ROBBING WHICH IS THE NORMAL IN YOUR COUNTRY. YOUR OWN KIND IS DOING IT.
        • @ @@WHY? (02/05/2021, 22:51) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
          You all kill each other each and every day and many of you have people hidden in your rat infested basement homes. Bunch of serial killing psychopaths! Some of you are the worst humans mankind have ever given birth to. So stop trying to act like you are angels! Angels from hell is more of a fitting description for your sick minds!
  • omg (02/05/2021, 10:59) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is so disheartening....I hope their representative or some organization/charity can get them some help soon. It’s about to be 4 years since Irma hit in a few months. That’s just unacceptable.
    • $$$$$ (02/05/2021, 13:03) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
      It was unfortunate that their homes were damaged. However, they have been living rent free and have had all of their utilities paid by BVI taxpayers for the past 4.5 years. I do believe that the savings that should have accumulated during that period, should have put them in a much better position. It’s time to use the building for the purpose of which it was intended.
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (02/05/2021, 11:15) Like (26) Dislike (7) Reply
    That's because they choose to stay there bunch a free loaders with no ambition
  • Hmm (02/05/2021, 11:39) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    We all know the government wont help
    • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (02/05/2021, 20:05) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      government wont help do what, help you get together as a family and pad up. now is not the time for everyman for them self. i sure some of them working and refuse to move out. a mandate need to put on these things just like they did for for the Sport complex in town and other centers on tortola.
  • @ why (02/05/2021, 12:24) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    WELL PUT MY FRIEND / I HOPE IT WON'T TUNE UP THOSE CANARIES WITH THEIR UK CHORUS AND START DOING SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE FOR THOSE PEOPLE IN NEED ( AND @hmmm THOSE LOVING YOUTHS THAT KILLED THAT THAT INNOCENT WOMAN ARE THEY YOUR OFFSPRING ?
  • What? (02/05/2021, 12:53) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thats got to be a Joke, or a lie, that cant be happening, lets say shouldnt be happening with two representatives who says or does nothing on this matter..If this is true its a disgrace and a failure of the two VG representative...Thanks Minister for bringing this matter to light...
  • The Bond (02/05/2021, 15:42) Like (18) Dislike (14) Reply
    Hubert Oneal would've done a better job
  • Yes (02/05/2021, 16:20) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    But yet the government helping people all over the world before they help their own
  • @$$$$ (02/05/2021, 18:53) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    i share the same sentiments. they all just want to live for free and wouldn't make any effort to go and find somewhere to live. the same goes for those living behind of the vg clinic. it's a shame and them need do better.
  • @ WHY (02/05/2021, 21:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You really turn on on those canary again
  • smh (02/05/2021, 21:50) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Were they paying rent before the hurricanes and the property was destroyed? Do they have family they could have built a shack on their property? Are they Citizens or Immigrants that have no where to rurn to? If Virgin Islanders, Government should intervene and try accommodating them. If non Citizens or short term Residents, let them be given passage back to their homeland. We don't need to be harboring squatters in Public Buildings or anywhere as a matter of fact.
  • Concerned (03/05/2021, 07:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    What become of the 83 persons that was living in the building in Road Town would really like to know what became of them. I understand that quite a few BVIslander were living there it is a shame no one follow up and say what has become of them and where are they now. This a big social issue and everyone should be concerned whether you know them or not.
  • @ ??? (03/05/2021, 08:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    seeing your mind is still in the garbage / just return your body there and am sure to you wont have a problem - bYe
  • Unemployed for months (03/05/2021, 18:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    An only now them finding sh!t to fix? Since Irma!?
    What a shame,, and next they going warn talk about "how independent we islands cloud be!!?"
    B.S!!!
    • @Unemployed for months too (05/05/2021, 10:56) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

      The B.V.I Could Never Go Independent When The A$$ Them Don't Know Which CURRENCY To Use!!!



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