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Rehabilitation of Old RT Admin Building gets Oct 2024 completion date

- Work proposal expected to be submitted by June 24, 2024 with full completion in Q4 2024
Works on the old Government Administration Building in Road Town, Tortola, which now in a dilapidated state is set to commence with a completion date set for October 13, 2024. Photo: VINO/File
On May 2, 2024, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) told the House of Assembly (HoA) that his government had plans to repurpose the building as it has immense cultural and historical value to the territory following complaints from Dr The Hon Marlon A. Penn that the building was now home to vagrants. Photo: VINO/File
On May 2, 2024, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) told the House of Assembly (HoA) that his government had plans to repurpose the building as it has immense cultural and historical value to the territory following complaints from Dr The Hon Marlon A. Penn that the building was now home to vagrants. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Works on the old Government Administration Building on Main Street in Road Town, Tortola, which is now in a dilapidated state is set to commence with a completion date earmarked for October 31, 2024.

The news comes as the Manager of the Public Estate Management Unit within the Office of the Deputy Governor Mr. Floyd Stoutt was given a walk-through with prospective contractors, to discuss the scope of works on the restoration of the Old Administration Building on Main Street, Tortola with proposals for these works expected to be submitted by June 24, 2024.

According to information, the first phase of works will include the rehabilitation of the front-facing façade, including the replacement of structural support members and all metallic features to make these aspects safer for pedestrians and motor vehicle. 

On May 2, 2024, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) told the House of Assembly (HoA) that his government had plans to repurpose the building as it has immense cultural and historical value to the territory following complaints from Hon Marlon A. Penn that the building was now home to vagrants.

Funding requested for building – Premier 

The Premier said the Deputy Governor requested funding in the 2024 budget to repair the external facade of the building which was creating a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles.

“This work will commence shortly, following the necessary procurement arrangements. The annexe in the back will be restored for use by the Archives Unit, providing additional space for the retention and management of important historical documents dating back to the 19th century,” Premier Wheatley stated.

The Premier said he has since been informed that the building is secured and that a mentally ill man is only occupying the porch of the building and shared plans to help the mentally ill person. 

18 Responses to “Rehabilitation of Old RT Admin Building gets Oct 2024 completion date ”

  • Greek Lord (17/06/2024, 18:18) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    How come a finish date can be given for this but not the new admin building, smells fishy.
  • Taking all Bets (17/06/2024, 18:45) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I’m taking all odds on this deadline being met. Please put your money down on this one! Sure to be a winner.
  • Stealth (17/06/2024, 19:20) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is an October 24 (~4 months) complete and useable date realistic, given the scope of work needed ? Has a structural analysis of the building been conducted? Is this building on the territory’s historical register and will renovation to the maximum extent possible and practical stay close to the original material?
    • Lessness (18/06/2024, 10:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Another example of pure unadulterated reactive Lessness. Government move out of this old admin building, letting it run down and condition deteriorate. Now , it decides to spend taxpayers money to renovate it. A properly functioning government would have had a plan for the building , decision made to move out. How much more is it cost taxpayers for the gross negligence? What is the opportunity cost of the additional money? Pure lessness, lessness—greenness, greenness-inexperience, inexperience.
    • The Frig…. (18/06/2024, 13:39) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Stealth, Government management of its facility inventors earns an F grade. It does not know its @$$ from a hole in the ground when it comes to managing facility. The gross mismanagement of the Old Admin Building is example Numero Uno. Lessness, agree it is pure lessness. The Frig….out, for I cannot stomach the mismanagement any more..These MSs could not plan their way out of a brown paper bag.
  • rattie (17/06/2024, 19:52) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why is this necessary at this point?
  • crazy (17/06/2024, 20:18) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem crazy , it can’t be done.
    This old building got too much work ion it to finish in October. All they going to do is run it to millions and say there was extra work need.
    So Tortola stay. Poor we in this place.
    And them contractors buying new vehicles and running woman on this money.
  • Oh my goodness (17/06/2024, 21:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow this one takes the cake and now I know the people here is crazy and four years is not enough and you mess with that building and people will die from mold and asbestos mark my words
    • GateKeeper (18/06/2024, 18:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Oh My Goodness, hopefully this building will be inspected for asbestos, mold, etc before any renovation work commences..If any are discovered, it should be remediated, mitigated, taking the precautionary measures to protect workers, public, etc.I’m with other bloggers casting doubt on the renovations being completed by November 2024. What is scope of the work, ie, repairing the facade, wall veneer, etc. only??Why was the facility grossly neglected to deteriorated for decades?
  • lol (17/06/2024, 22:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Finally
  • Sanel (17/06/2024, 22:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawdy dem gone wid meh house now
  • Webster (17/06/2024, 22:59) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why didn’t government ask for Collin Oneal’s input in this? And wouldn’t constructing the Magistrates Court more urgent than this?

    What is this government really doing? What are their priorities?
  • Impossible (17/06/2024, 22:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    October of 2024 is certainly a mistake.
  • candy (18/06/2024, 12:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who is owner of this building
  • bvi (18/06/2024, 13:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Demolish and start over please
  • IS YHIS FOR REAL ? (18/06/2024, 14:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    ISN'T THE THAT HUGE BUILDING , WHERE THEY HAD THE MUSIC FEST , EVER GONNA BE TAKEN CARE OF ❓️ ???? THAT BUILDING HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO
    GO TO THE DOGS , JUST LIKE PROSPECT REEF / CULTURAL CENTER AND THOSE BUILDINGS NEXT TO IT / UNLESS WE ARE CREATING ANOTHER VERSION OF " WILD KINGDOM " ???? / WE ALREADY GOT POT HOLES LIKE PEAS / SHITTY WATER ON OUR STREETS , HOPEFULLY NOT ANOTHER EPIDEMIC IN THE MAKING ????
  • smh (18/06/2024, 14:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    30 plus years! If this structure was refurbished and maintained, the need to pay such outrageous rent to that woman would not be need3d.


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