Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Mars, a short while ago this morning February 1, 2013 announced that effective today there will be temporary restroom facilities in place at Top of the Baths at Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO

Virgin Islands News Online has been informed that the February deadline for the completion of the restroom facility at Top of The Baths is very achievable given that Government provides payment in a timely manner for work already done. Photo: VINO

The issue of the completion of the restroom facility at Top of The Baths falls on the heels of persons calling for other proactive moves to make The Baths a safer and more tourist friendly get-away. They are calling for the employment of life guards and the establishment of an emergency health unit there since they feel the Nurse Iris O'Neal Clinic is too far to respond effectively to emergencies and that their (clinic) equipment needs upgrading. Photo: VINO

Flax-Mars made the announcement at a media breakfast being hosted by the BVI Tourist Board at the Moorings.

According to the Director, there are now three air-conditioned porter pottys, two for females and one for males.

She said this came in light of the increased expressed concerns about the incomplete permanent washroom facility that has been under construction for some time now.

More details to follow.

See previous article posted on January 23, 2013

Timely payments equal timely finish of restrooms at Top of The Baths!

 - Contracting Co. says February deadline realistic once outstanding payments are made by Govt

"The time line given by the contractor is realistic given that Government provides payment in a timely manner for work done."

This is according to a key member of the management team that was awarded the contract sometime last year to construct a restroom facility at Top of the Baths, Valley, Virgin Gordas.

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, a key player in the project said that contrary to reports in some sections of the media, work on the facility is being actively pursued. "We started back about two months ago but not at the pace that we would have wanted to and it all has to do with untimely release of payments," he said.

He explained that they were awarded the contract approximately two months prior to elections. "As was expected because there was a change over of government, there was some delays with the project," the source said.

He further added that works were back in full swing as of recent and is currently at a stage of putting in finishings. "Its not at the pace that we would like it to be but work is in progress," he reiterated.  He said that the full structure is up, roof is 95% complete, works are yet to be completed on the sidings, the electrical wiring is complete with only the finishing to be added (installation of bulbs etc) and some other small amounts of wood works still to be done. The toilets and accessories are also to be installed.

"A dead-line was even set for February. The date is realistic provided that the contractor is paid his due for work completed in a timely manner." The management staff attached to the contract said that they are aware that government's system of payment can be very slow but the project is also dependent on payments for the contractor to honour the deadline.

The man admitted that the restroom facility is a well needed one and many persons would usually go to the unfinished  building in anticipation of utilising it. "Very often the boys working there would have to redirect persons because they would come thinking that they can use the facility," he related.

"If the minister was at fault I would be quick to say but being fair and honest I can't say this is a political thing, the minister is desperate for this to be complete but I say again its realistic given that payments are released on time."

The issue of the completion of the restroom facility at Top of The Baths falls on the heels of persons calling for other proactive moves to make The Baths a safer and more tourist friendly get-away. They are calling for the employment of life guards and the establishment of an emergency health unit there. 

Persons had said there were a number of near fatal occurrences, which were never reported but handled by park workers and others in the area at the time. They also expressed the view that the clinic is too far to respond effectively to emergencies and that their (clinic) equipment needs upgrading.  

These concerns resurfaced following the death of a renowned US citizen, who reportedly died while in the water at Anegada recently.