18-month timeline for return to admin complex — Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has projected an 18-month timeline for public servants to return to the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex following extensive repairs to the building. 

Speaking on a local radio programme, Dr Wheatley acknowledged the long delay in restoring the facility, which was severely damaged during the 2017 hurricanes. He stated that work is progressing and that government workers should be able to return soon. 

The repair work, which began in late 2019, has been progressing in phases, and Premier Wheatley announced in the budget speech late last year that an additional $4 million was allocated to the completion of the complex.

“The  Ralph T O’Neal Central Administration Complex is a priority for us as a part of this $100 million loan. We did budget some millions of dollars to be able to do the work and to get persons back into the offices,” Wheatley explained. 

According to the Premier, the extended delay in returning public servants to the complex was caused by some design issues.

“When we expanded the number of ministries, I believe the Deputy Governor’s office went back, and they redesigned some things. But right now, the last estimate that I received for it was somewhere around 18 months. So we’re pushing hard to make sure that we can make that deadline.”

Government officials indicated previously that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex should be ready for reoccupation by July 2025.

Too much red tape

Meanwhile, the Premier argued that the government’s systems are not working as effectively as they could, after suggestions that his administration has not taken the BVI’s post-2017 hurricane restoration seriously.

“We have a lot of red tape in the system. You know, we just did a Procurement Act, and, of course, it took us a little while to kind of understand how to deal with the Procurement Act,” he stated. “And then we have to make some adjustments and arrangements so that we can spend money more efficiently and effectively.” 

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer previously reported that the project is estimated to cost $29.49 million, with approximately $7.08 million spent to date. 

According to Premier Wheatley, the government is focused on ensuring value for money. “We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ dollars are spent wisely. The return to the complex will not only improve working conditions for public officers but will also significantly reduce government expenditure on rent,” he asserted. 

Despite the commitment, concerns have been raised about the pace of the repairs. Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull previously questioned the delays, noting the financial strain of paying rent while the building remains unoccupied. “We are paying monies left, right, centre, up, down, and between in rent [and] we have a building there unoccupied,” Turnbull said. 

The upgraded facility is expected to include 19 office spaces, a functional area for the facilities management department, and two customer service centres. Funding for the project has been allocated from the government’s $100 million loan with FirstCaribbean International Bank, which was secured to finance key infrastructure projects.