BVITB funds not used for cultural centre demolition

Deputy Premier and Labour Minister Lorna Smith

Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has refuted claims by Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn that funds from the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) may have been misused to demolish the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, also known as the Cultural Centre. 

Smith, who also serves as the Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, also addressed concerns about the government’s communication failures during her speech in the House of Assembly.

Smith argued that better government communication, particularly by issuing clear statements about the project beforehand, could have avoided the controversy surrounding the demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.

“There was such a song and dance about it and the history that the government had destroyed or that was lost,” Smith said. “I don’t consider myself to be a relic… I was a part of the planning for that cultural centre, and it served its purpose. It was an excellent facility. It was not optimally constructed.”

According to Smith, the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall suffered from poor acoustics and water problems. She argued that the building was no longer fit for purpose, particularly after the damage it received during hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Smith said the government has an excellent story to tell about its plans for the space and should seize the opportunity to do this.

“The whole area is intended to become a Performing Arts area,” Smith shared. “So if we were to say those things then you wouldn’t have people coming up with the wrong information.”

The Deputy Premier emphasised the importance of clear communication between the government and the public and suggested that the government should use a variety of channels to keep residents informed about its plans and activities.

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