BVITB funds not used for cultural centre demolition
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.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
PRIORITY
That will become a parking lot
of deteoriation of our history of what we once called CULTURE / what a crying shame
thats an excellent idea Lorna…performing arts!!!
Seems like numerous buildings in that area of Road Town decayed to useless in a few decades; a school, the cultural center, Magistrate Court, etc. Which one is next???
@Interesting, you missed two locations: The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre and Road Town Clinic, or could it be that the present temporary locations are permanent?
The Abatjour – the North Sound Community Center – the South Sound Green House.
This is all more nonsense. The government funds 1/2 way builds when the contractors go through all the money after 1/2 the work is done. Then the structure sits and rots. This is not governance! Where are the budgets for keeping these things repaired!?
Now you steal BVI Tourism funds to tear down a building??? What does that do for Tourism?
Things are not this complicated. What is this nonsense about Performing Arts?
Use the TOURISM FUNDS for Tourism. Budget for repairs in the normal budget. It is nonsense that this is a “Communications Problem”.
Blameiton something or someone, while the steal and personal enrichment continues.
That wole bunch needs tobe investigated and fired!