Closed till further notice | ‘Maintenance issues’ affecting East End library
The doors of another physical library on Tortola have closed.
A government-issued bulletin on September 13 said the East End Public library in Long Swamp is closed to the public ‘until further notice’.
“We are having some maintenance issues so this is why we closed it. But we are in the process of addressing them right now,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe told BVI News in a subsequent interview.
“I spoke to the landlord today (Monday, September 16), and I have assigned officers to follow up,” she added.
Stoutt-Igwe did not specify the extent of the maintenance issues. However, she said she expects a ‘full report’ on the matter shortly.
Tight-lipped
In the meantime, when BVI News contacted Chief Librarian, Susan Greenaway, she refused to provide any information.
“No comment,” she repeatedly told our news centre.
Greenaway’s refusal to comment comes despite a bulletin on government’s official website that listed her name and contact information as the person to provide more details on the issue.
The closure of the said the East End library follows that of the Road Town-based public library which closed more than two years ago.
That library was to be relocated to the old Clarence Thomas Limited building in Pasea Estate. However, that building currently houses senior students at Elmore Stoutt High School.
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What a pity!
Knowing the VIP that library in roadtown will return to the Malone building and please don’t bet me for you’re sure to lose
This building is an embarrassment in the first place so i dont see what the issue is…. even some simple paint wouldve done alot …..GOSH MAN
@ Strupes: I agree with you 1000%, the government should withhold rent until the landlord improves the building, power wash it to get rid of the dirt and grime and a few gallons of pant to brighten it up.
It appears that this kind of neglect is quite common in the BVI, please take pride in your buildings, your community and the BVI .
Only in the BVI government keeps paying rent to some one that isn’t maintaining their building until it is in a deplorable state. Q***** fix your building man.
It’s so amusing, the picture above His home (brown and white) look at the one that’s probably paying to maintain his home … such a shame … the cover picture depicts 2 of 4 buildings own by the landlord. … just look at them
Malone you say ok then
This is so sad. A library is needed in Tortola. Anegada has such a beautiful library. It’s a pity that something as valuable as a library is not being taken seriously.
Where there is no vision……..And please, while we are at it, a library would better serve our community on the ground floor of a building. We have to remember the aging and differently abled citizens too.
Why them does treat east end like a step child? Even the very library that can help these kids develop their lives closed down. 7th and 8th district should be ashamed. I wish I had money like that to rectify this issue
Libraries provide an invaluable service to a community. The state library of Iowa states: “Libraries are important cornerstones of a healthy community. Libraries give people the opportunity to find jobs, explore medical research, experience new ideas, get lost in wonderful stories, while at the same time providing a sense of place for gathering. … Our library is a unique and valuable resource.” Further, all countries (developed, developing and emerging) need libraries. Dr. Hon Natalio “Sowande Uhuru” Wheatley (D-7) MEC, must ensure that libraries are put on line soonest.
Moreover, the East End/Long Look Library is supposedly close due to maintenance issues but the maintenance issues were not noted. Was the building close for utility(s), safety, environmental, However, from the picture, the building clearly needs a coat or two of paint. The railings are in need of repair. The concrete is spalling and in need of repair. What are the roles and responsibilities of landlords relative to renting/leasing their facilities, including buildings.
Well Sah!
That man does not maintain any of his buildings. He just collects money. Why government waste tax payers money lining their cronies pockets. What happen to VFM?