Impending disaster! Turnbull warns gov’t over Dog Hole dock
Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of the Dog Hole dock on Jost Van Dyke, warning lawmakers of a potential disaster if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Turnbull emphasized the alarming condition of the dock, describing it as “falling apart.” He stressed the need for immediate assessment and repairs to prevent a catastrophe, highlighting that the current state poses significant risks to public safety.
“The ports at Dog Hole… are falling apart,” Turnbull stated. “Every time the ferry hits the dock, it continues to weaken the structure. There are slabs and slabs of concrete that are falling down daily.” He added that despite the outward appearance of stability, the underlying structural integrity is compromised, with steel reinforcing bars exposed and concrete sections deteriorating.
Turnbull’s concerns come amid broader infrastructure issues affecting the territory. Residents and lawmakers have urged the government to focus its efforts on improving roadways and other public facilities.
According to Turnbull, the dock is a vital infrastructure point, serving not only residents and tourists but also handling significant ferry traffic from the neighboring US Virgin Islands. With international ferry services and routes such as connections from Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, St. John, the dock’s operational status is critical.
Immediate intervention needed
Turnbull argued that the continued influx of cruise ship passengers and other visitors further underscored the necessity for immediate intervention.
In the meantime, the legislator also pointed to the broader implications for tourism and the local economy. He urged the government to act decisively, saying, “If we’re serious about tourism… we have to do something.” His plea was not just for safety but also for maintaining the island’s reputation and ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.
In light of these concerns, Turnbull reiterated his call for the Premier and the Cabinet to prioritize the issue, urging them to “sign something, let me clean up something.” He expressed frustration over the lack of progress and the need for a comprehensive plan to address the island’s infrastructure needs.
With the territory’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, ensuring safe and efficient facilities remains paramount. The government’s response to these warnings will be crucial in safeguarding residents and the valuable tourism industry.
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of this dock injuring a person is low so nothing will be repaired now. However if a Very Important Person is injured then this dock will be repaired!
The JVD Great Harbour dock in front of the police station is in much worse condition. Boards are warped, broken and splintered, nails are popped up. Cleats are mostly broken, loose and rusted with sharp edges. The JVD children like to play on that dock. Boats cannot properly tie up. And considering the shortness of the dock, boats continually have to raft up, making the situation even more dangerous!
Considering that the fish house hasn’t been rebuilt, the fishermen have to use the dock. The dock at Anegada Reef Hotel has a great fish station right on the dock. Visitors love it! Perhaps this is an economical solution.
Lastly, IF we ever get a new docks before someone is maimed or killed, kindly make both docks longer.
JVD people have been long begging for assistance in these matters. PLEASE HELP!
Maintenance budgets are used up maintaining lifestyles for our legislators and their friends and family. Nothing ever gets maintained in VI.
How old is this dock? Concrete docks have a lifespan of 25 years. If it’s falling apart and it’s not that old, we should be looking at who built it.
This was my first thought, im here thinking, this dock cant be more than a dwcade and some old
But the fools spent 1.5mil on a flopped concert. Where is that report anyway?
where you at bro ❓️ we haven’t been hearing from you lately , we thought the side effects of The COI ,your boss
spoke of –
had effected you too , the last time we remembered you hollering bout was
about the police
station
Mitch, wander yo behind down the dinghy dock in cane garden bay. Donkey years this dock been crying for help. The big dollars spent in the bay come in over that dock. Stop being step and fetch it for the cruise people and do something for the real money AND local residents.
More music festivals…
That’s every dock in the BVI in very poor conditions and falling apart. Isn’t this Ports Authority jurisdiction who by the way collects $1 per foot per vessel each time a boat touches these dilapidated docks? What are they doing with the money? They need an audit!!!!
Take 1/2 the money allocated for the massive West End Ferry terminal and make two terminals for the price of one.
Keep it proportional to the needs of each port.
Just sayin…
Oh yeah and FIX THE DUMP!
Just let Richard B take a slip on the dock for the people and it will be fixed by government ASAP.