Persons still living in emergency shelter now nearly 4 years later

Some persons who were displaced by hurricanes Irma and Maria back in September 2017 are still living in an emergency shelter, now nearly four years since the disasters happened.

That shelter is the North Sound Community Centre on Virgin Gorda.

Health & Social Development Minister Carvin Malone gave that indication while giving an update on the upgrades and repairs to be undergone at community centres across the territory.

“According to officials at the Social Development Department, efforts are being made to relocate the individuals so that the centre could be utilised for the purpose intended,” the minister stated in the House of Assembly last week.

Repair works for this community centre was completed in July of last year. Malone said the works were slightly delayed because of the territory-wide lockdown due to COVID-19.

The other repairs

The minister also gave updates on eight other facilities. He said Zane Potter Construction has been contracted to work on the East End Long Look Community Centre. The proposed start date for that project is June 7, 2021 and works are expected to be completed within three to four months.

Designs — submitted last month — have been approved for the new roof of the Brewers Bay Community Centre. The next step is to hire a certified quantity surveyor to produce a priced bill of quantities for the repair works.

Malone said the priced bill of quantities for the repair works to the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre have been submitted and 3DE Limited was engaged last month to provide the drawings for repairs. Drawings should be completed by the middle of May 2021.

Upgrade works to the Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre includes repairs to the roof, plumbing and electrical installation, repairs to the kitchen cabinets and other millworks and the installation of hurricane shutters. Works are expected to be completed by the end of May 2021. 

Works completed at West End

Works on the West End Community Centre have been completed and arrangements are being made for a ceremony for the handing over of the keys. 

As for the Purcell Community Centre, Malone said the project will be publicly tendered by the first week of May 2021.

Next is the Anegada Community Centre. This project was recently tendered and bids are due by the first week of May 2021 and works should start during June 2021.

“The Long Trench Community Centre. This project is also being funded by the EU. The coordinator Mr [Ronnie] Lettsome has indicated that he will provide an official update on the scope of works by the 1st week of May 2021. Tender documents are currently being prepared. Mr Lettsome will also provide a definitive date for the start of the tendering process,” Malone stated.