TMB Enterprises inks $798K contract to upgrade De Castro Street sidewalks
TMB Enterprises has secured a $798,108.74 contract to reconstruct deteriorating sidewalks along De Castro Street in Road Town, marking the first project to move into construction under the Road Town Development Partnership and the company’s first contract with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).
The contract was signed during a ceremony attended by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith, RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster and representatives of TMB Enterprises.
The project will involve demolishing existing sidewalks and constructing new concrete walkways that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Works will also include drainage improvements, landscaping, civil works and traffic management measures designed to maintain pedestrian and vehicular access throughout construction.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hodge-Smith described the agreement as a significant milestone for the Road Town Development Partnership.
“This marks the very first project to be actualised following extensive behind-the-scenes work, including numerous committee meetings, site visits, walkthroughs, and stakeholder engagements,” Hodge-Smith stated.
The RDA said the improvements would provide safer pedestrian routes through one of the capital’s busiest commercial corridors while supporting the long-term vision of a more accessible and sustainable Road Town. McMaster said the project “reflects our shared commitment to building a city that is safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for everyone,” adding that it represented “an important step towards the pedestrianisation of our city”.
According to the RDA, nine contractors initially expressed interest in the project, with three bids ultimately submitted. TMB Enterprises emerged as the successful bidder following a national competitive procurement process. The project is scheduled to run from September 2026 to February 2027.
Company owner Jaleel Howe described the award as a personal milestone and said it carried responsibility beyond the construction work itself.
“I don’t just see this as another construction project. I see this as a privilege,” Howe stated. “We are not just building sidewalks. We are continuing a legacy. We are investing in communities. We are creating something that will outlive us all.”
Premier Wheatley said the works would improve safety and accessibility while supporting tourism and commerce in the capital. He said the existing sidewalks had deteriorated significantly and that the project would help create “a modern, welcoming, and accessible Caribbean capital”.
The De Castro Street works form part of the government’s Road Town Development Partnership, a public-private initiative launched to modernise the capital through infrastructure upgrades, improved pedestrian access, beautification and enhanced public spaces.
Earlier plans for the programme identified sidewalk rehabilitation, pedestrian walkways, and streetscape improvements as priority projects.
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Laudie almost a million dollars to dig up tree roots and pave sidewalks. What is this country coming to? Where is the Governor and those responsible for ensuring proper spending and accountability?
It has to start with the voters because nobody else is going to save us. All they intend to do is come up with harsh rules that will hurt the people while the politicians get a free hand.
if you walk through old main street there’s no pedestrian cross walk so if we want to spend 700 k why not invest in pedestrian walking
Unnecessary
family and foh i wanna be in this party, free money where do i sign up!!
this is a lot of money. Hope this project could be done before Christmas so I could see elton them decorate the place.
So much money for a lousy sidewalk and a tree? Lavity stout must be hopping on one foot to hear this, these new politicians only know about scheming to embezzle our tax money.
When I his sort a ripoff takes pave Ronnie and so will be quiet because they have concrete company and will be making the money, Myron or Cyndy or mark would a shout out thief!
All 13 must go