Trojan Design inks $370K Immigration Detention Centre contract
A $370,000 contract has been signed with Trojan Design and Development Ltd for the design and construction management of a new Immigration Detention Centre in the BVI.
The project, led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), is being funded through the Government’s $100 million loan facility with CIBC. The contract was awarded following a quality and cost-based selection process and is part of the government’s push to modernise the territory’s immigration infrastructure.
The 12,000-square-foot centre will be built in accordance with international human rights standards and will provide separate living quarters for male and female detainees, a medical triage area, recreational spaces, and operational areas for processing, visitation, and reception.
The facility will be used to temporarily house individuals held for immigration or legal breaches, such as overstaying entry, arriving irregularly, or being subject to deportation orders.
“This project is going to be a game changer for us, both locally and regionally,” stated Acting Chief Immigration Officer Nadia Demming-Hodge. “Regardless of the reason someone is detained, they should expect—and deserve—a better experience than what we currently offer.”
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said the project is a timely response to longstanding concerns raised by the Department of Immigration. “I am pleased that the government continues to partner with the RDA to move critical projects forward. We are encouraged to see this project reach this important milestone, and we remain intent on keeping the timeline and advancing it to construction as planned,” Rymer said.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Sophia Berkeley, expressed confidence in the financial oversight of the project.
“As the Accounting Officer, I always expect value for money. We know that, at times, projects don’t always stay within budgetary constraints, but I am hopeful that through the design, we will be able to deliver a facility we are satisfied with—both in terms of quality and cost,” Berkeley explained.
RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster said the new facility represents both national progress and social responsibility. “This facility represents betterment—not just for our country, but for those who come to our shores,” McMaster stated.
Trojan Design’s Managing Director, Ronnie Lettsome, noted that his experience in aviation showed him the importance of treating detainees humanely.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about ethics, human dignity, and setting a new standard for how we treat people entering our Territory,” Lettsome explained.
The project supports Outcome #12 of the National Sustainable Development Plan: Peace, Safety, Security, and Justice for All.
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$370,0000.00 for a design and ordering of materials , nothing to do with cost of material or building, this is an absolute joke all new CAD and architect programs online list all the materials you require to build with so basically they are paying someone to draw a building for $370k no wonder the guy is smiling so much!
Then another 2 million to a contractor to actually build it smh
It pays to run on the VIP’s slate
Dont architects usually get about=7% of the building cost which they would know before they billed. So thats about $5.3m. Interesting to see what it actually costs, and the time frame.
that there is so much smiling at this signing ceremony. Meanwhile, the taxpayers are continuing to cry.
Can be treated humane in a police holding cell also. Illegal immigrants dont come in huge numbers like before. I would prefer the rebuilding of ASPS sooner than this.
Also $1,035,000 design fire tender buildings, $95,200 design fisheries building, with this amount of public money i think we have a right to know who is Trojan design?
Look at who is the Managing Director. Talking about his experience in aviation . SMH
Man have a government job at the airport and he is never there.
Just taking up space.
Why is this a priority? Don’t we have more important problems, including lack of housing for people from here? Or, is this a bit of pork barrel for someone well connected who has autoCAD experience? Was there even a open request for bid?
At $100/hour, it’s practically two person years of work for a 12,000 square foot facility…no mention of estimated build cost. Online search shows about $ 300/square foot so need to budget $ 3.6 million for construction, more like $ 5-6 million around here. Where is this supposed to be built?
The bit about ethics and human dignity is risible given attitudes towards outsiders around here.
They overprice everything so the higher-ups get part of the kick back
This is what goes on and they all of them know but cast a blind eye .They all do it . Perhaps not on every project but they do
The one in Miami behind US bar the DREW was famous for that .
They are doing it all the time under the nose of the governor but poor fellow he has no clue
Hmmmmmmm