Officials in the Ministry of Communications and Works recently met to review the procedures and policies that are in place to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands gets value for money on all projects.

The officials discussed the inner workings of Government projects on the ‘Government Business at its Best’, Table Talk programme on Wednesday, 8 November.

Acting Permanent Secretary Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro said the Ministry collaborates with departments and agencies including the Public Works Department, the Water and Sewage Department, the BVI Electricity Corporation, and telecommunications companies.

Mrs. Smith-Maduro said this done in the execution of projects such as infrastructure upgrades and rehabilitation works on primary and some secondary roads and the water and sewerage network in the Territory.

Chief of Infrastructural Planning, Research and Development, Mr. Duane Fraites, while outlining project execution procedures, said the Ministry works with companies and contractors that are awarded contracts for the duration of projects to ensure that the deliverables agreed to in any given contract are realised. 

Mr. Fraites also mentioned that in addition to collaborating with companies and contractors, the Ministry also does periodic site visits to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

 Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, said the Ministry of Finance does regular audits during the implementation of Government projects.

Dr. Glasgow explained the differences between major and petty contracts, the financial interrogation that the Ministry of Finance conducts on any given contract, and the policies in place to encourage collaboration between companies, contractors and the Ministry involved on any Government project.

The full video of the Government Business at its Best Table Talk show can be viewed on the Government’s Facebook page username @BVIGovernment. 

The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to ensure the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.