The redevelopment of the North Sound Administration Building is complete and will be handed over tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.

The building, which sustained extensive damage in the hurricanes of 2017, is the first building project executed under the Territory’s Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan (RRL) and will be officially handed over from the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) to the Deputy Governor at a handover and rededication ceremony.

The building will be rededicated in honour of Mr. John E. George, Sr., MBE, who served for many years as the Post Master, Registrar of Births and Deaths, and government agent for the North Sound Community.

Redevelopment of the two-story building included a rework of the internal layout to incorporate a public reception area and postal sorting facilities on the ground floor. Remedial works included the removal and replacement of exterior doors and windows; the supply of a new water pump, the refurbishment of bathrooms and kitchenette, and repair works to the roof.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. said the building exemplifies the build back better ethos that was envisioned for post-2017 reconstruction of public buildings.

“I am pleased that we were able to improve this structure so that as it re-opens, it is ready to be of better and more efficient service to the North Sound Community,” Mr. Archer said, adding, “This building is the modern, safe and resilient type of workspace that we would like to see all public officers housed in.”

Director of the Programme Strategy Department at the RDA, Mr. Neil Smith shared the importance of this milestone. “The project highlights the sound relationship between the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of the Virgin Islands and the role of the Recovery and Development Agency in maintaining and progressing this partnership,” He said.

The Recovery and Development Agency is tasked with delivering over $40 million in redevelopment projects for the Government of the Virgin Islands over the life of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan. The agency works closely with Government ministries to execute recovery projects in the most effective, efficient and transparent manner possible.

The North Sound Administration Building was unveiled in 2009 and houses the North Sound Post Office and Public Library, as well as office space for police and other public officers.

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Note to Editors: Image included: The restored and renovated John E. George, Sr. Administration Building