A contract to begin the reconstruction of the North Sound Public Administration Building on Virgin Gorda was signed on May 5.

The $625,400 dollar contract was awarded to Quality Construction Limited and will be implemented by the Deputy Governor’s Office with support from the Recovery and Development Agency and funded by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Caribbean Development Bank’s Recovery and Rehabilitation Loan.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J.U. Jaspert, in remarks at the signing stated, “This project is a win for the residents of Virgin Gorda, and by extension, a win for the Territory and Public Service.” Governor Jaspert added that this is important as it is in keeping with the efforts being made to transform the Public Service.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. said, “This project represents what hope looks like. Not only is it an opportunity for the BVI’s economy to be rebooted, but also for the Public Service to honour its commitment to health and safety for each employee.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the RDA, Mr. Anthony McMaster said it is important that the Territory seeks opportunities for the economy to thrive as it is presently suffering from the effects of COVID-19.

Mr. McMaster added, “The RDA is also committed to doing its part to ensure capacity building is done to provide other contractors with the knowledge needed to benefit from the contracts that are being put out to tender.”

The project will include the redevelopment of the two-story building, including a rework of the internal layout to include a public reception, mail and postal sorting facilities on the ground floor, a 500 square feet reading room and lecture space on the first floor, and a 250 square feet library, new police offices, and office spaces for public officers.

The building is being constructed  in conjunction with the Flax and Vanterpool buildings. Once completed, the facilities will be able to provide healthy, safe and productive spaces for several public officers to provide public services, including but not limited to: BVI Post, Social Security, Inland Revenue, Labour, Immigration, Water and Sewage, Environmental Health, Magistracy, Department of Motor Vehicles, Civil Registry and Passport Office and District Office.       

The new facility will be modernised to incorporate the provision of efficient and effective public services, including e-governance in accordance with the Government’s vision for transformed public services.