STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE CARVIN MALONE
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 
DURING THE EIGHTH SITTING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 

ON THURSDAY 29TH APRIL, 2021
AT THE SAVE THE SEED
ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA

STATUS UPDATE ON COMMUNITY CENTRES REPAIRS AND UPGRADES

Mister Speaker, I will now provide the status update on nine community centre repairs and upgrades throughout the Territory.

First we will start with the East End Long Look Community Centre. The project was publicly tendered during the 4th quarter of 2020.  Zane Potter Construction was the successful contractor whose contract signing has now been scheduled for April 30, 2021 at the grounds of the centre that is now being finalised; and the proposed start date is June 7, 2021.  Works are expected to be completed within three to four months.

Repair works to be done includes the installation of new windows and doors, repairs to the restrooms and plumbing system, repairs to the electrical system and other general repairs.  

Then the Brewers Bay Community Centre. The approved design for the new roof was submitted to the Ministry of Health & Social Development on 23 April, 2021. The next step is to hire a certified quantity surveyor to produce a priced bill of quantities for the repair works. Repair works will include construction of the new roof, windows and doors replacement, repairs to kitchen cabinets and other millwork, electrical and plumbing repairs/installation and painting of the building. The Deputy Permanent Secretary in charge of community centres, together with the project architects will continue to keep the district representative informed and will facilitate a community meeting as was hinted during the sitting Mister Speaker. 

The Cane Garden Bay Community Centre. The priced bill of quantities for the repair works was submitted to the Ministry during the 1st quarter of 2021. 3DE Limited was engaged on April 20, 2021, to provide the as built drawings which will be used as part of the tender documents.  Drawings should be completed by the middle of May 2021.Once drawings are completed, then the works will be tendered. Mister Speaker, way too long but it is coming.

Mister Speaker now the North Sound Community Centre. Repair works for this community centre was completed in July 2020.  The works were slightly delayed as a result of the Territory wide lock down due to COVID-19. It is important to note that persons who were affected by the 2017 storms continue to occupy the community centre.  According to officials at the Social Development Department, efforts are being made to relocate the individuals so that the centre could be utilised for the purpose intended.

The Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre. The project of installing new windows at the Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre was completed during the 1st quarter of 2020. Upgrade works, which indeed are funded by the EU, started in January 2021. The upgrade includes repairs to the roof, plumbing and electrical installation, repairs to the kitchen cabinets and other millworks and the installation of hurricane shutters. Works are expected to be completed by the end of May 2021. During the handover ceremony the District Representative together with the four At-Large Representatives will be there to handover the keys to this centre.

The West End Community Centre. The West End Community Centre also received upgrades which were funded by the EU. Upgrades were done to the electrical and plumbing systems, kitchen cabinets and hurricane shutters.  A new concrete roof was constructed over the porch and a new restroom was erected on the top floor. Works were recently completed. Arrangements are being made for a ceremony for the handing over of the keys. The first District Representative together with the Territorial At-large representatives shall be informed of this handover date. 

The Purcell Community Centre. This project is also being funded by the EU. Works include repairs to the roof, kitchen cabinets and other millworks, installation of windows, doors and hurricane shutters, electrical and plumbing upgrade. According to Mr. Ronnie Lettsome, the Project Manager on behalf of the PAHO, the project will be publicly tendered by the 1st week of May 2021.

Next Mister Speaker the Anegada Community Centre. This project is also being funded by the EU.  Mr. Lettsome is supposed to provide an official update on the scope of works by the 1st week of May 2021. This project was recently tendered and bids are due by the 1st week of May 2021.  According to Mr. Lettsome, works should commence during the month of June 2021.

The Long Trench Community Centre. This project is also being funded by the EU.  The coordinator Mr. Lettsome has indicated that he will provide an official update on the scope of works by the 1st week of May 2021. Tender documents are currently being prepared.  Mr. Lettsome will also provide a definitive date for the start of the tendering process.

Mister Speaker, as you are aware, our community centres also serve as meeting and activity centres for our golden gem programmes. As we pivot and maneuver our way through the global COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors will soon be able to resume their weekly social gatherings

You’ll also be aware Mister Speaker that centres are also used as hurricanes shelters. And in this regard I wish to thank the EU for funding and upgrading various facilitates as SMART centres.

I thank you Mister Speaker for allowing me to update this Honourable House on the on-going projects led by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. Thank you.