Statement by Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull

                                                                                                   Minister for Natural Resources and Labour

                                                                                                   Brewers Bay Restroom Facility Update

Good day to the people of the Virgin Islands. I am urged to give clarity on the ongoing construction of the restrooms at Brewers Bay Beach based on inaccurate information given on talk shows and online media.

An initial sum of two hundred and thirteen thousand dollars ($213,000.00) was budgeted for the completion of this project. Of this amount, K&C Construction was awarded a contract for one hundred and twenty-four thousand, two hundred and fifty-eight dollars and seventy cents ($124,258.70). A contract was also awarded to Connect Enterprises Limited for installation of a treatment sewage plant for sixty thousand, four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ten cents ($60,457.10). Finally, there would be additional costs for installation of electricity, water, countertops and an access ramp.

As works progressed, the budget was adjusted to total two hundred and thirty eight thousand, two hundred and seventy-two dollars and eleven cents ($238,272.11), to account for critical design changes and material costs, for a difference of twenty-five thousand, two hundred and seventy-two dollars and eleven cents ($25,272.11).

It is accurate that The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently approved one hundred and one thousand, one hundred and one dollars ($101,000.00); however, these monies are toward the predetermined budget. No additional budget items were added to the project and the difference of $25,272.11 was carefully vetted and determined to be necessary.

The amount recently approved by cabinet contributes to the following activities:

• To complete payment of the remaining amount of the contract with K&C Construction;
• To complete the supply and installation of a sewage treatment plant;
• To complete the installation of electricity for the facility;
• To complete the installation of the countertops for the facility;
• To complete the installation of a ramp; and
• To complete the installation of water for the facility.

In closing, I wish to acknowledge the public for their rightful interest and concern surrounding the economical and effective management of funds toward community developments. Your request for accountability matters to me and the public servants who work within the Second District and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour. I therefore assure you that the funding approved for this project has been carefully allocated, and is for the sole purpose of construction and the complementary works listed.

A functional bathroom that is accessible to the public and managed by an appropriate governmental entity has been a long time need for this community, beach patrons and event organizers. Added functionality of the beach will increase its value and use. I remain committed to following through with the commitments made to the people of the Second District and the Virgin Islands, and I will continue to do so in a manner that is financially responsible.