Madam Speaker, the Elmore Stoutt High School Redevelopment Project continues to progress at an accelerated pace and all hands are on deck to bring this project to completion.

The scope of this project includes the construction of four reinforced concrete buildings which are comprised as follows:

• Block A: A two-story Technical Block which will be home to auto-mechanics, food and nutrition, clothing and textiles, electronics, woodwork, the metal shop, a bakery lab, culinary lab and a bar and restaurant training lab.  

• Block B1 & B2: Two three-story Classroom Blocks with a total of 30 classrooms plus adjoining restroom facilities at each level, and a connecting staircase.

• BLOCK C: A one-story Administrative Block which hosts the reception area, the principal’s office, front office, counsellor’s office, the infirmary, staff lounge, staff restrooms, janitor closet and storage area.

Combined, the four buildings of this facility total 24,904 sq ft and are being constructed by BVI-owned and domiciled construction companies. As at the date of this statement construction stands at 90% of substantial completion. 

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the contractors, Quality Construction, Metro Construction, Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. and the joint venture of Sunleaf Construction and Northam Construction for the stellar job they have performed to advance the buildings to this stage and within an unprecedented short timeline.

The external works contractor, No Limit Construction has expeditiously executed the auxiliary works.  This is evident by the sidewalks, parking lots, drainage and landscaping works in addition to the main sewerage, water and electrical connections that are visible on site. I believe it would be no stretch to confidently state, that this territory owes the contractors and their teams a depth of gratitude for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, in spite of the meaningful strides, this project has experienced its share of logistical challenges which have significantly impacted the timeline.

All contractors developed contract delivery milestones with allowances for recent shipping constraints on critical goods, such as windows, doors, paints, and floor stains in July to complete construction by August 31st, 2022. However, some critical items did not arrive on schedule due to global supply chain issues coupled with the adverse weather conditions which disrupted the transportation and logistics of these critical goods.

Based on these challenges, a new date for the shipment of windows, for example, which were manufactured in China, was determined, and slated to arrive on August 21st, 2022.  However, these windows were further delayed due to the “unusual” congestion in port Kingston, Jamaica. That shipment was received on September 4th, 2022 but only included the bathroom windows and the sound retention louvers for the building walkways.

Madam Speaker, the windows for the remaining buildings arrived on September 28th along with lighting fixtures but due to a mishap, the container with the windows was not removed from the vessel and was carried onward to St. Maarten. The shipment, which was affected by inclement weather in the region, then took another 18 days to arrive in the territory on October 16th, 2022. These items were outside of our control and affected the timeline.  In construction, there are unexpected mishaps that affect the work programme and this was unfortunately a part of the process.  

The floor stain was received on October 4th, 2022.  We were informed by the supplier on September 26th, 2022 that the container with the paint and some furniture had an incident with a truck in Colombia on September 23rd, 2022 during transportation, and when it arrived at the port and customs opened the container for inspection, it was found that some of the buckets of paint were crushed and spilled.

Madam Speaker, this incident including the shipment of replacement paint and furniture affected the final delivery date of the items. The RDA immediately made arrangements to source a few gallons locally so that painting around the window openings and door frames could proceed expeditiously in preparation for the arrival of the delayed windows and doors.

The final shipment of paint and some furniture arrived on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022. This paint will be used to finalize the finishes of the interior and exterior walls, ceilings and external roof coating. It is expected that these painting works will be completed by October 30th, 2022.

Madam Speaker, our focus is now on the completion of the building. With all of the required windows, doors, lighting, paint, and stains are on island, the contractors are working diligently towards final completion. Thereafter, furniture and equipment comprising of the teacher, office and computer desks, storage units, photocopiers, microwaves, and electrical appliances are expected to be delivered to the site. Lastly, forty-two (42) Promethean boards and three (3) folding beds for the infirmary are expected to arrive no later than November 18th, 2022.

I will continue to share updates to keep everyone fully informed of the progress and any further matters that may arise. The date of the official opening ceremony will be announced after full completion of the aforementioned.

Madam Speaker, please be assured that the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports remains committed to ensuring that the Elmore Stoutt High School Redevelopment Project is executed at a high standard with the needs of teachers and students at the forefront of all our efforts and decision making.

The work of the Recovery and Development Agency is to be highly commended for their stewardship of this project. I thank the Chairman and Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer and his team for their professionalism in the execution of this project.

I am therefore pleased to state, that the construction of a fit for purpose learning and working environment for all students, teachers and administrative staff of the Elmore Stoutt High School will soon be a realized.

Thank You Madam Speaker.