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Larger multi-faceted A.O. Shirley Recreation facility in works

-RDA cancels remanding repair bids to facilitate more ambitious plans
The Virgin Islands (VI) Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has cancelled all remanding plans for the repairs to the pavilion of the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in favour of developing a more ambitious, larger and modern, multi-faceted facility to cater to the needs of the Territory. Photo: VINO File/Cleave M. Farrington
The RDA underscored that the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground remains a top priority in the recovery of the Territory as it is the premier location for sports training and competitions, namely track and field, soccer and rugby. Photo: VINO/File
The RDA underscored that the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground remains a top priority in the recovery of the Territory as it is the premier location for sports training and competitions, namely track and field, soccer and rugby. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands (VI) Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has cancelled all remanding plans for the repairs to the pavilion of the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in favour of developing a more ambitious, larger and modern, multi-faceted facility to cater to the needs of the Territory.

This was revealed by the agency through a public missive on March 6, 2020, via the Government Information Service (RDA) where it noted that in light of the plans, "the RDA has been asked to cancel the tenders".

Several Project works already completed 

According to the release, the project is being managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture with support from the RDA with a number of updates already delivered. 

The RDA noted that the Installation of a new running surface to facilitate athletics; air-conditioned bathroom facilities for both male and female; construction of the Wall and Gates for the External Perimeter Fence; bathroom Groundworks and Drainage [and] the Internal Trackside Fence have so far been delivered. 

The design, supply and installation of stadium lighting in addition to repairs to the grandstand, gym and sickbay are some works that are currently being delivered. 

It said that the final activity; the repairs to the pavilion, is presently being procured by the RDA and the ministry having held further extensive consultations with stakeholders and potential funders, decided to be more ambitious with its scope and instead of rebuilding the existing structure.

Bids Cancelled 

'To the contractors who have started the bidding process on the pavilion through the RDA, we acknowledge that you have already invested in your bids thus far, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation. However, the decision to re-tender a more ambitious plan for the pavilion is a positive step," the agency noted. 

The RDA underscored that the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground remains a top priority in the recovery of the Territory as it is the premier location for sports training and competitions, namely track and field, soccer and rugby.

6 Responses to “Larger multi-faceted A.O. Shirley Recreation facility in works”

  • shantel (07/03/2020, 11:21) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    For once the RDA doing something right
  • WOWW (07/03/2020, 11:23) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes VIP !!
  • Nice (07/03/2020, 12:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Keep them in check - RDA out of control. They just give two contracts for this facility and with those prices I know we could have also have the seating covered.

    If sports tourism is going to be taken seriously we need a modern and user friendly facility.

  • Diaspora (07/03/2020, 12:39) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The hurricanes of Sep 2017, Irma and Maria, devastated the territory, causing approx $3.6B in property damages, including damages to police stations, fire stations, recreation facilities, medical facilities, office buildings, government admin facilities, infrastructure, school.......etc. In a twisted way, the damages presented an opportunity to look at and do things differently, ie, not rebuilding in like kind. Though late in the process, the decision to cancel remaining projects for repairing the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground was a good decision that should have occurred much earlier and should also applied to other projects, ie, ESHS......etc. The bidding community was exercised and should be reimbursed for cost incurred.
  • Really (07/03/2020, 14:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bidding is not cheap, bidders indeed should be compensated
  • upset (10/03/2020, 07:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    At the site meeting, the question was raised about the structural integrity of the building and why not design a proper building to reflect modern times. Now after time and money have been invested RDA is telling the bidders sorry. If this was America you can bet a law suit was not too far behind.


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