Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Medical complaints, broken AC & mold force Public Library to close

-over two weeks the main public library on Tortola closed to residents; workers home still being paid
This news site has learnt that the reasons for the closure of the Main Public Library are a broken air conditioning system adn medical complaints from staff. Photo: VINO/File
Local businessman Carvin Malone confirmed that the building that houses the library in Road Town belongs to the Malone's family but noted that it is not the family's responsibility to address the issue of the AC unit as it was installed by government. Photo: VINO/File
Local businessman Carvin Malone confirmed that the building that houses the library in Road Town belongs to the Malone's family but noted that it is not the family's responsibility to address the issue of the AC unit as it was installed by government. Photo: VINO/File
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter (left) promised to return our call as she was in a meeting but has not done so up to post time. We were unable to reach Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myrov V. Walwyn (right) for a comment. Photo: VINO/File
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter (left) promised to return our call as she was in a meeting but has not done so up to post time. We were unable to reach Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myrov V. Walwyn (right) for a comment. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - It appears to be the best kept secret in the Virgin Islands - the closure of the main Public Library in Road Town on the main Island of Tortola.

While the Government Information Service has sent out a Bulletin about the closure no other details have been given on this from the Ministry of Education and Culture where the Minister Hon Myron V. Walwyn with his paid public relations consultant has keep quiet.

After investigation by our newsroom and speaking to both current and former employees of the Library Services, it was unearthed that there are allegedly many reasons why the Library has been closed from around May 17, 2016.

Medical complaints, broken AC & mold

It is reported that many of the workers for years have been complaining about the building making them sick and have from time to time come forward with doctor papers to confirm their ailments. In addition, some have complained that the mold in the building is a challenge causing further issues to their health.

Furthermore, it was reported that the Air Conditioner Unit in the building malfunctioned a few weeks ago and still has not been repaired. One employee told our newsroom speaking on condition on anonymity that “a few days after the AC went down workers were willing to come to work however, the heat was too much to take, as many of the windows could not open.”

Some half of the staff have reportedly gotten medical papers to show their different ailments they link to the working conditions at the Library building, while the Library remains closed.

The building that houses the library in Road Town belongs to the Malone's family. Local businessman Carvin Malone confirmed this information to Virgin Islands News Online but noted that it is not the family's responsibility to address the issue of the AC unit as it was installed by government.

There have been discussions for years about the relocation of the Road Town Public Library with one of many considerations being the old Clarence Thomas Building in Pasea Estate where their store was recently relocated from.

The Virgin Islands Public Library has a small branch located in East End on Tortola.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr Marcia Potter whom we contacted for a comment promised to return our call as she was in a meeting. However she had not done so up to post time.

Workers not reassigned; home with pay

The over 18 employees are still being paid their full salaries. The private security company has also been sent away and it is unclear how that will affect their contract.

With the closure of the Public Library it also means that the bookmobile service to schools will be affected, as they get the books from the main Library. It is expected to further affect the many public school reading programmes.

The Library building is surrounded by a laundry, a grocery store and fried chicken establishment. The Library Services falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

13 Responses to “Medical complaints, broken AC & mold force Public Library to close ”

  • Wellsah (30/05/2016, 11:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    can that gang get anything right?
  • What else is new? (30/05/2016, 14:58) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Education is trumpeted as such a major priority, hmm? Library on the top level of a building with no disability access, hmm? Make you wonder?
  • tola tola (30/05/2016, 15:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So cavin is not the landlord thing to talk
    • Landlord (30/05/2016, 16:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is he not the landlord of the present location were the library is located in town? I think that might be what the person is talking about.
  • The Observer (30/05/2016, 17:42) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The College have the same problem. Every minute the staff members at the getting sick from the same AC problem. No one is listening , even when they hand in doctor paper. They want to spite Dr.Dawson soon much,and blame him for everything. Some staff members have to work from there homes. While all the big boys sits in their offices comfortable.
    • geoff (31/05/2016, 01:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dawson responsible for much of the illness at The College. Not maintaining the property and the way he treat staff with mind games who question him. Good riddance.
  • View (30/05/2016, 17:56) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Time for government to build a decent building to house the library. Seemingly we do not understand the use of a library. That is why the government continue to rent spaces. With all the modern technology, the library should be housed in its own building with access for everyone. Time to do the right thing.
  • just saying..... (30/05/2016, 23:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only the most efficient and properly managed buidlings should be rented from goverment
  • Music (31/05/2016, 01:41) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    How on earth did government workers manage to work and stay healthy in the days before airconditioning? Present day workers a bunch of softies!
    • to lodger (31/05/2016, 13:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The buildings had better ventilation... how bout you shut your trap and try working in a Hot room with still air and see if you make it past an hour dummy
  • obeah man (31/05/2016, 07:13) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everything falling apart under mvw ministry too much wickedness
  • View (26/10/2016, 05:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is it so hard to fix the tiniest of problems? The only public library in Road Town is now CLOSED. For how long? What about the students and people who are heavily dependent on its resources? What the ministry of education needs to do is FIX the problem and cater the people's needs!

    P.S please don't take 3 to 4 years to fix the 'problem'


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.