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Minister Vanterpool: All major projects halted!

Minister Vanterpool (in the middle) shares a joke with Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister for Health and Social Development (left) and Myron Walwyn - Minister for Education and Culture on November 9. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
According to the VIP, BiWater, the UK firm, hired to remedy water and sewerage on Tortola, will not be a contingent liability to Government. Photo: VINO
According to the VIP, BiWater, the UK firm, hired to remedy water and sewerage on Tortola, will not be a contingent liability to Government. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Public Works Department was instructed to cease all major projects, including the ‘controversial’ Purcell Ghut and BiWater until they have been reviewed by the new Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool.

“Today I asked the Director of Public Works to halt all major projects until I have reviewed them and tomorrow [November 10] I will do that formally,” the Minister disclosed in a brief interview with Virgin Islands News Online on Wednesday November 9, at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall where he was sworn in as Minister.

He explained the reason for his decision was to ensure that the projects are moving in a direction his Government, the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, wants them to go.

Prior to speaking with him, Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith firmly stated that some contracts that were signed by the previous Government, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) a few days before the November 7, 2011 general elections will be looked into.

According to Premier Smith, “Some hard decisions may have to be made concerning decisions made by the last Government especially those in recent weeks that were purely self-serving and not in the interest of the BVI.”

“Whatever we do we sincerely promise to do our best on your behalf, always keeping in mind that we all have to live here and that we want peace and harmony to be the hallmark of our administration,” he pledged.

Meanwhile, Minister Vanterpool disclosed that top on his list of priorities is to remedy the sewerage problem on Tortola, as well as, roads and infrastructure.

“Our roads are in deplorable state. We have some bigger issues to deal with [such] as the airport and the other ports. We want to start with the most important thing that is to clean up the sewage situation,” he stated.

BiWater saga

“Sewerage doesn’t mean BiWater, it is a different story for me. BiWater is water and we have to review that water story, so definitely we will want to put a halt to it and review it,” he added.

He said his party’s platform was always to review it, which will involve the Premier and Minister for Finance, and seek advice from the Attorney General.

Regarding the loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Minister Vanterpool said “we want to make the funds available as soon as possible. However, we first have to know if the United Kingdom approved the guarantee on it, and then there are other condition precedents to it that we have to make sure are in place.”

The previous Government had secured $15M to complete infrastructural works throughout the Territory.

38 Responses to “Minister Vanterpool: All major projects halted!”

  • hello (10/11/2011, 08:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Public Works had major projects working on? Like what? There are numerous contracts out there but not under public works, he probably means he will call all persons holding contracts and ask them to halt them, but he must remember that contrats have time frames attached to them, this move can cost Government millions for nothing. Mark please come in and see wha going on before you go making such rash decisions and bankrupt the country in a hurry.
    • billyb (10/11/2011, 15:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Public Works don't have a dog gone thing working on. The most underutilized department in government. First thing Hon. Mark Vanterpool need to do is get that place an adequate Director. Last I heard he acting. Please get a more mature director for Public Works, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese. That joker is a waste of time. NDP don't carry on wasteful spending, this guy making big bucks for NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!
      • first things first (11/11/2011, 06:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        for real the first thing Mr. Mark needs to do tis get a new director for PWD and then bring back willock as PS..
  • billyb (10/11/2011, 08:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was very disappointed yesterday at the sworn in ceremony. It was not well organized for such a short program. The new venue was announced well ahead of time for stage preparation and mike checks. Secondly, the Deputy Governor introduced Lorna Smith, JS Archibald, court judges and all that nonsense. Question, did we vote for them????? Who cares about them!!!!! Especially after the fact that she did not introduced the representatives we voted for. Achie Christian, Marlon Penn, Alvera Maduro, Delores Christopher; dem is who we went there to see; not no judge and lawyers, and they were clearly overlooked. If she did introduce them, she did collectively and that was out of order.
    • Jog (10/11/2011, 15:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree, who cares about judges. I was listening to the radio unable to make it and I was waiting to hear the rep for the 6th district to be called and I didnt hear nothing.
    • Leadership Matters (11/11/2011, 08:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I absolutely agree with you. I waited to hear distinct recognition of our elected leaders, not judges and lawyers. I kept wondering what that was about. There is a time for everything and it was the place and time to hear the elected leaders names.
      • Hmm (11/11/2011, 09:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        definitely agree, she always in front bigging up that little dwarf. He is one I wish that there was a way to vote he and she out of society
  • good (10/11/2011, 09:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lets go my team thats the way allproject halt untill. Thank you Jesus
    • billyb (10/11/2011, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      totally agree, and another thing, Omar Hodge is retiring (whether by will or by force), WHA TEKIN UNCLE RALFY SO LONG??? and I sure he double hodge age
  • jb69 (10/11/2011, 09:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh BOY!!! no time was wasted in continuing their agenda... God be with my BVI.
    • Iron Lion (10/11/2011, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Did you all think they were going to change? Well, zebras dont change stripes
      • jb69 (10/11/2011, 11:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I never thought they were going to change, I never fell for the hype. As a matter of fact I was speaking to a friend on election night when they won and the first thin I said to them was that BiWater going to be stopped and the Beef Island project started....just watch
        • jb69 (10/11/2011, 11:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          * thing
        • T2DB (10/11/2011, 18:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          So, tell me what's wrong with reviewing Biwater and going forward with the Airport? Andrew Fahie also said Biwater should be reviewed, so did Vernon Malone. They both agreed the airport project should be pushed forward as well. The government isn't in 2 days well and you already playing games. GO SIT DOWN MAN!!!! Nobody said biwater is being canceled! When things are done in secret they need to be reviewed! Had the signed contract been registered therefore becoming a public document, we won't be going through this shit! Blame FRASER and his VIP Government!!!! I'm sure biwater will get to continue their works as it's just not worth breaking the contract at this time when we need water and sewerage fixed. The VIP continuously bail out and feed Carvin and others for donkey years and you never said a damn word! But every thing NDP does is a damn problem!!
          • Truth (10/11/2011, 20:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Jack ka$$$, the biwater cont5ract isnt only registered it was also laid on the Table of The House Of Assembly. That makes it a DOUBLY a Public Document. You fool.
          • Comment (11/11/2011, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Can we review the 'Beef Island Development Contract' too. I bet they can't put a halt to that 'Major' project? That one is so major that it will take 25 years to complete.
        • mr frett (11/11/2011, 07:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I did not have to wait for election night, i knew that all the time. That is why i said that this was not the time to change governments. The whole world is in place they never been for years, and we can't afford to stop anything. People need to work, because bills need to be paid.
          • jb69 (11/11/2011, 20:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            all i have to say is that i will be sitting with my arms folded and just watching... I give their supporters a year before they wake up and smell the coffee....then you will hear them out bawlin.....but you know as they say who don't listen does feel and the people of the BVI will feel it.
          • jb69 (11/11/2011, 20:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            all i have to say is that i will be sitting with my arms folded and just watching... I give their supporters a year before they wake up and smell the coffee....then you will hear them out bawlin.....but you know as they say who don't listen does feel and the people of the BVI will feel it
  • fox (10/11/2011, 09:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh LORD!!! here we go again a repeat of 2003... God be with my little BVI.
    • Discrete (10/11/2011, 09:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Premier. Hon. Dr Smith....I know you make an oath to listen to the people, but all the people have a different stake and you can't please everyone regardless. If we want to clean up this sewage problem and fix the water problem, let BI-WATER continue to do the work and get it out the way. Do not let some people persuade this Govt. and turn back down the road for the benefit of a few to discontinue this project, cause it is in the interest of the territory in the whole. We are hoping that this new govt will go forward and not backward. THE PEOPLE GET TO GREEDY AND EVERYTHING IS MONEY IN THIS PLACE.
      • QQ (10/11/2011, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        but they got to get rid of biwater so they can give the contract to dem selves the NDP-OC but trust I we watching and waiting boss
  • luv (10/11/2011, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we the poor will watch them closely they already start
  • Real Talk (10/11/2011, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    OH PLEASE!! You people have NO SHAME!!! When Fraser and VIP signed with Biwater, did we see the contract? NO!! So how the hell can you agree with something that you haven't seen? The only way to know if it's good for the Territory is to REVIEW IT!!! Nobody wants to replace Biwater with OC! We are already passed that! All NDP need to ensure is that the contract entered into was done so with the benefit of BVI in mind. I trust that if Biwater is seen to be capable of carrying out the works, the contract will be honoured and work will begin. The NDP CANNOT be so stupid this time around to appear to be looking out for investment club and not the people. I voted for them but I'll be watching like a hawk as well! I'm not like the foolish loyalists who sat back and watch the VIP destroy this place and didn't say a word. But after Monday night's defeat, all of a sudden they care about the BVI again! GO SIT DOWN! These men were elected, let them do their jobs!!! If VIP were more open about their dealings then we won't be wasting time now. Not even Audit reports we got for 3yrs! They signed a $30mil contract for the hospital on Friday before elections and we don't even know who got it! MY GOD!!!
  • youth man (10/11/2011, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lord every body wearing red tie and the funny man minister wearing blue no one send he the memo or he out of the loop as usual?
  • Wow (10/11/2011, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Vanterpool must be crazy....you can see he doen't know FMR or government systems. Its the Minister of Finance who suppose to be making a statement like that not him...lordy them done start already.
    • the rcok (10/11/2011, 15:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      jelously is starting to show it's ugly face..time to move on u creep..things are different now..get with the program..or simply leave the island!
    • dog meat (10/11/2011, 16:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mark start he bull shit already?
    • billyb (11/11/2011, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      shut yuh tail. We was the real decision maker on the VIP team??? Do you think that Mark made that statement without the endorsement of the Premier. Stop starting trouble and looking to cause division. that is not necessary.
  • hmmmm (10/11/2011, 12:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a STRONG VIP supporter, but the deal is seal with NDP being the new goverment. The people spoke and there's NOTHING you can do about it. Give them a chance to prove themeselves, they havent even started and the critizing already begun. They have four years, so just wait and see what happens. Stop the negativity!!!!!! Politics going ALWAYS be poltics and thats the bottom line. Its new people and ideas on the team, so lets wait and see!
  • Lorna Green (10/11/2011, 15:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you VIP haters dont have anything uplifting to say to the NDP government why dont you all just faze out? Please give my government a chance to do their work and get yourselves ready for the next election in 2015 when we will give you more than what we gave you in 2011. THis is our turn now, cha man!
  • john (10/11/2011, 17:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    rain coming and still no water in fahie hill since yesterday,is that on hold too.
  • Shelia (11/11/2011, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope that they are also reviewing the 'Beef Island Development' contract that the NDP government signed too? We are very serious about good leadership in the BVI, and we will have a say this time around. We are no longer sitting back and allowing these contracts you leaders are signing with foreign businessmen to handicap our nation or destroy our fishing industry. Enough is Enough!
  • BVIslander (11/11/2011, 10:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Review the Beef Island Project which will... - affect 663 acres of Beef Island's land - and can kill 90% of BVI fish outside of Anegada - will be housing a community of 663 residents which the NDP government approved pre-sale to foreigners by the developer for around $1 million an acre. -pg. 21 & 22 on contract BI Project Development Document#497/05 states that government agrees to grant immigration status of project persons and to grant sea bed lease for 99 years and "easement to bring in developer's own personnel and equipment" with Work Permits to be processed in no more than (7 days). - imported labours (prefers Chinese and Indian labours) - $114 million for developer - $16 million for government - 18.2 million for imported labour - $7.2 million for current residents - Crucial Interest Pgs 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29 (Can they also review these pages???)


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