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Ports project cost soaring @ almost $83M

- Communications & Works Minister Hon Mark H. Vanterpool fails to address Hugh E. Darley's corruption allegations in HoA
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) today January 25, 2016 reported on the status of the cruise pier development project, updating the public that the total cost of the project has ballooned to $82 million over the estimated total fo $75 million. Photo: VINO/File
However, the Minister failed to address the allegations of corruption, overspending and political direction levelled against him and the National Democratic Party Government by former Project Coordinator Hugh E. Darley who made some scathing allegations prior to and during his visit in December 2015. Photo: BVIPA
However, the Minister failed to address the allegations of corruption, overspending and political direction levelled against him and the National Democratic Party Government by former Project Coordinator Hugh E. Darley who made some scathing allegations prior to and during his visit in December 2015. Photo: BVIPA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) today January 25, 2016 reported on the status of the cruise pier development project, updating the public that the total cost of the project has swelled to $82.9 million against the previously estimated total of $45 million.

The Minister was giving a ‘Statement by Minister’ today during the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly in Road Town, the Virgin Islands’ Capital City.

However, the Minister failed to address the allegations of corruption, overspending and political direction levelled against him and the National Democratic Party Government by former Project Coordinator Hugh E. Darley who made some scathing allegations prior to and during his visit in December 2015.

The Minister went through a lot of detail regarding the spending on the project and listed the cost for various undertakings.

He said the total cost of the marine side of the project came up to $36.8 million. He called this phase of the project a major boost to the economy of the Virgin Islands because of the number of vendors and service providers who supplied the project.

In addition, the Minister said the landside development and all its related spending came up to a total of $37 million. He said with the addition of soft and administrative costs the total for the entire project came up to $82.9 million.

The Minister said that $50M will come from CIBC First Caribbean; $8.1 million plus $10.2 million from the BVI Ports Authority; $8 million from the Government; $5 million from the Social Security Board; and $1.5 million from public offering, for a total to $82.9 million.

He was also adamant that the Tortola Pier Park would be officially opened on February 16, 2016 as previously announced after failing to meet the December deadline. There have been criticisms as to whether such a deadline is possible.

Allegations of overspending

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online on December 20, 2015 former developer of the ports project, American Mr Hugh E. Darley said when he was part of the project it was planned that the project would have been built for 45 million dollars.

“In August of 2013 I had approved plans from Town and Country Planning. I had a contractual arrangement in place with people to build the facility for 45 million dollars. Today they have reduced the project and overspent,” he said. I know there is not value for money,” Mr Darley alleged.

There was, however, an apparant falling out among the parties concerned and Mr Darley is now claiming that Government owes him some $2M for his drawings. He has since produced evidence of this after Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith recently claimed that Mr Darley was paid all his monies.

The public was hoping to hear the subject Minister address these serious allegations in the HoA but again it has been left to come up with its own conclusions.

Meanwhile, the controversial cruise pier project is to undergo an audit called by Government. Critics have lambasted Government for seemingly calling an audit on itself. It is not even clear if the subject minister and other officials close to the project would be disconnected from their responsibilities to facilitate the audit and allow at least for a perception of non-interference.

 

51 Responses to “Ports project cost soaring @ almost $83M”

  • look (25/01/2016, 14:37) Like (4) Dislike (95) Reply
    Mark is the man. The project is worth every dime. No way Hugh Darley or anyone else could extend and widen that pier like it is now and build the entire land side for less than $80Mil.
    • Guest (25/01/2016, 21:44) Like (51) Dislike (0) Reply
      You do realize that the tenants have to outfit their own areas/inside of those buildings right??? That they are essentially renting shells that then need the fixtures, ac, etc... So if those buildings are essentially shells when completed and the tenants still have to then spend to outfit the buildings themselves where in the hell did the money go???
    • De truth (26/01/2016, 07:27) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @look - guess you a contractor!!
    • HELLO!! (26/01/2016, 08:08) Like (4) Dislike (32) Reply
      All of them on here blogging nonsense...Half of them dont understand what a project like this would have cost. Hugh Darley knows he could not have done that dock and the land side development for the money he quoted. Hes just a fox who could not get the rapes and call them sour. This project is no worst than that bridge in East End what was estimated for 1.7 million and in the end cost 7 million and we have not made a dine from it. Or the Purcell Gut what was estimated for 2 Mil and cost 6 Mil and still aint fix...this port project is worth the money considering its the entire project and not just the dock.
      • Yes (26/01/2016, 10:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

        NDP bloggers fighting hard. Your boys stole the money and wait until pressure gets applied to the oneboy he going to snitch like he did in D*****

  • voter (25/01/2016, 14:41) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    TT Minister needs to go if even just for poor management. Does the Governor now think that a proper COI is necessary?
  • ndp youth arm (25/01/2016, 14:54) Like (36) Dislike (0) Reply
    O M G is Mark and deeds guys for real somebody got rich rich rich rich
    • jail work (26/01/2016, 07:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Several persons got rich, round them up. Check all who got contracts
  • wize up (25/01/2016, 15:07) Like (14) Dislike (34) Reply
    allegations, rumours and speculation are the samething; the subject minister did ask for an audit(play the tape)....let me add this(the United Kingdom gave its approval for the airport project)....admist all of the talk and more talk that the NDP adminstration is so curpt: play the tape, NDP got the green light from the UK for another multi million project: a bunch of people just talking and talking and the United Kingdom have no issues with the territory leadership; if there were any concerns UK will not agree with local government on the airport project...talk that
    • Local (25/01/2016, 15:33) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
      They are not stupid like some of us .They are setting them up to fail and then they take over. It is the young generation is going to pay higher taxes for all of this and they are going t o be sorry but it will be to late.
    • HMMM (25/01/2016, 18:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      The UK will agree with what is in front them. If everything don't go then they decide on what in front of them
    • Auditor General (26/01/2016, 18:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mark knows the Auditor General has retired. That is why an inquiry needs to be done.
  • how? (25/01/2016, 15:32) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    My word!!! the NDP made themselves out the only ones capable of responsible stewardship, utter rubbish!!!!!!!!!
    • wize up (25/01/2016, 17:25) Like (3) Dislike (33) Reply
      @ how: there is no other party right now....come 2019 NDP will win again
  • Scary Mary (25/01/2016, 15:36) Like (60) Dislike (1) Reply
    Given enough money, any fool can build anything in the world! Formulating a budget, sticking to it and accomplishing your goals, are the things that separate the professionals from the criminally clueless. It isn't difficult to build a one million dollar building for two million dollars now is it?

    82.9 million is unforgiveable given the original budget figures. You have NOTHING to be proud of Mr. minister and in fact, I should think you have a great deal of explaining to do.

    The fact that this is the same government that intends to embark on a multi, multi million dollar expansion for the airport runway is truly frightening? I hope the taxpayers know what's coming! Based on the fact that Minister Pickering announced that the government will be building it, we can likely take whatever the projected budget may be and double it in the name of incompetence.

    Lord help us all!
    • Observer (25/01/2016, 21:48) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      And we can guess who the three main contractors will be, so the rest of them in Tortola can just save their strength...
  • Government is broke (25/01/2016, 15:36) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    No wonder government got no more money
  • Cookie Monster (25/01/2016, 15:47) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Time for the Anguillian to tek a time out on the bench. Marlon can easily sub in for him. Doc time to call it
  • mixed feelings (25/01/2016, 15:47) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    GREED is a boss, if you’re stealing on the level you’re supposed to steal a little here, a little there, these man just up and take the whole cake, one shot, not even a thin slice every now and then.
    FORTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARES and you cant build COUPLE BUILDINGS? No wonder everybody want contracts. SOMEBODY NEED TO GO THE JAIL.
    I went out there and it’s a shame how it’s not even halfway ready, Jan near over and they want to have the NEXT Official Grand opening in feb? march? April? Look another hospital
  • Hmm (25/01/2016, 16:16) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    They making Fahie seem like a psychic! Lol!
  • Political Observer (25/01/2016, 16:26) Like (46) Dislike (0) Reply
    Holy smokes/mackerel! A project estimated original cost of $35M now is costing $83M, a 137% increase. Wow! Most projects tend to overshoot the budget and require change orders. A 10-15% change order for new construction is reasonable but 137% is beyond outrageous. Renovated projects tend to cost more because of the potential for differing site conditions, for one never knows what may be unearthed during excavation or what is behind a wall....etc. Did the Premier blew his top, finding out about this SNAFU, if he did he should? What action did he take, if any?

    Was anyone really tracking and monitoring this project or it was an open checkbook project ? The MCW got all kind of engineers on staff with some even having doctorates in engineering. This is a national embarrasment. Where was the HOA when all this was occurring? Did the HOA approve this hefty change order and if they did they need to fired forthwith. This is giving Hugh Darley credence.

    Moreover, what is the opportunity cost of this gross overspending? Lots of things did not get done because of this overspending. Who review the design for constructability and maintainability? Whoever they are need to hang their head in shame, for they are culprits in this national SNAFU. A whole lot of credibility is lost with this project. Non-engineers need to leave engineering to trained, educated and experienced professionals. For the millionth time, public works need to be led and managed by a seasoned engineer. This (port project) is a disgrace to the engineering profession.
    • Engineer (25/01/2016, 19:54) Like (1) Dislike (40) Reply
      You were sounding a little smart for a while until you started knocking the engineering profession for what you call gross overspending! Blame the right people and you would sound a lot more credible!
      • Political Observer (25/01/2016, 20:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Engineer, if you are really an engineer, you know or should know that an engineer of record has to approve any technical changes yo a design. Additionally, though construction inspectors may conduct inspections on a project, an engineer has to approve any technical changes. Do you not agree? In any event, I'm all in with my opinion.
  • b guth (25/01/2016, 16:44) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    A 137% increase this is criminal to say the least outrageous!!!
    • fco (26/01/2016, 12:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      sad indeed but the man Duncan sees no corruption!!!!
    • Tiro (26/01/2016, 16:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      There was no need for bids on this project. a replay of Peebles. next one TB lettsome airport.hopefully NHI projected revenues and payouts are more reliable ( otherwise Social security here we come).
  • Guest (25/01/2016, 16:52) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dear Mr. Vanterpool we don't want to know where the funds came from as much as we would like to know where or how they were spent....
  • Guest (25/01/2016, 16:59) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Has anyone told the 4 year vacationer up living the life in government house yet.
  • Eagle Eye (25/01/2016, 17:07) Like (71) Dislike (0) Reply
    When these guys done thief the money now we are force to pay a poorly set up NHI.
  • Building Courage (25/01/2016, 20:06) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Professor of Political Science and Business Leadership living in the USA- In voluntary exile.

    I have reviewed the comments made by “Political Observer” for many years and have found the comments made very reasonable. However in this case, the comments that have been made needs to be escalated.

    How can the people of the Virgin Islands “where I was borne and unaccepted," accept such unaccountability for checks and balances. A full independent audit is needed. The money trail requires thorough audit. I am certain the former Auditor General will be fully vindicated.

    I am calling "All Experienced Professional" from the Virgin Islands living “abroad” to form a correlation and take some time out from our busy schedule to investigate this claim. Let us save the extra money being spent to internally investigate. The Virgin Islander future generation is at take. Cannot be ignored any longer!
    • @building Courage (27/01/2016, 19:21) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
      From Whence did you came? Where wee you when we were here sweating and building our country? Stay in exile..
      • Building Courage (30/01/2016, 14:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        “The truth requires no defense.” I was not even going to justify your statement with a response, but it is now time for those who know better to do better and to stop turning a blind-eye to the ills of the country. It has become crucial to save us from ourselves because if we don’t, who will.

        I have also heard this type of eschewed myopic mental processing being echoed by the small group of islands elites. There is a beginning and an end for everything under the sun; and as such, it is important to take into account that we all are standing in/on the shoulders (sweat and tears) of our ancestors before us, so you were not the beginning and you certainly would not be the end. There is always our Great neutralizer, “Death,” or do you think you are an immortal that will live forever. This is yet another reason why we have allowed a culture of dysfunction to exist and engulfed us. The future will determine our actions.
  • zoe (25/01/2016, 20:29) Like (0) Dislike (23) Reply
    I trust Mark and Claude
    • Building Courage (25/01/2016, 22:24) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have sit-back for many years and observed. I know all these characters personally, but I am willing to have a full unbiased academia network of associates to investigate if you really want to get to the ‘Truth”. Then, let it be. I am a “soil of the islands.’ Came back, and had absolutely no support unless- “I fit in to the to the programming on the islands.” Willing to testify to the facts. Building Courage. I am at the moment in the process of entering Law School before I decide to come back home.
    • De truth (26/01/2016, 07:23) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      one born every minute! Every village has its idiot - if you dont know who then its you.
  • A set of thiefs (25/01/2016, 20:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thrust all dem mother backsides
  • weed (25/01/2016, 21:43) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    82.9
  • unreal (25/01/2016, 22:48) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not only is it pathetic that they exceeded a 35 million dollar budget by 45 million dollars...but the real shocker is that they DOWNSIZED the pier park and took out buildings and they still went over.
  • Bernie Sanders (25/01/2016, 23:25) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let's stop the talking when the Biwater contract was sign people were Marching all over town and down to the complex,so why people can't march against this wickness?A Political Revolution is coming that 83 million will be 90 million soon because the project ain't done yet Stevie Wonder could see that..How can you put rat to mine cheese?How can you put donkey in horse race,i will agree with Boogie Freeman build a donkey track for those contractors who tryed to be in the horse race and F..up the Public money,these misleaders should be shame to go in the house to brag about that money when will it me paid back when their grand children children born ..I so shame of people i argue and stand up for,we feeling the Bern now it's too much..


  • Reckless (25/01/2016, 23:43) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is ridiculous. OMG. Why this much more?They are spending our money like we growing money at Pariquta Bay.. (Reckless). Time this stop.
  • Virginlander (26/01/2016, 00:34) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Minister we want to know where the money has gone. This is not understandable. Taxpayers money must be accounted for. This looks like trouble. Who got the money? Seemingly this is one for the court to decide.
  • watch (26/01/2016, 00:42) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need some explanation from the Ports Manager-pastor.
  • farmer brown (26/01/2016, 08:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need a cell 5 NDP like paul watley will be turning in his grave
  • W*F (26/01/2016, 11:03) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

    The Cookie Monster pale in comparison to.... Kv. This man should not be allowed to walk free. What he did to this country is paramount to capital murder. Is he he going to get away with this atrocity? Governor Duncan please come out of hiding and represent the people, as you were appointed to do. Stop fooling around and do your job.

    • @wtf.some redrum will be good. (26/01/2016, 13:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ WDF. Water running from my eyse..to think a little poor youth going jail for a spliff and this kind of think going on...strruuppess... This is terrorism...All I can think of is Redrum
  • Building Courage (26/01/2016, 11:12) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    This link must be viewed by all concern Virgin Islander-

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yq3TQoMjXTw
  • Boo (26/01/2016, 18:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    White collar crime take over Tortola


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