UPDATE: Crafts Alive Village opened for business
This is despite the project being fully completed, according to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS).
“Although works are still ongoing the original tenants were given permission to re-open,” the release quoted City Manager Mrs. Janis Braithwaite-Edwards as telling the Department of Information and Public Relations.
The release continued that Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards explained that the reason to allow only the original vendors to open is that there is still some construction being undertaken in the area where the new vendors from “tent city” will occupy. “Tent City vendors will be phased in over the next week as the construction works come to an end.”
The City Manager, according to the release, also revealed plans for tent city once all the occupants have been moved to the Revitalized Crafts Alive Market. “Once the new Crafts Alive Market is established, “tent city” will no longer exist. It will be demolished and no vending of any kind will be allowed in the area.”
Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith had announced in his budget speech in the House of Assembly on November 15, 2012 that the re-designed Crafts Alive Village will be opened in two weeks time.
“We committed to improve the appearance of Wickham’s Cay and Main Street for visitors and citizens alike. The refurbished and expanded Crafts Alive project opens in the next two weeks bringing an end to the unsightly 'Tent City' and improving the overall appearance of lower Road Town,” Premier Smith said.
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool had announced on October 30, 2012 during a meeting with prospective vendors of the Crafts Alive Village that his Ministry was pushing hard for a November 20, 2012 deadline for the opening of the Village.
“I think the latest date now… we are shooting very hard for November 20,” the Minister had said, adding “we can before that, in the next two weeks or three weeks… we will bring it forward… about a week we’re pushing for.”
He had declared that November 20 was the “outside date” that was being pushed for in terms of the final date for opening, however, and things were being moved as quickly as possible to make this happen.
Hon. Vanterpool had also disclosed that the final cost of the works being conducted on the Crafts Alive Village was expected to be in the region of US$1.2M.
Tender for cruise pier development to be selected in matter of weeks- Premier
Meanwhile, the tender for the cruise pier and associated land side development at Wickham’s Cay will be selected within a matter of weeks, according to Premier Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith.
“As part of the larger development, the cruise pier and some associated land side development have been delayed. However, Madam Speaker I can report that we are now moving to select a tender for this development within a matter of weeks. It is therefore my expectation that the full improvements to Wickham’s Cay and Main Street will continue in earnest in 2013,” Premier Smith said during the Budget address.
On August 1, 2012 Government had halted the development process involving Tortola Port Partners (TPP), who had presented their plans to develop the cruise pier and land side. The Premier announced a decision to re-tender through an open bid process.
The deadline for submission of proposals was August 28.
“It is my government’s view that the proper way to proceed now is to halt the process as it stands,” Dr. Smith had said in a GIS press release.
The press release explained that Dr. Smith ordered a Ministry of Finance review of the planned project to see whether it conformed with the Protocols for Effective Financial Management, which was signed in April.
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