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VI Treasury without money to repair key Community Centres—Hon Skelton

VI Treasury without money to repair key Community Centres like the one pictured here. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) speaking at the Abraham Leonard Community Centre during a 2013 meeting—while the facility was still in use. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) speaking at the Abraham Leonard Community Centre during a 2013 meeting—while the facility was still in use. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - There isn’t any money in the Virgin Islands (VI) Treasury currently available to repair the Abraham Leonard Community Centre and as such, only a structural assessment will be carried out at this time to evaluate the structural integrity and soundness of the building.

The damning information was revealed during the sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) on July 19, 2018, last and was disclosed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL).

Natural Hazard

He was at the time responding to formal questioning in the HoA by Opposition Leader and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

The Opposition Leader was looking to find out when the community centers will be repaired due to the damages received from hurricanes Irma and Maria and when each will be fully functional, namely Anegada Community Center, West End Community Center and Abraham Leonard Community Center in Carrot Bay.

According to Hon Skelton, with the Treasury unable to fund any current works on the Community Centre at present, the structural assessment will guide the administration future actions on the facility.

“Government will then determine whether to construct a more resilient structure in an alternative location that would be less vulnerable to natural hazards.”

He said, “…once the project scope, budget and funding source are determined, I will be in a position to provide timelines for completion and full functionality of the Centre.”

West End  

He said too that the contract negotiations are being finalised to restore the West End Community Centre.

“The first phase will involve repairs to the windows, doors and roof structure in order to render the building fit for use as an emergency shelter.”

According to Hon Skelton, “the Ministry of Health and Social Development is also finalizing arrangements with an external donor to fund the balance of repairs to the West End Community Centre.”

As it relates to that facility, he informed members of the HoA additional works will be carried out to restore the building to full functionality once adequate funding is in place and at such time, the Ministry will be in a position to confirm timelines for completion.

Speaking to repair works on the Anegada Community Centre, the Minister reported that these are currently in progress and are scheduled for completion by 3rd August 2018.

5 Responses to “VI Treasury without money to repair key Community Centres—Hon Skelton ”

  • ... (27/07/2018, 11:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    shame on Ronnie to let myrun beat him by so many votes.

    Ronnie after all these years does not under this game
  • Yes (27/07/2018, 11:20) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ayo bankrupting of the Treasury is why the community centers cannot be respire up till now!! Then for the past 2 terms proactive maintenance has never occurred so this the damages from the hurricanes were compounded by the dilapidation by neglect by YOUR Government!!!!
    But hey! We got the best damn restrooms at the Pier Park that we can shelter in come what may this hurricane season!!! Thanks for the visionary leadership that has enabled us to be ready for this hurricane season!! 4 more years for NDP (sarcasm ppl!).
  • Now wait a while (27/07/2018, 14:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I remember very clearly before the Hurricanes the Premiere said that the economy is robust so i don’t get it where the money gone?
  • My girl (27/07/2018, 20:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The money (7.2 million) and more robustly flew away........
  • Political Observer (PO) (28/07/2018, 10:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So the government “bruk” ? What happened to the $$M in the reserve fund that the government was building? The reserve fund was intended to tide things over during an emergency. Is the fund depleted? There is a lack of entertainment and social activities throughout the territory. Community centers fill some of the void. Community centers a central place where people can meet for a)group activities, b)social support, c)receive and pass information.........etc. The damages from Hurricanes Irma and Maria have dampen the spirit, hope, dreams, and aspirations of many, especially the elderly. Community centers provide a respite, an escape, if only temporary, from life’s stresses and strains. Yes, government has many challenges but it has to dive into its bucket list and set some priorities. It must put people first. Many of our leaders fail that test after the storm; they seem to put themselves first, leaving a bitter taste in many constituents mouth. The constituents have not forgotten. It has been 10 months since Irma and Maria; let’s bring the people some much needed relief. Independence some say; no way. Irma spoke loud and clear that the BVI is not ready for independence.


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