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Virgin Gorda Gov’t Complex was not insured—Premier Smith

-says repairs will have to be funded using CDB loan
Government has received $11.4M in insurance claims for damages to the Central Administrative Complex in Road Town, Tortola, the administration’s complex on the sister island of Virgin Gorda, is not insured and as such no claims could be submitted. Photo: VINO/File
The disclosure was made by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) that, “the Government Administration Complex on Virgin Gorda is not insured.” Photo: VINO/File
The disclosure was made by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) that, “the Government Administration Complex on Virgin Gorda is not insured.” Photo: VINO/File
Dr Smith was at the time responding to questions posed in the HoA, by First District Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable, Andrew A Fahie (R1). VINO/Files
Dr Smith was at the time responding to questions posed in the HoA, by First District Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable, Andrew A Fahie (R1). VINO/Files
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI – The Virgin Islands’ (VI) Government has received $11.4M, in insurance claims for damages to the Central Administrative Complex in Road Town, Tortola, the administration’s complex on the sister island of Virgin Gorda however, is not insured, as such no claims could be submitted.

The disclosure was made during the July 24, 2018, sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA), when members were informed by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) that, “the Government Administration Complex on Virgin Gorda is not insured.”

CDB Loan

He said, “repairs to the Government Building on Virgin Gorda, is a project for which funding has been allocated under the CDB (Caribbean Development Bank) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan.”  

Dr Smith was at the time responding to questions posed in the HoA, by First District Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable, Andrew A Fahie (R1).

Hon Fahie had additionally asked of Dr Smith, “When the repairs, as a result of the damages incurred from hurricanes Irma and Maria to the (Virgin Gorda) Complex, will commence”

Hon had queried too of Dr Smith, the insurance details, when the members were told that the complex was in fact not insured.

Speaking to the repairs to be had by tapping the CDB loan, Dr Smith told HoA members, “…the process of engaging a third-party consultant for independent verification, as required by the Bank, is well underway…This consultant is expected to be on board in August 2018, to prepare specifications and designs, and where necessary, to engage a contractor to perform the required repair works.” 

10 Responses to “Virgin Gorda Gov’t Complex was not insured—Premier Smith”

  • Political Observer (PO) (10/08/2018, 11:03) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    How prudent is it that the VI lies in “hurricane alley” and highly vulnerable to damages from hurricanes and government didn’t see the need to fully insure all its facilities, ie, buildings, systems, utilities, structures.....etc? Is this a penny smart and pound foolish situation? The taxpayers clearly would have been in a better position if all government facilities were insured. Now, it has to either dip into the reserve fund or borrow to repair or reconstruct many facilities. The government taking the self insured position given its geographic location, frequency of and vulnerability to hurricanes and other tropical systems may not have been in the best interest of the taxpayers and the territory.
  • flUffy (10/08/2018, 11:25) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Really??? Now the sister islands are really "stepchildren".whats next?? These buildings are not insured but yet the politicians are collecting large allownces and civil servants are to work in these mold infested places!!GOD PLEASE HELP US !
  • Cleric (10/08/2018, 11:28) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow - $300m a year but no insurance?
  • Underwriter (10/08/2018, 12:32) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Many governments self insure all or part of their risks, so, to criticize the BVI government without any knowledge of their risk equation is unjust. If a government or business compares their total premium payout versus what they receive in claims over a 20 year period, insurers generally come out on top. The BVI is indeed in a catastrophe zone, but, the level of insurance premiums will reflect this accordingly.
    • Me (10/08/2018, 18:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, the premiums will not equal the insured amount, no way. Do the math, the claim could happen at any time, not just hurricane. It would also be insured for fire and earthquakes.
  • Xxx (10/08/2018, 17:42) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ndp hates vg Vincent that seat is yours
    • ns (10/08/2018, 21:41) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      He cant fix his apartment building where tenants had to make doors and windows themselves out of pocket is the 9th he going could handle.
      • yes sa (11/08/2018, 23:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Since you know so much why don't you tell why the tenants don't move out so he can take his time and repair it.
  • VH (10/08/2018, 19:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    I sick to my stomach when ever I hear this sister Island referal mention
    VG has always been the bread/butter for the BVI & always get sh*t in return.No blaming but look at it VG people these building are 12 years pushing who to blame?

  • Dat so? (12/08/2018, 18:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Could this just be a ploy for the insurance monies to remain in Tortola? Did somebody really conclude that Tortola admin was worth insuring but the one in VG was not?


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