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‘We’re doing the right thing!’ – Hon. Vanterpool

- Works Minister says project not about any political party
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool (second left) insisted during the ground breaking ceremony held yesterday, May 8, 2014 to signal the beginning of works for the cruise pier extension project that the multi-million dollar development was not about any political party. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Project Manager Dion Stoutt speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Project Manager Dion Stoutt speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr Andrew St Hilaire speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr Andrew St Hilaire speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Founder of Meridian Construction Company, Mr Percey Rhoden noted that the project has not been without a fair level of controversy, but expressed hopes that the project will be completed within the existing budget and finished on time.
Founder of Meridian Construction Company, Mr Percey Rhoden noted that the project has not been without a fair level of controversy, but expressed hopes that the project will be completed within the existing budget and finished on time.
Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline praised staff members for their support up to this point and said the project was a game changer. Photo: VINO
Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline praised staff members for their support up to this point and said the project was a game changer. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
Scene from the groundbreaking ceremony of the cruise pier expansion project held at Wickham's Cay I on May 8, 2014. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool insisted during the ground breaking ceremony held yesterday, May 8, 2014 to signal the beginning of works for the cruise pier extension project that the multi-million dollar development was not about any political party.

“This cruise pier development is not about a party called the NDP or a party called the VIP, but I must say it is about a ‘P’. That ‘P’ is the people of the Virgin Islands,” Hon. Vanterpool said.

He stressed that the project is a crucial one to further the enhancement of the Virgin Islands tourism product and one that has become a major priority in light of the global trends in cruise tourism.

Several government officials were in attendance at the ceremony held at the cruise ship dock in a show of support for the momentous occasion.

Expressing his delight for the progress made thus far in the plans, Hon. Vanterpool said his team was up to the task. He added that the project has not been easy and said he does not expect it to get any easier. “I am totally convinced that we are doing the right thing, right here, right now,” Vanterpool added.

Last month, Government inked a $30.7M contract with IDL Projects Inc./Meridian Construction Company Ltd. for the first phase of the much hyped port development project.

According to Hon. Vanterpool, a long-promised boardwalk has been included as part of the initial phase of the work and is expected to be completed within the next few months.

Meanwhile, Founder of Meridian Construction Company, Mr Percey Rhoden noted that the project has not been without a fair level of controversy, but expressed hopes that the project will be completed within the existing budget and finished on time.

Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude Skelton-Cline praised staff members for their support up to this point and said the project was a game changer. He was also grateful that "with all the challenges, we have been able to turn this thing around".

Hon. Vanterpool told listeners that the cruise pier development project meant guaranteed continued employment and revenue for local taxi and tour operators, vendors, restaurateurs and other local businesses. The project, he added, also promises to deliver $7-$10M annually to the BVI Ports Authority in their ports development programme over the next 15 years and beyond.

Auditor General Report says much of what PAC found

The report by the five-member Public Accounts Committe (PAC) with Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal as the Chairman said it finds that the concerns raised by the Auditor General Ms. Sonia M. Webster in the Auditor General Report dated January 31, 2013 on the Port Development Project have merit and required in-depth investigations.

The Auditor General's Report of last year on the Ports Development Project unearthed corruption, conflict of interest, disregard for the laws of the Virgin Islands, unfair practices, undue influence in favour of one developer, disregard for the established tendering process and found that no one was looking out for the interest of the people and taxpayers of the Virgin Islands, putting the people at a disadvantage.

24 Responses to “‘We’re doing the right thing!’ – Hon. Vanterpool”

  • don (09/05/2014, 09:35) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    We need a commssion of inquiry
  • mm (09/05/2014, 09:53) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good project but too much underhand ness
  • +++ (09/05/2014, 11:29) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    In any other democratic society the project would have been put on hold until a thorough investigation. The handful of key players kept rotating into positions of influence to get this through. The development itself was never the issue. Who will benefit?, How was it done?, can our infrastructure accommodate?, are we building a generic landside mall lacking any BVI character? but it's the self-satisfaction that really gets me. arrogance.
  • ooooo (09/05/2014, 11:30) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    why were they using those showels? the corruption is on the surface
  • qc (09/05/2014, 12:35) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Come on Mark this is a NDP project that is why no VIP was there!!!
  • jacky o (09/05/2014, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nobody invited me!
  • weel (09/05/2014, 13:53) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    our children will be catching hell trying to pay back for this in the years too come ...................where is the pride for noel lloyd
  • Yes (09/05/2014, 14:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Cloudy day cloudy project.
  • trrefdrfds (09/05/2014, 19:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ah set ah crock!
  • lostone (09/05/2014, 19:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    bvip lati num get lame since they switch to that new comment scheme
  • Bvi man (10/05/2014, 06:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whenever it rains on the day of an event tis a sign from GOD...slow down!!!
  • I see.... (10/05/2014, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    One person blogging 14 different times....interesting.
    • @ I see.... (10/05/2014, 12:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      ceratinly no MVW this time
    • facts man (10/05/2014, 19:01) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      In this Country no one takes responsibility for their action. We should be congratulating the Auditor general and Public Accounts Committee for effectively carrying out the functions of their job rather than, to be so pathetic in lambasting them. Let justice rule...
  • Truth! (10/05/2014, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    While most will agree the NDP had a horrible first two years I suppose, past performance is not necessarily indicative of present or future performance ...
  • onlooker (10/05/2014, 18:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love the last two Para...NDP You have been exposed.
  • hound (11/05/2014, 18:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am amazed - where is t he public overview of the EIA, Where are the plans for the public to see, how did this go through so fast with no one in the public having a chance to discuss the benefits of it? Way I see it is - they failed on the hospital, they c ant get the runway extension so they are like petulant children - determined to get some money in their pockets by any means before they are voted out. The whole deal stinks of corruption. If the hospital debacle hasn't already taken the island down then this sure will.
  • pelican (11/05/2014, 23:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    exactly!! put on the blinders and push it through with no consequences. Now they are adding 2 acres of shore line for the board walk. they threw tons of moving parts to this project and now they pick and choose what they want to implement. Can they stick to the plan?
  • Lord Poor We (12/05/2014, 19:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark Vanterpool says, "We are doing the right thing". This is a very interesting quote, since as far it is known, The Public's Opinion was never Solicited, but the Public screamed Dissatisfaction with this Project. Did the NDP give the Public a Voice? Oh No. The Auditor General and PAC reports were not favourable to this project. Did the NDP step back and seek a Public Forum to discuss before moving ahead? Oh No. So Mark and his NDP counterparts are doing what they want. The BVI Public does not matter to these Hoodlums. They are going to burn in HELL for the pain they have inflicted on the people of this territory. Mark RETRIBUTION is a BIATCH. You all will not get away.


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