$82.9M TPP infrastructure fails!
After our newsroom received calls from concerned members of the public we visited the Pier Park to ascertain for ourselves what persons had told us.
When we arrived there, a section of the pavement just adjacent to the roundabout near the entrance to the compound was cordoned off with yellow tape.
Upon closer examination of the cordoned off area, it was evident that there was some undulating of the laid bricks, with some portions of it sunken, as if something heavy had rolled on it. Some of the bricks also appeared loose as though they were not fastened to the surface.
When this news site sought a comment from acting Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Alfred 'Al' Henley, he said he had no comment.
When we contacted Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), he said it was the first time he was hearing about the matter and that he would be making inquiries as to what the problem was.
"I know that they were doing some more work [there]. I am not sure whether this is a part of it but I would have to find out," said Minister Vanterpool.
Meanwhile, a source alleged the area sunk with the weight of a forklift last night, March 10, 2016.
One of the persons who called our newsroom said he completely endorses the comments by former project developer Hugh E. Darley, who said that the project was not being built to the best standards and that the people of the VI were not receiving value for money with the project.
32 Responses to “$82.9M TPP infrastructure fails!”
Thinking Critically- Connecting the Dots.
1st Dot- The Governor failed to Commission an Inquiry into the allegations of corruption in the Tortola Pier Project. Is it Diplomacy, Cowardice, or Indifference?
The late philosopher and theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel once proclaimed that the opposite of courage is even worst- it is indifference. Indifference to evil and wrongdoings is more invidious than the acts themselves precisely because indifference to evil and wrongdoings is much more contagious.
Most of these Governors assigned to these overseas dependent territories are about to retire. They hardly wish to encounter any undue headaches (nor hardships) for themselves and their families at this stage in their lives.
In my opinion, this Governor is possibly trying to safeguard his Legacy and does not want to go down in His-story (History) as the Governor who stagnated and/or possibly destroyed the economy and welfare of the people of the Virgin Islands. Keeping in mind that the economy of Great Britain is “not doing that Great itself.” Is it possible that his lack/negligence to commission an inquiry into questionable protocols at the pier project be attributed to possible quandaries in his thinking?
2nd Dot- Skelton-Cline’s case against the Government of the Virgin Islands. Would this reach the Courts; or will a compromise be made and a settlement be reached before this.
3rd Dot- The Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands has decided to finally retire at this time. Good timing for her to “vacate the possible ‘mess’ ahead.”
A trifecta being “played” before “The People of the Virgin Islands.” How would this play-out? Would everything be swept under the table/rug as usual; or have “We-As a People” evolved beyond this; or are we still fallen for the okidokes? The pacifier in this case being a mirage of colourful structures with the promise of them being worth every penny spent to make them indestructible.
As expressed in earlier comments, we created a lot of this “mess” in our Virgin Islands with political party affiliations; position appointments based solely on access and not on qualifications, experience, and proper attitudes (cronyism), victimization and discrimination, turning a blinded eye and or participating in “alleged corruption and other wrongdoings” without thinking about the possible long-term negative impact on the entire country as a whole.
If we do not stand-up for a "Government of Inclusion" and deal with our pressing issues and stop kicking the can down the road until it gets crushed, we will no sooner find ourselves wondering- “what happened!?”
Take Heed Our People, The Run Will Not Last Forever.
Let's pray with all our hearts that the buildings don't start moving or cracking. Fixing a walkway can be done. Fixing a building that is sinking is a tad harder. Hopefully, the pilings were done correctly. However, they should not try to fix it right away as it will likely sink further and we will end up throwing good money after bad. There are bound to be other areas that will heave or sink as well. Time is the only cure.
Provided sea water isn't making its way underground and compromising the integrity of the area, all should be well, given time for things to settle.
Those poles on the dock, don't touch them or they will fall with you. That's not value for money; my kid almost fell with the pole.
I'm yet to understand how one of those buildings value 1 million dollars.
Both parties have their hickups in my opinion,but clearly this administration is doing far worst than the other administration.
You can't pay individuals and companies from August. I was always taught pay your bills first, and then the rest is yours for what you want to do; whether save spend etc...
They need to stop, building the cruise ship will not cover our eyes in 2019 without a proper explanation of where the rest of the funds went.
To your point with roads, clearly the ndp are not getting the job done as well as you can see trough out the roads in the territory.
I voted for three ndp. All three including the premier cannot get my vote again.
Only a fool never change..
People who want betterment for themselves and country will cast their vote based on performance.. and will run the NDP out of office
Fools and blindmices will do so based on preference..