Contracts signed for designs of home for judiciary & national cultural arena
The contract signing ceremony took place today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and saw Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), and CEO of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), Mr Anthony S. McMaster, sign contracts with TigerQi Architecture, represented by Lavina Liburd and 3DE Limited, which was represented by Jose C.B. de Castro.
The Estate House #2, known as Oleander House (formerly the Chief Minister’s House), requires significant upgrades to better accommodate judicial members. The design will be done by TigerQi Architecture.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Premier Wheatley stated that today marks another meaningful step in our government's commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and more culturally vibrant Virgin Islands.
"We are here to formalise the engagement of design consultants for two very important projects, each different in purpose, but both deeply connected to our vision for modern, sustainable, and forward-looking territory," Hon Wheatley said.
The premier added that he will ensure that the funds needed for the completion of this project will be readily avaliable. "As Minister of Finance, you can be assured that the funding for this will be forthcoming so that once the designs are finished, and once we've gone through our procurement process, we'll have the funding necessary to move forward with this very important project."
National Cultural Arena design
The government also signed a contract for the architectural and engineering design of a national cultural arena.
The cultural arena, which is expected to be located behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Central Administration Complex, is being developed as part of the National Sustainable Development Plan to promote local culture. It is intended to house the arts, music, and drama, and will maintain spaces for cultural display.
3DE Limited will create the design for the cultural arena.
Hon Wheatley stated that, "The second project we are advancing today is the architectural and engineering design for the National Cultural Arena, to be developed behind the RT O'Neil Administration Complex. Since the area's first use, it has proven its value as a venue for major public events.
"Its proximity to the Ralph T. O’Neal Central Administration Complex, the cruise pier, and ample parking make it an ideal location for large gatherings, but today, we begin the transition from temporary use to long-term vision."
The proposed national cultural arena will be a purpose-built facility, designed to support performances, festivals, cultural showcases, and community events. The project will include permanent utilities, flexible public-use spaces, vendor stalls, sanitary facilities, security features, and all the supporting infrastructure needed for a safe, accessible, and durable venue.
According to the Premier, "This project is about more than infrastructure. It is about identity. It is about giving the Virgin Islands a dedicated and fit-for-purpose space to celebrate who we are, our music, our creativity, our traditions, and our shared story."
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24 Responses to “Contracts signed for designs of home for judiciary & national cultural arena”
have a Cart hauling Horse mentality. Lord, help us.
Approximately or close to a year ago out Premier floated an Amphitheater idea to the general public. My responded to his idea was that this piece was valuable for such. I thought that since that time he would have recenter from such frolicky to a much more needed on. But unlike a leopard can't change his spots nor a giraffe his strips our Premier can change his mind, but has refused to do so, because he is a very stubborn man, and his respect foe especially the majority of local people input is minimal at best.
If this project were to be developed, a prime piece of land filled real estate in a prime location would have been wasted by our frolicky mind minded Premier.
Could be that our Premier, Hon. Natalio Sajuande Wheatley is so afraid that his now in power cabinet may not be returned to power next general elections, and because of his fears his aim is that the next cabinet will meet no spending morey, but will have to find ways to fund new projects? Honestly in my opinion only selfish leaders will first think, and put such in motion. It is of a truth that our Premier, definitely does have the best interest of the people of the British Virgin Islands at heart. Those who truly believe that he does, the are either greedy, (covetious) ignorant (naive) or both.
Only the the truth is able to set us free from the tangled web (man-made net of lies, especially political, and other subpressive tactics.
So this man leaving all the vacant flat land all around to take up prime waterfront land to do bulls***?
As far as I know that area he mentioned is Port Authority own. We need to construct another cruise pier in that area to accommodate more ships. Our so call leaders can't see what is vital or even a mega yacht facility that would put us at a competitive advantage. I can remember the Premier saying that the cultural center when demolished that area would be turned into a cultural village and performing arts now they want to do bull s*** .
Both pieces of land already destroyed the seabed habitats wo no more damage will be caused there. And at least it would give some respite for the homeowners overlooking this disgrace. And derelict cars next to a building that has been derelict for the last 9 years and looks like it will be into the foreseeable future would be a good pairing.