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Hon Rymer 'justifies' $1M elevator for Admin Complex

- said the lowest of two bids was approved & an independent estimate was also done
When it was disclosed to the public that a new elevator for Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex will cost the Government of the Virgin Islands over one million dollars, according to a Cabinet Post Meeting Statement released on, May 12, 2022, there were lots of feedback from the public regarding the cost and whether that money could be better spent elsewhere. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), in a statement during the 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola today, May 26, 2022, went into detail about the magnitude of the project and the reason for it in the first place. Photo: YouTube
Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), in a statement during the 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola today, May 26, 2022, went into detail about the magnitude of the project and the reason for it in the first place. Photo: YouTube
Building Construction Management Group Ltd has been awarded the contract for the construction of a new elevator shaft, procurement, installation and commissioning of a new elevator for the West Atrium of the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex in the amount of one million, seventy-six thousand, seven hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-nine cents ($1,076,796.99). Photo: Internet Source/File
Building Construction Management Group Ltd has been awarded the contract for the construction of a new elevator shaft, procurement, installation and commissioning of a new elevator for the West Atrium of the Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex in the amount of one million, seventy-six thousand, seven hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-nine cents ($1,076,796.99). Photo: Internet Source/File
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), even prior to the damages sustained to the building in 2017, complaints were lodged about the lack of access for disabled and elderly persons on the West Atrium in reaching the upper floors of Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex. Photo: VINO/File
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), even prior to the damages sustained to the building in 2017, complaints were lodged about the lack of access for disabled and elderly persons on the West Atrium in reaching the upper floors of Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- When it was disclosed to the public that a new elevator for Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex will cost the Government of the Virgin Islands over one million dollars, according to a Cabinet Post Meeting Statement released on, May 12, 2022, there were lots of feedback from the public regarding the cost and whether that money could be better spent elsewhere.

According to the Post-Cabinet Statement, the contract for the elevator project was approved by Cabinet on April 27, 2022. It said Cabinet accepted the Central Tenders Board’s recommendation to award Building Construction Management Group Ltd. a contract for the construction of the new elevator shaft, procurement, installation and commissioning of the new elevator in the amount of one million, seventy-six thousand, seven hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-nine cents ($1,076,796.99).

Elevator for ‘disabled & elderly persons’- Hon Rymer

Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), in a statement during the 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola today, May 26, 2022, went into detail about the magnitude of the project and the reason for it in the first place.

He said one of the areas that complaints were lodged even prior to the damages sustained to the building in 2017 was a lack of access for disabled and elderly persons on the West Atrium in reaching the upper floors.

“To that effect, a design was developed several years ago that we have dusted off and enhanced to construct a new elevator housing and lobby area for an elevator system.”

He said the designs for the new elevator were prepared by OBM International, which ironically was a company that prepared the original elevator design many years ago, therefore making the engagement to update the design a seamless process.

Lowest bid was chosen

“Madam Speaker, the tender documents were issued and two bidders submitted bids on the 14th of December 2021 to the Central Tenders Board at the Ministry of Finance. The two bidders were Building Construction Management Group with a bid of $1, 076,796.99, and Accurate Construction with a bid price of $1,575,920.34.”

Hon Rymer added that an independent estimate was “quantified as to a means of evaluation at $1,115,257.”

Scope of works

The Works Minister continued that the new elevator corridor and lobby area will be “appended” to the Administration Complex and the works will require cutting the walls to create openings on all the floors to access the new elevator from inside of the Administration Complex.

He said the new elevator construction will have a building footprint of approximately 17 feet in length, 10 feet in width and extend 45 feet in height, from the existing ground level.

“The project will require six reinforced concrete piles and associated pile caps. It will require excavation, foundation works, and construction of the concrete reinforced elevator pit and base slab including footing and foundation walls.”

According to Hon Rymer, once the foundation and piling are completed construction of the superstructure comprising metal beams and columns will commence. He said the flooring of the lobby area will comprise of concrete placed on Vulcraft craft metal composite decking.

Additionally, the Minister stated that the elevator will be fitted with approximately 1500 square feet of cement board cladding in an 8-inch metal stone.

There will also be 253 square feet of impact glass to create a view out of the elevator on the southern side of the enclosure.

Hon Rymer said other works will entail interior drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, painting, electrical plumbing and provision for the mechanical works, communication systems and fire safety systems.

“Madam Speaker, you may have realised from what has been detailed that a substantial amount of work is required to facilitate the overall elevator project.”

OTIS Gen2 elevator system

According to Hon Rymer, the elevator to be installed is an OTIS Gen2 elevator system and is one of the most reliable elevators currently on the market, based on technology.

“I went into great details for Members to know that this elevator project is a comprehensive and complex project reviewed by external consultants and the technical personnel within the Ministry of Communications and Works.”

Hon Rymer said Government anticipates this project will provide an overall benefit and enhancement to the administration complex, it seeks to modernise and upgrade the services offered to the public.

“This will be done by ensuring that all persons within our community are not disadvantaged in accessing the ministries and departments at the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex,” Hon Rymer stated.

39 Responses to “Hon Rymer 'justifies' $1M elevator for Admin Complex”

  • water boy (26/05/2022, 13:41) Like (43) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why not just build an outside elevator save so much money rather that try to re engineer what you have already. Just saying. Just researching, online, costs can vary from $ 60k to $ 200k. Government need to think outside the box and save money.
    • still (26/05/2022, 15:36) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      There is an explanation but still not enough fornyou
      • her (27/05/2022, 05:10) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        The explanation is typical for a politician. He has no clue what he’s talking about and no idea whether or not it is the most cost efficient way of doing things. He simply says something he’s been told to say and hopes everyone will not notice it’s bs.
    • Heidi (26/05/2022, 16:44) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      Totally agree that this job could be accomplished for less.
    • Crazy joe (27/05/2022, 02:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      They will be paying $1 million for a brick wall next.
    • the rock (27/05/2022, 04:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      As I said before the politicians are going to do what they want all because we the people will just stand on the side and talk,they know it! This a done deal, next!
      • Agree (27/05/2022, 10:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Whether NDP, VIP, or any other "P".....they are all the same. All they care about are their croonies and the good of the territory is never important to them. Imagine, school children say Antoinette Skelton coming back to SSB as a board member. REALLY??????? Lord, help those people working there and help the country.
    • W*F (27/05/2022, 05:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      What on earth is “8 inch metal stone”?
      Also, what does “quantified as to a means of evaluation at $1,115,257.” mean?
      Seriously, they have no idea how to speak English, let alone run a project.
    • Consider, if you will... (27/05/2022, 09:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Build the outside elevator where exactly? On which elevation side? On the front, changing the already established façade? On the rear elevation where a lot of the service entrances are, but with more exposure to blazing heat and salt air with an Otis Gen 2 that uses STEEL BELTS? On the side, to lengthen the travel route for ELDERLY and DISABLED who are the primary target audience for this elevator?

      THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK NUH!
  • Rubber Duck (26/05/2022, 13:49) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who owns the company that got the contract?
    • ... (26/05/2022, 17:15) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      same company that service near all the elevators in the Virgin Islands they make at least 3- 4 Virgin Islanders yearly pay before they even leave PR
  • lol (26/05/2022, 14:04) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah sureeee
  • when yo look at it (26/05/2022, 14:28) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Cost more than the one in the empire state building
    • polly (27/05/2022, 05:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Empire State Building was built a century ago so no wonder the elevators were cheaper. And how exactly do you know how much the one in the Empire State Building costs? And there are several of them, by the way, not one.
      If you’re going to make a point, at least make it relevant.
  • Facilities for disabled (26/05/2022, 14:46) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    It would be easier to have a ground floor facility specifically to cater for infirm and disabled people, at least until that white elephant of a building is in use and saving millions in monthly rent (that will be the day)
  • Hell no.... (26/05/2022, 14:52) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
    That elevator is not a priority right now.
    Used that money to bail the boss up in Miami...
  • Google (26/05/2022, 15:35) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    You can literally google the prices and this is very exaggerated. UK is def letting these folks hang themselves. They need to quit while ahead these last lap measures just gonna send ppl jail quicker.
    • @Google (27/05/2022, 10:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      DRIP DRIP DRIP. Soon come. Let them discharge all, so that the people NEVER EVER allow it to happen again. The people are so trusting of their brothers and sisters, as it should be, but times have changed. Not just here, but everywhere, evil has rooted itself and people world wide are rising up at all costs. We now know what questions we must ask, and what to look for. “We the good people” are now the police of our Country
    • YOU (28/05/2022, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so retarted. Did they say it's the price for an elevator alone?
  • Agree (26/05/2022, 16:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree, Why they can't utilized the talent of our Civil Servants. They should have some of them who would have the knowledge in this kind a stuff / engineering team perhaps - they have lots of talent. Ministers can't just decide for themselves. They must have a research team. There's always have an option to anything if they want to save. Government have the the machineries and labor force - they can add some more STRATEGIES and think outside the box Have a "VISION". Save for rainy days. Google is accessible - Japan/China is a big factory for all this products. We need some public officials that are realist. This people sounds like they are new to this things --- when they shipped this things- they will still get an exemption because its for Government isn't? They think people are stupid? If that elevator have a gold rim on it well then - that will cost a million. I don't know if this make sense. The place is too small for some of the businesses not to have a connection with these politicians. "Rich will be richer and the poor will remain poor in this system". May God have mercy on us!
  • Accounts (26/05/2022, 17:02) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    The average cost of a commercial elevator is about $55,000, the cost of installation can be anything from $50,000 to $100,000. Where is the other $845,000 going?
    • fet (27/05/2022, 05:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I can’t stand waste and can’t stand politicians but it’s easy to see that $800k could be spent on the building to accommodate the elevator plus the changes inside.
  • stairs (26/05/2022, 17:48) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    are the best choice because elevators are expensive and don't work without electricity. Climbing up and down stairs is good for your health so everyone should do it. In fact stairs might even reduce the weight of the public servants.
    • @stairs (27/05/2022, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And WHO is the Minister of Health? There are so many steep hills. I don’t think the stairs will help. Business may need something a bit more inviting.. ????
  • Interesting (26/05/2022, 18:06) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    As this is a government funded project, paid for by the people. Can someone tell me where I can find the drawings and specs for this? I am assuming that a project paid for by the people is a matter of public record.
  • Guest (26/05/2022, 18:23) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    New day same BS. There is no elevator and installation in the world that costs over half a million to buy and install. UK giving these morons rope and them continue to hang themselves
  • lol (26/05/2022, 21:19) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Still a little confused...
    I understand that the building is on reclaimed land, hence the piled foundation comment... that sounds expensive!
    I also know from a secret source that the building is existing!
    We all know those machines that go "pish-donk-pish-donk" really loudly are not little when working on a reclaimed area and exactly how far down do these piles have to be piled before they hit bedrock or excavated to structural engineers specifications? That would be a very important bit of information. A lot more important than how tall the elevator is.

    I understand from reading this that they intend to cut through the structural integrity of the existing "SUPERSTRUCTURE" rather than relocating the project to an area that isn't so structurally offensive to the real "SUPERSTRUCTURE". That would take some serious shoring up.

    It's the equivalent of cutting the chassis on your car to install a twin exhaust.

    Why are they using cement board? The only reason I can think of is they are using metal studs for the shaft walls. Which my insider also told me isn't a structural member in an existing building built so. It's good enough to strap the elevator to but not to hold up 2- way slab floor you just cut the cr#p out of.
    8" of stone cladding??? seriously?

    Why not:
    Relocate the elevator, cut through the GF slab, build the sunken elevator well foundation - which btw doesn't require foundation walls, it's a pit about 2' deep on an elevator that size. It's a monolithic pour that can be tied in to the existing "SUPERSTRUCTURE" without piling possibly - build the shaft using structurally load bearing materials rather than a metal stud shaft so no need for these beams and columns to support upper floors and Rob is your sisters bro.

    Don't like that idea? well how about we install travelator to help people get to the west side of the building? Doesn't take up space and it would give you that feel like you are at the airport for the 80 yards it takes to get to the west side. Which is also btw, a shorter distance than it takes to walk from the carpark to the building!

    Another thing that isn't added in to these cost are the team managing the project. That sub-contractor isn't just going to turn up and build an elevator without guidance... what are the costs of the drawings they did twice so seamlessly and their cream they put on top to have one of their white hats walk around the place supervising them cutting through a building on reclaimed land to install an elevator like they have done it before?

    The way he describes the scope is a little hazy as well... what exactly is in their scope? It all blended in to one... in what context is he referring to "additionally"? Is that another project or under the same scope and costs? That sounds like it might be another contractor helping out with the "SUPERSTRUCTURE" and it is located up against the shop front? why are they even curtain walling for an elevator in the first place? Good to know it is getting impact resistant glass... you can look at that when you are using the stairs during a storm and is that in the elevator scope or the general scope?

    He sounds like he is using words that people not in the industry wouldn't really understand. To me it sounds like he is trying to baffle rather than blind. Which always smells like a cash grab... "SUPERSTRUCTURE" "SUPERSTRUCTURE" lol... holy molly
  • BOSSMAN (26/05/2022, 23:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go and fix the roads then you can justify this
  • tolaman (27/05/2022, 01:26) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what’s old with the NEW or not new Government? Absolutely the same BS is continuing. This too will be investigated sooner or later. A million plus on a elevator?—- but the old Admin and historical Post Office is crumbling like a large block of ice. My god, what have we become? A set of blind, def and dumb leaders? There is NOTHING NEW with this Government, NOTHING. We have a million bucks to waste, (AGAIN) while tourist and residents walk in filth, and smell our waste? While they sweet talk and BS citizens.
    Here again they are “JUSTIFYING” wasting taxpayers money. Where is our 40 Million $’s from SSB? Where is our 7 million $’s from the plane? Where is the million $ from the wall? Where is the millions from the Farmers and fishermen? Where is the millions from the cruise pier? Where is the millions from the Airport project? Where is the 250.000 missing from custom’s. Where is the millions wasted on the hospital? Where is the almost 1 million paid to Cline for some used refurbished Computers to work and help the youths? Where is all that money that was for Barges to do security Surveillance, when the FREE British ship was rejected.

    Where and when the UK is coming to CLEAN house? This place MUST be put back on track ASAP, otherwise, our present young generation, and those to come, will grow up in a place where crime, drugs corruption, and everything thats bad, will be the NEW GOOD. This madness must STOP NOW, Because that big cookie Jar is definitely going to get EMPTY. Remember, Everyday bucket a go a well, one day the bottom must drop out. The BVI bucket bottom is dropping out, and the well about to dry up.

    Where are the Marches BVI people to say enough is ENOUGH?
  • wuicylucy (27/05/2022, 02:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I find this information quite new and interesting. The article contains many interesting and useful things. Thanks for sharing this tiny fishing nerdle
  • walk (27/05/2022, 03:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Use the stairs. Use the money to fix the schools.
  • Excuses Government (27/05/2022, 04:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excuses, excuses, excuses. Nothing changes. Them will always find away to help their cronies and keep the system corrupt. Only a Britain rule can bring real change...
  • more of the same (27/05/2022, 05:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Same sh**, different day, new people. You can build a house or two with the money it is costing dor an elevator. Makes absolutely no sense. So tired of this crap, unaccountability and lack on consequences.

  • EAPS (27/05/2022, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh boy. That is the cost of a new school building. Lord, help us.
  • more wastage (27/05/2022, 11:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That elevator money could have built back the school in carrot bay
  • Lily Ann (27/05/2022, 11:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Same Bank, different th****s.

  • Handicap (27/05/2022, 12:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same elevator half ayo going be using is everything we ga complain about wit all the knowledge some ayo have run for office from airing hot air
  • Yes (28/05/2022, 13:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He needs to say why he move water sewage to come building then charge us triple of water bill this is ridiculous can you imagine you paying 39 to 40 dollars
    39 dollars for march then april now 136.. this high way robbery like light bill..
    So what we paying for is the qoumer building
    .they say they have our best interest at heart
    Well they sure lie
  • Basco (28/05/2022, 20:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It needs an elevator the other side as well. 2 of them cost less than $800,000 covering ALL details! Don't be bias! Share the BVI LOVE without a Mil


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