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JvD residents bypassed for jobs on JvD school construction - Gerald E. Chinnery

Businessman Gerald Chinnery is alleging that skilled locals based on Jost van Dyke are being bypassed for jobs on the new Jost van Dyke Primary School construction project, which he says should not be the case, rather it should be a community collaboration. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Chinnery has called for a cohesive project that involves the locals of the island where a relationship is built with the community as the new school in constructed. Photo: RDA
Mr Chinnery has called for a cohesive project that involves the locals of the island where a relationship is built with the community as the new school in constructed. Photo: RDA
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost van Dyke – Businessman Gerald E. Chinnery is alleging that skilled residents based on Jost van Dyke are being bypassed for jobs on the new Jost van Dyke Primary School construction project, which he says should not be the case but rather it should be a community collaboration.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online today, September 21, 2022, Mr Chinnery added that his contention is not one to tell the contractor what to do, but to ensure that his community benefits from monies being spent on the island.

Open discussion needed - Mr Chinnery 

“We are of the opinion that if they are talking about spending this amount of money in the community… it should have an open discussion to find out how much young workers we have, who we could train to be on board,” he said.

“If this kind of money will be spending in this area, I think the people should have a first preference or crack at it and then what we can’t do, then we outsource… not that we are telling you what to do with your company, but it’s only fair,” he added.

Local construction firm Quality Construction Limited was awarded the contract for the building of the school to the tune of $4,333, 743.86. According to the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), six pre-qualification applications were received for the project, including five from the Virgin Islands and one from St Lucia.

However, according to Mr Chinnery, local skilled workers who approach the contractor for work are being told that area is already covered. He said areas include plumbing services and a heavy equipment operators.

“Me and my brother, we own the New Horizon Ferry and other services… and we have not been fully approached to take part in any of the work,” he added while noting that his company has also pumped sponsorship monies into the school in the past. 

More community involvement 

During a September 15, 2022, Pre-construction meeting at the current school in Jost van Dyke, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said that she knows the project is a long time in coming, and the community is looking forward to seeing works being done.

Mr Chinnery; however, has called for a cohesive project that involves the locals of the island where a relationship is built with the community as the new school is constructed.

24 Responses to “JvD residents bypassed for jobs on JvD school construction - Gerald E. Chinnery”

  • dread (21/09/2022, 13:14) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    I guess that what the new minister meant about 'futuristic' approach. Leaving out the people. Looks alot like the past and present to me.
  • 1st district original (21/09/2022, 13:19) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I say let the king come bail us out of this septic tank!!
  • Mr. Please (21/09/2022, 13:28) Like (37) Dislike (10) Reply
    You need to focus on lowering the price on your barge for locals since you "care" so much or you really just looking out for yourself as usual.

    Public announcement. ALTERNATIVE BARGE AND FERRY SERVICES ARE NEEDED FOR JOST VAN DYKE URGENTLY!!!!

    Quality has its crew and has proven over the years to be on time and efficient. MR. CHINNERY LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS IM SURE THE CONTRACTOR WILL SOURCE WHO HE NEEDS.
  • hmmm (21/09/2022, 13:38) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hmmmm. ????
  • Only island man wuking (21/09/2022, 13:49) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yellow and Roger bypassed all ah we over here.
  • ................ (21/09/2022, 13:51) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    ONLY ISLAND PEOPLE BENEFITTING FROM RDA PROJECTS
    • @,,............. (21/09/2022, 14:55) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      I agree. Since jost Van Dyke is a continent they don't need anyone from there.
  • So much equipment on jvd (21/09/2022, 13:56) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    I agree with the man they treating jvd people bad bad

    Mitch must go
    • (21/09/2022, 14:59) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mitch don’t control quality construction…they have. Their work force already government can’t tell them who to hire
      • Silly people (22/09/2022, 08:30) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        All needed to be done is stipulate in the contract that JVD Services (Barge and Equipment) should be used by the contractor when possible.
  • c (21/09/2022, 15:03) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hire JVD locals whether good craftsman or not?
    • a fact (21/09/2022, 19:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

      Who qualify them as bad craftsman? Just because you want to leave them out of making a living. Are you qualified? more than half of who they have working are NOT qualified either. That is the reason they £*f up so many buildings. They pass themselves off as qualified and they come to learn on the job.

  • HMMM (21/09/2022, 16:07) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    So when JVD people come to Tola to do construction jobs, should Tola construction companies complain? Same WTH VG and Anegada. I guess this isn't the BVI where i pray my taxes in the whole country and not just one island where I live. Next we will say only Road Town people should get work in Road Town. Only East people should get work in East. Only jvd people should do work in JVD?
    • Too lol???? (21/09/2022, 17:37) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
      JVD people never come Tola do construction job. Stop it. I understand what you're saying. But JVD has always bin back to the face of GOD. All these years. I know dem man over there. Dem man is some real lion seen. Simple solution would of been to suggest to include one, two or three skilled or unskilled individuals. Point blank. I dont wanna hear about if you hire one you gotta hire all. JVD only got bout a handfull of workmen and services available. Share the wealth man. The man has a point. Everybody gotta eat fam. BING BONG!
  • Hmm (21/09/2022, 16:24) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Some of the local contractor do poor jobs! Have you seen the work done on the newly constructed road in fish bay??? Can’t believe that is newly finished project. Just a mess! Water already settling on the road. Drainage aight done properly. The road don’t even look like a newly finished project. I think the Gov is right. Not because you own a construction company means you should get work. People want quality work for their money. Not what they gave us in fish bay. What a waste ah money !! That road should be the best in BVI for it is the most new but it’s not. Hurts my heart every time I drive on thy road.
    • @hmm (21/09/2022, 19:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You forgot the local contractors hire out the jobs to expat who do the work? ding ding ding. That has been happening for "yours" meaning years. The local contractors get the contracts and the hired labourers do the work. Most of these men are learning and they mess up everything they touch.
    • @hmm (21/09/2022, 19:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Apparently it's not finished. They are waiting for the tarmac.....
  • lol (21/09/2022, 18:38) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Entitlement over experience??? LMFAO!!!
  • say what (21/09/2022, 19:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    does mr man have a construction company that can do the job we know he into boats stop the mouth talk put something together and submit it then you have protest about the issue: that community needs a school how long now and what have mr chinnery done for his people: black peoples full of negative vibes
  • mad max (21/09/2022, 19:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes I think the contractor must give the workers of j v d some work Man we are one people one virgin island GOD is the one that share bread
  • Ku (21/09/2022, 20:26) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Jerald needs to relax . The project doesn't even start yet and you making noise. You should bide as well. You want job go ask the man. Stop your nonsense.
  • bow (22/09/2022, 01:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Damn! This sh** is hillrious as to date no works have been started. Yellow has made 2 trips with his team thus far and both times he has used your ferry , he has used your barge to take over materials yet you come on here with this BS. Mr Chinnery you have bennifited the most from this project so far , all this seem to be is some kind of Politicl move. Please explain to us how a round trip to Jvd from west is in tight copetition with round trip from Road Town to charotte Amalie . Guess you dont love Jvd people all that much ?

  • New constitution (22/09/2022, 06:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    New section in the revised Constitution will be that only people born on a BV island can only work on that BV island. So JVD folks can build their new public school with their own money, equipment, workers and tools.

  • JVD - foolish complaints (22/09/2022, 12:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Chinnery your concerns are understandable but your approach is almost as if you are seeking to create confusion and tension. The project has not yet started and all this NOISE. Why didn't you tender on the Job since you seem to be the professional who knows what to do and how to get the Job done?? People fail to realize that Construction Companies has THEIR FULL TEAM, in house Electricians, Plumbers etc, what should the contractor do, send home his electricians and plumbers who helped tender on the job and hire yours??? Why should the contractor approach you and your brother to do work with you??? he is not obligated to do that. If you are interested ..LIKE EVERYONE ELSE you should make contact with the contractor express your interest and then see what can be done, JUST maybe there are other Barging companies that are more reasonable than your Barge price. Stop creating confusion and complaining like a spoil baby. This is a good thing for the people of JVD. The Job has not yet started and yet you say "residents have been bypassed JOBS....come on man EXERCISE SOME PATIENCE!!!! Give the Contractor a break! The contractor sent materials over to start this job for the JVD people and some of these materials have since been stolen, maybe you could make yourself useful an try to figure out who stole it.


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