A contract for Roof and Lightning Protection System Repairs to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital and Annex Buildings between the Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency (RDA) and KM Construction. Photo: YouTube

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), said the project for Roof and Lightning Protection System Repairs to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital and Annex Buildings is both critical and timely. Photo: YouTube

Managing Director of KM Construction, Mr Keith Malone, said the project for Roof and Lightning Protection System Repairs to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital and Annex Buildings is an important one. Photo: YouTube

Dr June M. Samuel, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, said the contract represents not just an agreement on paper but a shared commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives in the BVI. Photo: YouTube

The $200,000 project is both timely and critical, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), said during the contract signing ceremony on March 31, 2026. 

Scope of Works 

The scope of works includes the repair of the existing galvanised roof where necessary, replacement of guttering where necessary and the restoration of the roofing and overall structural durability. 

The works will also include the installation of the new lighting protection system on both the hospital and the annex buildings to ensure full coverage, proper grounding and compliance with all applicable safety standards 

“These interventions are necessary to extend the service life of the facility, enhance safety and strengthen resilience and continuity of hospital operations…Upon completion, this will also deliver a fully watertight roofing system and a robust lighting protection system that safeguards both the infrastructure and the people who depend on it every day.”

Hon Wheatley also commended the BVIHSA for its ongoing diligence in maintaining these facilities and for taking proactive measures to ensure the healthcare services can continue without interruption or compromise to patient care. 

An important project for KM Construction

Managing Director of KM Construction, Mr Keith Malone, said the company, which has done work on the Annex building of the hospital, is grateful for the opportunity. 

“It is a very important project, we understand that, and we will do our best to complete it on time and on budget.” He thanked the RDA for the opportunity to work with them on the project. 

Chief Executive Officer of the RDA, Anthony S. McMaster, said the RDA values the partnerships it has been able to establish with the BVIHSA as repairs and redevelopment of the infrastructure continue. 

“We continue to pride ourselves through the RDA when we see local contractors going through a very transparent and open process, and they’re able to bid on projects, defeating opponents in the process and thereby winning contracts.”

This project is expected to begin on April 20, 2026 and is expected to be completed in four months, just before the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, he added. 

“The scope of works will protect infrastructure, public assests and prepare it to protect those who will occupy it during the hurricane season. Hurricane season is nothing new to us, and it is nothing strange to us, so of course, preparedness is the key when it comes to that.”

More than an agreement

Meanwhile, Dr June M. Samuel, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, said the contract represents not just an agreement on paper but a shared commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives in the BVI. 

“This may seem like just another exercise to many of you in the public, but let me put it into context…We are required to have facilities that meet international standards for the delivery of healthcare.”

Dr Samuel added that the hospital and annex buildings must be fortified so that the internal environment is maintained. In healthcare, internal environments are critical in the functioning of staff, equipment and the safety of patients.