The Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), has endorsed the contract signing for design services related to an estate home for members of the judiciary and a national cultural arena. Photo: Facebook

The Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer, Jr. and the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) attended the signing ceremony on Tuesday March 10, 2026. Photo: Facebook

She stated, "These two projects represent a massive leap forward for our national infrastructure and for strengthening our brand as a premier Caribbean destination."

The contract signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. 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, signed contracts with TigerQi Architecture, represented by Lavina Liburd, and 3DE Limited, represented by Jose C.B. de Castro. 

'Emancipation festival now has a permanent home'

Honourable Hodge-Smith expressed her excitement regarding the contract for the National Cultural Arena.  

She stated that for decades, the Emancipation Festival, the heartbeat of Virgin Islands history, has moved from location to location. It started at the softball field, then moved to the A.O. Shirley Grounds, and has come to its current site, always requiring temporary setups and presenting logistical challenges.

The Junior Minister noted that the arena will provide a permanent home for Virgin Islands festival activities, stating, "We are given our freedom, celebrations, a dignified, forever home right here in District 4. This will not be a site for only when it's festival time, or it will come alive for emancipation festival in July and August. This modern arena will serve as a year-round engine for our creative economy, providing a world-class stage for our artists and a gathering place for our families."

'Estate House No. 2 is an important piece of VI executive heritage'

Honourable Hodge-Smith also highlighted that Estate House No. 2, known as Oleander House (formerly the Chief Minister’s House), represents the restoration of an important piece of Virgin Islands executive heritage. 

"This site, formerly known as the Chief Minister's house, is a landmark within the capital. We are revitalising this historical property to serve as an official residence for our senior government officials. In doing so, we ensure that those who serve our territory at the highest levels have a residence that reflects the dignity and prestige of their office," she explained.

The Junior Minister emphasised that these two projects align perfectly with the government’s ongoing efforts through the Road Town Development Partnership, which aims to revitalise the capital.