New National Cultural Arena & Oleander House are 'a massive leap forward'- Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith
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.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
Follow Us On
13 Responses to “New National Cultural Arena & Oleander House are 'a massive leap forward'- Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith ”
Anyone in their good mind will not rule out cultural continuation, if it practices is orderly presented, and it Priorities hinder and delay real infrastructural restoration and present needed development. But, if on the other hand, so to speak, it is geared toward ambitious political and other preferences, and not to the core benefit of all the people, it must not be accepted as meaningful gowth of the people of the British Virgin Islands, regardeless of which political Party is or will be in power.
As I see this too is yet again falls short of good judgment in political managerial leadership in defense of the people of the British Virgin Islands best interest, especially at this time of worldwide economic uncertainties.
Will they get to keep their housing allowance as well. These people are mad. The COi was a complete waste of time.