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New RT Market Square 'substantially completed & ready for occupancy'- Hon Rymer

- to open February 13, 2023; First rights of refusal being offered to displaced vendors
The Road Town Market Square during the construction phase in November 2022. The modern market facility will be opened on February 13, 2023. Photo: GIS
Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) says the Road Town Market Square project is considered 'substantially completed' and ready for occupancy. Photo: GIS/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) says the Road Town Market Square project is considered 'substantially completed' and ready for occupancy. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) says the Road Town Market Square project is considered “substantially completed” and ready for occupancy.

“So today, I want to announce to this Honourable House, that the opening of the facility is scheduled for 13th February, 2023,” Hon Rymer stated at the Second Sitting of the Fifth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on January 26, 2023.

What the new facility provides

In addition to a bandstand building, which will serve as a central gathering area for future events at the Market Square, sixteen (16) kiosks were constructed and outfitted with a sink and faucet, lighting, a duplex outlet and a countertop for vending purposes. 

According to Hon Rymer, although not installed yet, each kiosk will have shutters to enclose the kiosks to protect against vandalism and provide adequate security.

He also said all kiosks are equipped with a sink for sanitary purposes and are fitted with lighting and power supply to facilitate vendor operations, even during the night-time. “Solar lights are also installed to provide sufficient lighting to the square and reduce the overall electricity consumption charges,” Hon Rymer said.

Regarding the restroom building, Hon Rymer informed it is fitted with a total of eight (8) stalls, with Five (5) stalls on the female side and one being handicap accessible. The male side has 3 stalls with one being handicap accessible and three (3) urinals.  He said each side (male and female) has a baby changing station and a concrete trough sink for handwashing.

Resilient building

“Madam Speaker, special attention was given to ensure that the building is resilient and secure with concrete divider walls and shutters at the closure of the entrances.

“The construction of concrete box drains and the trenching and laying of drain pipes have been completed. Careful attention was given to ensure that the Market Square has adequate drainage to ensure the area remains a viable site for business operation during heavy rain events.”

Bush shelter to be constructed

The final building to be constructed is the bus shelter that will be the main hub for the collection of passengers. This will alleviate the dangerous practice of bus operators collecting passengers at the beginning of the Sir Walter Francis dual carriageway.

The bus shelter is expected to be 36 feet in length and is estimated to accommodate over thirty persons to ensure that there is a safe sheltered area for passengers.

What is the rent?

“In preparation for opening the facility, we have offered, first rights of refusal to the original vendors of the old Market Square who were temporarily displaced during construction.

“Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to invite applicants to apply for one of the sixteen kiosks. We are currently offering the 10 by 10 Kiosks at a rate of $300.00 and the 12 by 12 Kiosks at a rate of $450.00 monthly,” Hon Rymer stated.

The new facility will be initially managed and operated by the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority; however, Government will be inviting tenders for a Management contract to oversee the Road Town Market Square.

15 Responses to “New RT Market Square 'substantially completed & ready for occupancy'- Hon Rymer”

  • Great move .. (31/01/2023, 12:14) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Two questions. 1/ Why are they so small, they can't keep neither sun or rain off? ..2/ Can extension be added onto them for those who wish to protect themselves from Sun and Rain? ..3/ Also can cubords be added inside of them for those who wish to lock certain things away..
    • @Great move (02/02/2023, 14:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why so you all can start hanging crap from the extensions? We are not trying to turn the market into a little ghetto village like over at Craft Alive and keep all your items inside your space!
  • facts (31/01/2023, 12:15) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Good job! Hope there is no confusion over occupancy now though.
  • Free for all (31/01/2023, 12:37) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    A NEW CRAFTALIVE WHERE THE VENDORS WONT PAY A DIME AFTER A FEW MONTHS
  • wellsa (31/01/2023, 13:33) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    CRAFT ALIVE II ! I swear these people never cease to amaze me with the mediocrity! OK we get it, you clearly do not have the skills and very humbly and frank - you do not have the level of intelligence - to be in a public office responsible for public funds! I don't cuss but my Gracious God, these persons in office! Take the wheel Lord!!!!
  • vex (31/01/2023, 13:58) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    Good job as always kye
  • Ignorance (31/01/2023, 14:03) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    In abundance , the piec of land across from the dormant cultural center would of been a better choice instead that land is not being utilized for years just like the cultural center / but then again the ministers responsible for agriculture are more interested in weed so those shacks will be good to sell weed ,( a 3 story building would of solved 3 purposes the ground floor could of been designed culturally for the farmers and the other 2 floors for government offices , which would of help to cut down on renting , but we Hear that is a business with some families
  • Thank U (31/01/2023, 14:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stay positive ???? it's a pity you are not running the country , we know you got the ability , it's you who is disrespecting yourself by not doing the right , thing , clean up your act * wigo *
  • 8th District woman (31/01/2023, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Another project started before this waste of time untity government.
  • Road Town Rebel (31/01/2023, 17:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Should complete before occupancy. .Hooe eight years don't go by and its not completely.
  • SHAME (31/01/2023, 19:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Question
    What is the criteria in having a Market to sell produces
    Or
    To sell avon things
    I would understand if you are selling produces and still have your Herbal oils etc.

    Because for years this is going on, yes people hustling but a Market place is not for those cráp.....that's my opinión
  • usvi (31/01/2023, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    This project is not completed and he is lying, their isnt no shelter built from the sun rays that can affect the produce and also from the rain, it is stated in april or so it will be done so he is a liar. Their is no cupboards built inside whatsoever, its another rush thing because of upcoming election,. Why the cost that high for ppl on tortola and sister islands its FREE?
  • M.I.A (31/01/2023, 23:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    did Kye overthrew Mark on this project?
  • AND WHEN RAIN (02/02/2023, 07:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    START TO FALL , ARE WE GOING TO GOING TO HAVE A FREE SHOWER OF BLESSINGS , OR ARE GOING TO BE TAXED FOR IT ????
  • Quietly Watching (14/02/2023, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    At a cost of $1.7 million for 16 kiosks, Hon. Rymer should have called me. While I am not a builder by trade, I am positive I could have built those little kiosks for less than half of what turns out to be an average of $106,000 per kiosk. Where is the value for money in these projects? It is my fervent hope that going forward more thought is put into how Government's money is spent. It is so disappointing sometimes to see where Government is spending over $6 million per year in rental fees and they throw away $2 million dollars on this project instead of building Government offices to cut down on this cost.


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