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Prospect Reef re-development is ‘a priority for me’- Premier Wheatley

-says before the end of 2023 he is hoping to see a Request for Proposal out
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Whetaley (R7) said seeing the re-development of Prospect Reef is a priority area for him, as he is looking forward to a request for proposal in 2023. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier was at the time answering questions posited by opposition Leader, Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on plans for the land of the former resort. Photo: HoA/Youtube
The Premier was at the time answering questions posited by opposition Leader, Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on plans for the land of the former resort. Photo: HoA/Youtube
SLANEY, Tortola, VI– Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said seeing the re-development of Prospect Reef is a priority area for him, as he is looking forward to a Request for Proposal in 2023.

“Madam Speaker, the Government's vision is to have a branded hotel with much-needed conference facilities. As the term of the Board's membership has expired, we have commenced the process of appointing a new board and one of its mandates will be to issue a request for proposal for the re-development of Prospect [Reef],” Premier Wheatley said during the Question and Answer Segment of the House of Assembly (HoA) on September 5, 2023.

The Premier was at the time answering questions posed by Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA on plans for the land of the former resort.

The Premier added, “Madam Speaker, I believe it was just last Thursday that [the] time for persons to apply to the Board expired.”

'It's a priority for me'- Premier

He said authorities are now going through the process of evaluating; however, once the Board is constituted its first job will be to for this Request for Proposal for the re-development of Prospect Reef.

“So it's a priority for me and I would like to see a Request for Proposal come out before the end of the year, Madam Speaker.”

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) had previously reported that the Prospect Reef Hotel and Resort was purchased by the VI government for $6 million in 2005.

A $100M deal for its development was announced in 2013 with the United Kingdom-based developer Sir Robert McAlpine Group; however, negotiations fell through.

A $90M deal was then signed in July 2017 with US-based firm The ICA Group to develop the project; however, that deal also fell through.

Along came hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 which destroyed the property and it has been left in ruins since then. 

Many have since called the ruins an eyesore and pointed to the facility as one with potential that the government can redevelop to cater to the VI’s growing tourism industry.

28 Responses to “Prospect Reef re-development is ‘a priority for me’- Premier Wheatley”

  • (06/09/2023, 09:46) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    We have heard this song and dance before the bvi is dead
    • @ ... (06/09/2023, 10:34) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      A priority for him to sell out to foreign investors. This man has to be removed ASAP!
      • @@…. (06/09/2023, 12:16) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        We had an election please wait give him a chance
        • @ @@…… (06/09/2023, 20:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Give him a chance to destroy us, to sell us out! Virgin Islands land is one of the most valuable resources we have as a people. Ask him about Beef Island’s 600+ acres of land? Ask him if he will be returning it back to the Chinese developer to resell for millions a house spot? Ask him how the local population will be able to afford a house on that Beef Island estate that was to be returned to the people of the BVI? Then ask him if he considered local developers for this Prosper Reef development before entertaining Foreign developers bids?
      • Arrion (06/09/2023, 12:30) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
        How is Prospect Reef more important than our roads? Tourists are even complaining about the big drop in the craters hurting their backs. What good is rebuilding first when people cannot get there without injuring themselves and cannot enjoy their vacation without back pain? Your priorities are in the wrong place.
      • The TRUTH (06/09/2023, 13:26) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
        It should be developed by investors. Govt shouldn't own a hotel.
  • Xxx (06/09/2023, 09:52) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smart move but will it happen ? a groundbreaking development if government is serious
  • Johny (06/09/2023, 10:01) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    And where is this money coming from
    • What!! (06/09/2023, 10:32) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      “Johny”
      Where is the money going to , friends, family, cronies?
    • Keep Up (06/09/2023, 10:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Investors Johnny read the article
    • Neil (06/09/2023, 15:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The money is coming from the infrastructure repair bill. Do these politicians not drive on the same roads we do? Maybe they have Hover Crafts that don't touch the ground.
  • FIX THE ROADS (06/09/2023, 10:52) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fix the roads
  • No (06/09/2023, 11:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your priority should be the
    1ST DUMP.
    AND THE KILLER IN THE STREET.
    AND THE ROAD RACE
  • My boy (06/09/2023, 12:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get out of office and go help your Dad it u are crazy and if i c u in prison i will dis tell you in your face
  • the future (06/09/2023, 12:16) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    this can be developed into a prime marina
  • Telling (06/09/2023, 12:18) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    There it is. He has admitted that resolving the rising gun crime/violence issue is not a priority for him at all. Use that same energy to resolve the violence. Sickening!
  • Citizen (06/09/2023, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The ndp was making it into a college but they never said in what area of study
  • WHAT!!! (06/09/2023, 12:28) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    You priority should be FIX the roads, FIX the West End garbage dump, Fix the schools, FIX the sewerage and water problems
  • WTF (06/09/2023, 12:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are many 5 star horel brands that government can partner with but they are too unethical and corrupt for this to make sense to them. They will only make a deal where they control the money and we end up with a $100 million dollar sheep pen. Anguilka has the Four Seasons, St Kitts has the Marriott and Hilton brands. Antigua has Sandals. Wtf. this government can't or won't bring foreign investors that have the money to make a difference in the development of our terrotory? What negotiating skills that the other caribbean uslands have that these idiots don't have? They have the skills but they don't have good intentions, which is why we will always be far behind our neighboring islands as far as development. These fools can do better if they change their mindset. We cannot let them keep us sragnated. We will have to cut them loose and move on. I really thought that Natalio would have done better. I am so sorry that I gave him my support.
  • Rubber Duck (06/09/2023, 13:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Roads, education, sewage, water, reasonably priced power, he cares nothing for.

    No money in those. But kickbacks from a big hotel project ? yum yum

    But no hotel owner in his right mind is going to spend money on a beach less site not too far from the sewage works.
  • Sowande again.. (06/09/2023, 14:13) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Make it happen.. We are badly in need of a good quality well managed and nicely kept low price Motel to accommodate our visiting neighbors, with that a lot more will visit our shores I am talking about $100.00 per night bfast included, keep the restaurant occupied..
    • @Sowande again (06/09/2023, 21:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hotel? That’ll be a waste. Think bigger like @waterworld.
  • Waterworld (06/09/2023, 14:32) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fix the dump; fix the roads, arrest all those known drug lords and their entitled footsoliders and then turn Prospect into something useful for our people: an aquatic center for the college to teach marine studies (sailing and mechanics etc in the marina area); for ALL of our children to learn to swim and go win some medals in that, too; marine biology center studying our reefs and mangroves and ocean ecosystem that drives tourism here; hospitality training center in the rooms, if you want, and yes, put aside space for your Big Shot conferences. The place is OURS, so invest in us and our future generations. It’s a place we could be proud of and a place where we generate pride among our people.
  • Big White Elephant (06/09/2023, 17:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Still wondering why this has had a board for so many years. To line pockets again?
    Let’s see if these guys have any vision.
  • Sigh (06/09/2023, 20:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I honestly don't feel bad for you locals, for this is the man you re-elected… oops! He won due to a district vote and is now the leader - LMFAO! But seriously, what a terrible state of affairs, incompetence, inexperience and lack of intelligence continuing to run the route. You would assume that before we look to make a major investment in our tourism product of this level, that we should firstly ensure our affairs are in order? SIGH Picture this, although I know it is not hard for some of you to imagine because you (actually) live it: Your house, dirty as hell, floors not swept, beds not made, dishes not washed, furniture not dusted, garbage full and running over, but you decide to go spend your last on the latest flat-screen TV, DISGRACE!

    I know probably 90% of society did not tune into the most recent sitting of our Honourable House, to see how these wannabe celebrities are playing with (y)our lives. Maybe Weathley (or whatever his name his) should take his head out the clouds (w**dsmoke) and focus on doing what is right for the country.
  • Prospect Board (06/09/2023, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    OMG, is this a paid position?
  • @johny (10/09/2023, 07:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GANSTERS ALSO USE ( INVESTORS ) THATS JUST ANOTHER FRONT THEY USE TO OPERATE UNDER THE RADAR TO HIDE THEIR CLANDISTINE OPERATIONS WITHIN THE COUNTRY , AND THATS WHERE THOSE OTHER TYPES OF GANSTERS ( AKA ) POLITICIANS WITH NO INTEGRITY COMES INTO PLAY / SO WELCOME TO THE PLAYERS CLUB


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