More than $10 million has been committed to the rehabilitation of Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, with approximately $8 million already spent. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) provided an update on the restoration of Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on April 30, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The new completion timeline for the rehabilitation of Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex is now set for either 2026 or 2027, the latest. Photo: VINO

The rehabilitation of the exterior of Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex is 98 percent complete, with only the elevator installation remaining to finalise that phase. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) provided the update during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on April 30, 2025. He confirmed that contracts and purchase orders account for the full committed amount, covering a wide range of infrastructural and restoration works.

Initial efforts at rehabilitation of the facility, which was damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, began in 2019, with the installation of a new roof membrane and the replacement of the skylight; however, the project encountered delays in 2020 due to the merging of various government departments.

Further delays occurred in 2023 following the emergence of new ministries, necessitating a redesign of the interior layout to accommodate the additional departments.

Responding to public concerns about the basement of the complex, including reports of rodent infestation, while he did not confirm those claims personally, Hon Rymer stated that a contract for additional remediation had been signed.

Progress of works

According to Minister Rymer, basement remediation works, including cleaning and records restoration, are set to commence in mid-May.

Additionally, Hon Rymer outlined several active contracts contributing to the rehabilitation of the complex, including for the exterior cladding of the building, upgrades to the western driveway, drainage improvements, and the installation of basement doors and shutters.

According to the Works Minister, the exterior of the building is 98 percent complete, with only the elevator installation remaining to finalise that phase.

Attention, he disclosed, has now shifted to the interior works, which are approximately 60 percent complete, while designs for the internal fit-out include lighting fixtures, ceiling panels, floor tiling, and interior colour schemes. According to Hon Rymer, these designs are expected to be finalised by June.

To support the upcoming phases of work, long-lead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contracts, including for trailers, generators, fire pumps, and electrical mains, have been tendered and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for procurement.

Given the scope of works, Hon Rymer projected that the full completion and outfitting of the Administration Complex will be achieved by 2026 or 2027.