The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has taken a key step toward upgrading critical health infrastructure, hosting a site visit and bidders’ conference at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital for upcoming roof and lightning protection repairs to the Major Peebles Wing. Photo: Facebook

The Major Peebles Wing, formerly the Old Peebles Hospital, is a key public healthcare facility in Road Town, Tortola. According to the RDA’s Invitation to Tender, the building’s roof system has suffered significant deterioration over time, resulting in waterproofing failures, poor drainage performance, and rising maintenance needs. Photo: Facebook

The RDA recently brought together interested construction firms for an on-site inspection and bidders’ conference at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital complex. The event was led by RDA Project Manager Kevin Mercers, alongside members of the RDA Procurement Team. Photo: Facebook

Following the site visit and conference, interested and pre-qualified contractors are expected to prepare and submit their bids in line with the ITT requirements and deadlines set out by the RDA. Photo: Facebook

Project background & scope

The Major Peebles Wing, formerly the Old Peebles Hospital, is a key public healthcare facility. According to the RDA’s Invitation to Tender, the building’s roof system has suffered significant deterioration over time, resulting in waterproofing failures, poor drainage performance, and rising maintenance needs. The existing lightning protection system also requires evaluation and upgrades to meet current safety and resilience standards. The planned works are intended to repair and strengthen the roof system to address leaks and drainage issues, upgrade or replace components of the lightning protection system, and improve the overall safety, resilience, and longevity of the facility.

Site visit & bidders’ conference

The RDA recently brought together interested construction firms for an on-site inspection and bidders’ conference at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital complex. The event was led by RDA Project Manager Kevin Mercers, alongside members of the RDA Procurement Team. During the visit, contractors were given a first-hand look at the project site and the scope of works, allowing them to better understand the technical requirements and conditions before submitting bids. Such pre-bid engagements are standard practice in public procurement to promote transparency, reduce ambiguities in tender documents, and encourage competitive, well-informed bids from qualified firms.

The Major Peebles Wing forms part of the broader public health infrastructure serving the Virgin Islands. By investing in these upgrades, the RDA is aligning with its mandate to advance resilient infrastructure across the territory, particularly in essential social sectors such as health.

RDA’s procurement approach

The RDA has emphasised its commitment to transparent and competitive procurement processes, strong project management and oversight, and meaningful engagement with the local and regional construction sector.

Following the site visit and conference, interested and pre-qualified contractors are expected to prepare and submit their bids in line with the ITT requirements and deadlines set out by the RDA. Once the procurement process is complete, the selected contractor will undertake the roof and lightning protection repairs aimed at safeguarding this vital healthcare asset for years to come.