Works on Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex is slated for completion by the 4th quarter of 2026. Photo: VINO

A new elevator in the West Atrium is under construction by Building Construction Management; however, installation is about one year behind schedule. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to completing the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex (RTOAC) renovation project, stating that his ministry continues to work closely with all contractors and stakeholders involved. Photo: GIS/File

Where contractors or consultants are behind schedule, the Ministry is pursuing practical solutions and enforcing contractual measures as needed to keep the project moving. Photo: VINO

The rehabilitated Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex (RTOAC) is expected to be commissioned in 2027. Photo: VINO

“Taxpayers are currently incurring over $2 million each year in rents and related costs for ministries and departments housed in temporary facilities — including additional fit-outs and office space requirements that were not originally part of the Complex — expenses that will be avoided once staff return to the RTOAC. Bringing offices back together will improve inter-agency collaboration, reduce recurring expenditure, and enhance public service delivery.”

In a comprehensive update on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Hon Rymer said he recognises the frustration caused by the extended timeline of the project and that the government shares that frustration and is determined to complete the RTOAC as quickly and responsibly as possible.

Works in progress

A new elevator in the West Atrium is under construction by Building Construction Management; however, installation is about one year behind schedule. Hon Rymer said the ministry is in communication with the company to resolve logistical issues and complete installation and commissioning without further delay.

The Minister for Communications also noted that Biogerm Solutions has been engaged for mould remediation and that all basement files have been safely removed; cleaning and restoration of those records will begin within two to three weeks with scheduled completion set for November 2025.

Honourable Rymer added that OBM International (OBMI) was engaged for the interior and external design packages that were expected in June 2025 but was extended to accommodate changes following the 2023 election, including the reassignment and establishment of new ministries. The design packages include full office fit-out details such as seating, partitions and walls, lighting, MEP integration, ICT provisioning, security, and finishing specifications, all of which must reflect those staff and functional requirements. 

"OBMI is behind the adjusted schedule: designs are now expected in October 2025. That delay has shifted the procurement timetable; tendering will now begin in November 2025, moving the overall project timeline back by approximately two months. OBMI has completed about 70% of the design work, and the Ministry continues to press for timely delivery and quality outputs.”

Full commissioning by 2nd quarter of 2027

Minister Rymer indicated that The Ministry of Finance has begun procurement of long-lead MEP equipment under the Caribbean Development Bank loan facility, which includes $5.6 million for MEP and ICT outfitting.

The ministry is expected to award contracts in December with the intention to mobilise a contractor on site by January 2026. Substantial completion is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, with full commissioning by the second quarter of 2027.

"Where contractors or consultants are behind schedule, the Ministry is pursuing practical solutions and enforcing contractual measures as needed to keep the project moving. We understand the public’s desire to see this project completed and are doing everything within our authority to deliver results as quickly and efficiently as possible. Regular updates will continue as work progresses," Hon Rymer promised.