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Work begins on Long Look Social Home Complex

Construction has officially begun on the Long Look Social Home Complex, a major social development initiative aimed at providing safe, supervised accommodation and structured support for some of the most vulnerable persons in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development (left) said the Long Look Social Home Complex is both practical and compassionate. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development (left) said the Long Look Social Home Complex is both practical and compassionate. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
(L-R) Honourable Karl Dawson (R1), Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Honourable Stacy Mather (AL), and Permanent Secretary in the Minister for Health and Social Developmen Ms Tasha K. Bertie. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
(L-R) Honourable Karl Dawson (R1), Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Honourable Stacy Mather (AL), and Permanent Secretary in the Minister for Health and Social Developmen Ms Tasha K. Bertie. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI- Construction has officially begun on the Long Look Social Home Complex, a major social development initiative aimed at providing safe, supervised accommodation and structured support for some of the most vulnerable persons in the Virgin Islands.

Speaking at the site visit, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development, explained the vision and purpose behind the facility, describing it as being both practical and compassionate.

“This centre will serve several functions, but at its core, it provides something very basic and very necessary, a safe place to sleep. It will operate as a supervised facility working alongside the Safe Haven Transitional Centre to provide temporary accommodations to the vulnerable, coupled with structured support programmes to assist their transition back to independent living."

Minister Wheatley noted that the project has already contributed to local employment during construction and has been designed with sustainability in mind, operating fully on solar and battery power. “This project has brought local men and women into employment and reflects our commitment to sustainable development. I must thank the Premier for his support in bringing this initiative to life. While the idea is not new, what matters is that it is now being properly funded, delivered and implemented in a way that benefits the entire community”.

More than a structure

Also addressing the significance of the project, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Premier and Minister of Finance, emphasised the broader social impact of the development.   

“This building represents more than just a structure; it is an expression of compassion,” the Premier said. “It reflects how we choose to treat those who may be experiencing hardship and vulnerability.”   

He added that the location of the facility in the Long Look community carries particular meaning as it is a historic community with a proud and resilient spirit.

"Long Look has always blazed the trail, and having the first facility of its kind here means a great deal. It also matters that people from the community are helping to build it, because we want them to take ownership, help maintain it, and ensure it remains a place of dignity and care."

Dion K. Crabbe leading project

The project is being led by Mr Dion K. Crabbe, Managing Director of Island Concrete Limited, and is located in the heart of the Long Look community. Once completed, the Long Look Social Home Complex will provide structured accommodation and comprehensive support services for chronically homeless individuals and persons facing severe social and economic hardship.

The facility will complement the existing Safe Haven Transitional Centre by providing a critical next step toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and independent living, further strengthening the Territory’s broader social protection framework.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL),  Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Honourable Stacy R. Mather (AL), and Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) were also present during the visit. 

8 Responses to “Work begins on Long Look Social Home Complex”

  • Things Start. (16/01/2026, 15:49) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    One year before election, now the work going to start. This strategy use to work with old people, now its young people running things and it won't work..
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (16/01/2026, 16:55) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Needeful and Positive project ongoing in Long Look district 7.
  • Clarity (16/01/2026, 17:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where in long look is it happening the location?
  • ?? (16/01/2026, 18:28) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    What happening with Isabella,,School down in Carrot Bay?
  • life (17/01/2026, 08:32) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ayo save Deion and his company from going bankrupt lol
  • @?? (18/01/2026, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have been asking since the 2017 Hurricane. "Faye" when he was at the SDA church ground breaking in Carrot Bay said it was in the works and that the funds were already approved????????
  • Something is wrong (23/01/2026, 22:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where are they going with this little thing ??? Natalio just gave a church 50 k and LL getting his little thing. Something is wrong ! Make sure something pertaining education goies in there.


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