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Yet another accident rocks the Ports Proj! Man suffers broken leg!

-This brings to four the number of accidents reported on the Ports Development Project
Yet another accident occurred yesterday March 16, 2015 at the cruise pier project site, bringing the number of accidents reported to four in less than six months. Photo: BVIPA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - On the eve of the announcement by United Kingdom appointed Governor John S. Duncan OBE on whether to have a Commission of Inquiry into the controversial Ports Development Project, yet another accident occurred at the work site on Wickham's Cay I.

It was yesterday March 16, 2015 that a hose from a compressor used for jack-hammering reportedly gave way, causing injuries to two persons. This news site was told that the compressor was being cleaned at the time of the mishap.

The broken away equipment also came into contact with about five others on the immediate site of the accident.

One of the persons suffered a broken leg and is still a patient at Peebles Hospital, according to this news site’s sources close to the project. Another person suffered minor cuts and bruises and was released.

This brings to four (4) the number of reported accidents at the Ports Development Project, in less than six (6) months.

On March 8, 2015 a crane boom fell on a tug boat injuring a number of persons. On December 18, 2014 there was a collision between two barges while on October 6, 2014, a truck ferrying stone at the work site overturned into the water as it was negotiating a narrow pass.

It is not clear whether this latest mishap is likely to cause further delays to the multimillion dollar project already behind schedule.

Tight lipped

This news site reached the BVI Health Services Authority’s (BVIHSA) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms Franka N. Potter, for a comment on the condition of the injured but she declined, citing patient confidentiality. Calls to CEO of the BVIHSA Darlene A. Carty-Baptiste went unanswered.

Calls to Percy Rhoden of cruise pier contracting firm Meridian Construction Company went unanswered. Calls to BVI Ports Authority Managing Director Claude O. Skelton-Cline and Public Relations Officer April T. Glasgow proved futile.

Decision to be known tonight on CoI

Outside of the four accidents, there seems to be a dark cloud over the Ports Development Project. While the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has supported the Ports Development Project they continue to ask questions about the process.

In two reports on the project, one conducted by the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly, and the other by the Auditor General of the Virgin Islands Mrs Sonia M. Webster, they both concluded that that the project was filled with conflict of interest, breaking of laws, corruption and found that no one was looking out for the public’s interest.

Both Opposition parties, the VIP and the People’s Empowerment Party, have called on the Governor to conduct a Commission of Inquiry into the project and await a decision from Governor John S. Duncan OBE, which is expected today.

22 Responses to “Yet another accident rocks the Ports Proj! Man suffers broken leg!”

  • Yes (17/03/2015, 11:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Again jah
    • @LOL (17/03/2015, 15:40) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Its a big project they are doing. This project is not prone to accidents as other big projects. I guess you all will blame NDP for this like everything else...even when you get a tooth ache.,
  • lmao (17/03/2015, 11:34) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    A concrete pump truck had a malfunction and it's a cruise pier problem? LOL! WOW!
  • shelly (17/03/2015, 11:35) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Tell me that aint a sign
  • facts man (17/03/2015, 11:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    What they hiding vino got agents even in the fbi
  • shaw (17/03/2015, 11:39) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    No one is asking the governor to rule on the case. But, given the official committee and AG report, the inquiry and procedure should be respected and move forward. It is not up to the Governor to make the decision, but he should uphold the rule of law which was put forward by the independent report by the AG. That should be basic. Is he ruling "no, we don't need to pay attention to an audit?". Bad move which prompts other bad behavior.
    • voter (17/03/2015, 15:02) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      Shaw,

      Is this the only project in the BVI over the last 10 years? Why are you so hell bent on this one project? Get over it! The Governor won't be calling any inquiry into this NEEDED PROJECT! Go look for something meaningful to do instead of trying to trip up the NDP. The Government is working and we will re-elect them, GET OVER IT! You are bitter with NDP since Beef Island and Smugglers, GET OVER IT!
  • ooooo (17/03/2015, 11:54) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    sssshhhhuuuusssshhhh!!! mayon mark and myron them dont want ayo to report the accidents on that project
  • ducan (17/03/2015, 12:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    cant find mark and claude today....
  • Insider News Alert! (17/03/2015, 13:30) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Breaking news alert! Governor is not moving forward with commission of inquiry of the cruise pier project. His reasons will be put forward this evening on his broadcast.

    You heard it here first on the blog.
  • BREAKING NEWS (17/03/2015, 14:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Heard jamsie send home is men
  • yellow (17/03/2015, 14:34) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    This news site seems to have a personal vendetta against the cruise pier project. It's happening Vino, get over it and move on. Construction sites encounter accidents similar to this all the time. Literally on a daily basis. Human flesh and bones around heavy equipment; the danger goes without saying. So don't make it seem like it's a cruise pier thing, or the Port's fault.
    • in the know (17/03/2015, 16:28) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      With proper procedures and experienced personnel accidents are prevented. Everyone gets to go home at the end of the day in one piece. Check out Meridians partner IDL website portion on safety (idlprojects.com) where they say it themselves. This project is a design-build and it is a s**t show to say the least.
    • deep throat (18/03/2015, 13:08) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      I applaud VINO for their investigative reporting. Secrecy in the BVI at Government and Corporate levels is a serious problem and any exposure of that secrecy will serve the people of the BVI who need the courageous ones in their corner.

      Would Yellow send his/her son or daughter to work on a construction site knowing a high probability they were going to get injured or heaven forbid killed any day just for going to work? If that happened would he/she just say well s^%t happens so just get over it?
  • time running out on the NDP (17/03/2015, 15:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    can't wait until 7 pm
  • Barry (17/03/2015, 15:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    are there any safety officers on the job site?
  • trrefdrfds (17/03/2015, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dupee out there until them shed some blood on that soil over there it will always have accidents
  • in the know (17/03/2015, 16:29) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    They had one but he is no longer there for over a month.


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