Trellis Bay centre to be ready soon

Government ministers provided updates on hurricane recovery projects, Jost Van Dyke public works, the Belle Vue gym and other efforts in response to questions from the opposition during the Oct. 18 House of Assembly meeting.

First, though, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley delivered a statement on the Trellis Bay Welcome Centre, which he said is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“This new facility is designed to be a gateway to our islands, offering a more welcoming and efficient experience for travellers arriving by sea and air,” he said.

The centre is under the purview of the Recovery and Development Agency, which on June 11 signed a $271,279.67 contract with No Limit Construction Services with an original completion target of Oct. 1.

“The contract commences the construction of a one-storey, open-air, reinforced concrete structure with a concrete roof,” according to a press release issued at the time. “The building will provide shelter from the elements for 50 persons and seating for 20 persons, of which seven” are compliant with the standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States.

Belle Vue gym

Later in the HOA sitting, opposition member Myron Walwyn asked Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro whether any funding to rebuild the Belle Vue gym was “provided for in the proposed $100 million loan facility being pursued by the government for infrastructural and other works.”

Mr. Walwyn (R-D6) added that Ms. de Castro had been “questioned on the matter” previously and had “indicated that her ministry had no plans to rebuild the gym.”

Ms. de Castro (R-at large) replied that there is no funding on tap to rebuild the gym, which was destroyed by hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017.

“In reference to the $100 million loan facility, Madam Speaker, I would respectfully suggest that the member for the Sixth District direct his inquiries to the minister of finance, who is responsible for the content and allocation of any loan facilities accessed by the government,” she added.

Ms. de Castro also encouraged other HOA members to advocate for funding for the gym.

“It is my expectation that during the upcoming budget process, the member for the Sixth District and all members of this honourable House will actively advocate for the allocation of funds in support of the ministry’s ambition to reconstruct the Belle Vue gym,” she said. “This collective support is crucial to move this project forward.”

She also refuted Mr. Walwyn’s claim that she had previously said that her ministry had “no plans” for the gym.

“In fact, I have consistently encouraged my colleagues, including district representatives, to advocate for funding in support of projects and programmes that affect their constituencies,” she said.

Brewers Bay restroom

Opposition member Mitch Turnbull began his questions by asking the premier for an update on the Brewers Bay restroom and wastewater facility.

Dr. Wheatley (R-D7) said the facility is expected to be operational by tomorrow.

Mr. Turnbull (R-D2) also asked the premier about the Jost Van Dyke restroom facility in Great Harbour.

“Since his personal commitment to visit the island and inspect the facility for himself, could he tell us what he discovered?” Mr. Turnbull asked. “When does he now expect for works to be completed to make the facility more functional and aesthetically pleasing for a world-class tourism and revenue-generating destination as Jost Van Dyke?”

Dr. Wheatley said the restroom was already operational.

Mr. Turnbull replied that he was not just asking whether the bathroom was operational but also if it looked “aesthetically pleasing.” He added that the facility is “falling apart” and that “it doesn’t look good.”

Dr. Wheatley said he would be willing to visit the facility again and added that Mr. Turnbull should write him and his permanent secretary and “let us know what he would like to see done to the restroom specifically, and we can have that addressed.”

But Mr. Turnbull fired back.

“The leader of this country — who’s responsible for tourism, who’s responsible for finance — is making light of a situation that he [knows] is in dire need of attention,” Mr. Turnbull said. “And basically, Madam Speaker, I would use the word spitting in the face of the people of Jost Van Dyke. And it’s hurtful.”

Mr. Turnbull added, “I would not write because, when I wrote after the premier was elected, I wrote to him and all the ministers [and] up to now I ain’t get a response for a meeting.”

Public works building

Mr. Turnbull went on to ask Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer about the JVD building that he said is supposed to house the Public Works Department and the Water and Sewerage Department.

Claiming that both departments “have been without a suitable working environment since the hurricanes of 2017,” he asked Mr. Rymer (R-D5) to provide the House with the design and costing for the building.

Mr. Rymer replied that the designs have been completed, but he could not provide the cost because an open tender is pending.

“We are hoping that funds would be allocated in the upcoming budget to undertake these [works] that we’re expecting to be tendered,” Mr. Rymer said. When Mr. Turnbull repeated his request for the project’s design, Mr. Rymer said, “I can provide the design, Madam Speaker. I will get that done earliest.”