Local News
Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched an extensive series of road rehabilitation and upgrade projects across the Territory as part of a broad infrastructural development program to enhance the safety and quality of its road network for residents and visitors alike.
Director of the Public Works Department, Jeremy Hodge, stated that the Ministry of Communications and Works is spearheading these efforts, with particular attention being given to key areas that have faced significant challenges. One such area is the main road on Jost Van Dyke, where ongoing construction work addresses damage sustained nearly two years ago during a severe weather event. “A section of the road was severely undermined, leaving the cliffside lane impassable and reducing 45 linear feet of roadway to one lane,” Mr. Hodge explained.
The rehabilitation plan for Jost Van Dyke includes installing an enhanced drainage system, building a large gabion stepped structure to stabilise the hillside, constructing a 45-foot retaining wall, demolishing the damaged concrete roadway, and reinstating the road itself.
Additional roadworks are also in progress throughout the Territory. Notable projects include asphalt paving along Blackburn Highway near Jean Hill and Fish Bay, and scheduled work on the Brandywine Bay Road to East End route from Wednesday, September 11, to Wednesday, September 18, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
Officials have urged the public to exercise caution and adhere to all signage during these construction periods. The Ministry of Communications and Works has apologised for any inconvenience caused and expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding as these critical infrastructure projects are completed.
Local News
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Health
Health Minister Calls for BVI Health Services Authority Chairman’s Resignation
A significant shift occurred within the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Board when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley requested the resignation of Chairman Ron Potter.
The reasons for this request remain unclear, and it has not yet been confirmed whether Potter has complied. Potter, who was appointed Chairman in 2023, succeeded Moleto A. Smith, a U.S. Virgin Islands resident who was also reportedly compelled to step down.
The Cabinet’s decision to remove Smith and appoint Potter was formalised in a document from the Cabinet’s meeting on March 8, 2023. At that meeting, the Cabinet decided to appoint Potter, a former Chairman of the BVI Electricity Corporation, to lead the BVIHSA Board for a three-year term, pending approval by the House of Assembly.
Smith’s removal, which took place before the end of his contract set to expire in July 2024, was not fully explained. The Cabinet cited Schedule 1, Section 3(1) of the BVI Health Services Authority Act 2004 as the basis for Smith’s removal. This provision allows the Minister of Health to remove a board member if they have been absent from three consecutive meetings without consent, become disqualified, unable to fulfil their duties, or breached their appointment conditions.
Further details about the potential changes at the BVIHSA remain undisclosed, and no official statement has been issued regarding the matter.
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