Local News
Contract Awarded for Phase 2 of Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Network Project
The Government of the Virgin Islands has awarded a $3.79 million contract to Connect Enterprises Limited for Phase 2 of the Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Network Project, marking a significant step in the area’s long-overdue infrastructure upgrades.
The contract, valued at $3,785,274.55, covers the installation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of gravity sewer lines and pumping mains. It also includes the construction of a main pump station next to the newly built wastewater treatment plant, as well as three smaller pump stations and two lift stations. The project aims to modernize Cane Garden Bay’s wastewater management system, addressing long-standing sanitation and environmental concerns.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley underscored the project’s importance, calling it a “critical investment” in the area’s infrastructure. “This project will significantly improve sanitation and environmental conditions, paving the way for sustainable development and economic growth in Cane Garden Bay,” he stated.
Minister for Works Hon. Kye M. Rymer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing public health and protecting the environment. “The implementation of the sewer network is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure,” Rymer said. “This long-awaited upgrade will bring lasting benefits to the community.”
Also present at the contract signing was Hon. Melvin Turnbull, Representative for the Second Electoral District, who expressed gratitude to the government on behalf of his constituents. “I am elated that this critical phase of the project is about to commence,” he said. “This has been a long time coming, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the people of Cane Garden Bay.”
Connect Enterprises Limited, a Virgin Islands-based company, will lead the construction efforts. Company representative Ms. Chastity George said the firm is honored to be part of the initiative. “We are committed to delivering a high-quality sewer network that meets the needs of the community,” George stated. “We look forward to working alongside the government and residents to bring this project to fruition.”
The project will include the installation of 42 manholes, facilitating efficient sewage conveyance. Upon completion, the road and adjacent sidewalks damaged during construction will be fully restored, ensuring minimal long-term disruption to the community.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”
Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.
However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”
To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.
“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”
The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.
“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”
The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.
Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.
“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”
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