Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer has confirmed that the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex will not be completed until at least late 2026, after delays in construction, design, and procurement pushed the timeline back by more than a year. He said the Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to finishing the project and is working with all contractors and stakeholders to address setbacks.

Hon. Rymer said his ministry continues to work closely with contractors and stakeholders. “I recognise the frustration caused by the extended timeline,” he said. “We share that frustration and are determined to complete the RTOAC as quickly and responsibly as possible. The Government remains committed to delivering a safe, modern, and resilient seat of government, and we continue to work closely with all contractors and stakeholders to accelerate progress.”

Work currently under way includes installation of a new elevator in the west atrium by Building Construction Management. That project is about one year behind schedule, according to Rymer, who said the ministry is in regular communication with the company to resolve logistical issues. Biogerm Solutions has been engaged for mould remediation, and basement files have been removed for cleaning and restoration, which is scheduled for completion by November 2025.

Design work has also fallen behind schedule. OBM International was contracted to prepare interior and exterior design packages, which were originally due in June 2025. Hon. Rymer said adjustments were required following the 2023 election to accommodate the reassignment and establishment of new ministries. OBMI has completed about 70 percent of the design work, with delivery now expected in October 2025. Procurement for construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025.

The Ministry of Finance has begun procuring long-lead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment through a Caribbean Development Bank loan facility, which includes $5.6 million for MEP and ICT outfitting. Contracts are expected to be awarded in December 2025, with a contractor mobilised on site by January 2026. Substantial completion is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, with full commissioning by the second quarter of 2027.

Hon. Rymer noted that delays in the project continue to cost taxpayers more than $2 million annually in rents and related expenses for temporary facilities. “Bringing offices back together will improve inter-agency collaboration, reduce recurring expenditure, and enhance public service delivery,” he said.

The minister added that the government remains in active discussions with contractors and consultants to mitigate further setbacks. “Where contractors or consultants are behind schedule, the Ministry is pursuing practical solutions and enforcing contractual measures as needed to keep the project moving,” he said.

Restoration of the Complex began in 2019 after it sustained major damage during the 2017 hurricanes. Priority works valued at $4.9 million, including roof replacement, skylight repairs, installation of impact-resistant windows and doors, and exterior repairs, have been completed. Demolition of internal office spaces has been carried out, while exterior structural works such as retaining walls, drainage, and driveway access are about 85 percent complete.