Local News
Two Bids Submitted for West End Ferry Terminal Project
The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has confirmed the receipt of two bids for the West End Ferry Terminal Project by the extended submission deadline of January 17.
One submission was made by a joint venture of two local firms, while the other came from a Canadian company. Representatives from both bidders attended the official bid opening, which took place at the RDA’s Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park office. The process was led by RDA Director of Procurement, Mr. John Primo, and witnessed by key stakeholders, including CDB Contract Supervisor and Project Manager Sergio Dantas, RDA officials, and representatives from the design consultancy firm, Inros Lackner S.E.
The bid opening adhered to a two-envelope system, with only technical proposals reviewed at this stage. Inros Lackner S.E. will now conduct a thorough evaluation of the technical submissions, expected to conclude by early February 2025. Following this, the financial proposals will be opened for assessment.
The West End Ferry Terminal, a project funded under the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan (RRL), was once the busiest seaport in the Virgin Islands but has been out of operation since its destruction in the 2017 hurricanes, severely impacting travel and commerce between Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and the USVI.
Bid documents were issued on July 30, 2024, the same day the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) granted its No Objection, allowing the procurement process to move forward. The bid deadline was later extended from October 18, 2024, to January 17, 2025, to give bidders additional time to prepare their submissions. Additionally, updates on the project were provided to First District residents during a community meeting on July 23, 2024.
The RDA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining transparency and rigor throughout the procurement process, ensuring this flagship initiative aligns with the Territory’s long-term development goals.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
