BRADES, Montserrat (August 8, 2012) – The Montserrat Social Security Fund made good on its intentions to break ground on a new facility in the future town of Little Bay.
Randolph Riley, Chairman of the MSSF Board, Venetta Cabey, Deputy Director of the fund and Emmanuel Galloway, head of Galloway’s Construction dug the first holes and turned the sod on the land, adjacent to the Montserrat Cultural Centre, where the building estimated to cost almost six million Eastern Caribbean dollars upon completion will stand.
Director of the Montserrat Social Security Kenneth Scotland said the building’s construction has been budgeted for $5340034.35 with additional monies allotted for the complete air conditioning of the compound, with several rental spaces available for other businesses.
“Today we have taken a major step to giving the MSSF a permanent home. This is a journey that started 18 years ago prior to the start of volcanic activity,” said Scotland at the short ceremony. “Despite the challenges, we remained committed to having a permanent home from which to serve the community of Montserrat.”
Alford Dyett and Associates won the architectural contract and has designed a two-storey complex with 15200 square feet of space. Social Security will occupy 4700 square feet on the ground floor, with one lease space available. On the first floor will have three spaces available for lease. The building will be in keeping with the Montserrat Development Corporation’s envisioned concept for the new town and replicate some of the features of the Montserrat Cultural Centre, Dyett explained.
Emmanuel Galloway said his company was “extremely fortunate and honoured to be able to be involved in the project,” which they plan to bring in on time. He encouraged continued partnership and dialogue to eliminate any hiccups on the project which could slow down progress.
Riley said the Social Security Fund was happy to be contributing to Montserrat’s economic Development, while Scotland added that the SSF board had committed to working with the government and make more inward investments to build the island.
Honourable Minister of Agriculture Easton Taylor-Farrell said the continued sustainability of the SSF was “paramount to what we do. This is a very significant development and sends a very positive message for Montserrat and for our new town in Little Bay. This can be the considered the first private sector investment in Little Bay and we expect to see much more in the coming year.”
The social security presently works out of rented accommodations in Sweeney’s and hopes to be in their new premises in 54 weeks.
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