Monday, November 2 – The residents of North Sound came out in large numbers on Saturday, 31 October to join in the historic opening of the North Sound Administration Building named in the honour of the late Mr. John E. George of North Sound, Virgin Gorda.
Premier, Minister of Finance and Ninth District Representative Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE in his remarks paid tribute to the late Mr. George and explained to the gathering the history of his contributions to the community. “I thank the George family for allowing the Government to use their home for several years to house the North Sound Post Office,” the Premier said, adding that the George home was also used as the registry of births and deaths and a tax collection office with little or no pay and at any hour of the day.
The Premier also announced that he is spearheading a photographic collection of notable Virgin Gordians from North Sound to be mounted in the new building. Currently two walls are adorned with photographs of such persons as a tribute to their significant contributions to the island’s development.
Hon. O’Neal saluted Mr. Ray Harrigan, of VG Builders for a job well done on the $1,043,754.04 building. The Premier also expressed how important it is for persons who will be working in the building to, “Take care of it and attend to customers in the same manner as the late Mr. George”. The Premier also urged residents to rent their own post box so that they can check their mail at any time.
Speaking on behalf of the Postmaster General Mr. Kevin C. Smith who was away from the Territory on official business, Finance and Planning Officer Mrs. Iris Romney said developing countries must enhance the postal infrastructure to accommodate population growth. Mrs. Romney added, “It is our intent to serve the people of North Sound in every traditional way but also with innovated services aimed at identifiable specific needs.”
Mrs. Romney also announced the BVI Post’s automated software is slated for operation in December 2009 and noted that the North Sound facility will also be incorporated in this project and that in due course, persons can expect enhanced delivery services making full use of the technology available.
She also announced that to commemorate the dedication of the building in honour of Mr. George, who was the sub postmaster for many years, the BVI Post will issue commemorative stamps featuring the old and new building and Mr. George, later this month or in December.
North Sound community speaker, Honourable Roy Harrigan, who is also Speaker of the House, expressed how pleased he was to be sharing in the ceremony. “The people of North Sound are proud and happy for this facility as it represents the advancement in the bringing of more Government services to the people of this village,” Hon. Harrigan added.
Students from the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School performed a skit, written by Principal Mrs. Gracia Stevens, depicting the historical development of North Sound to its modern facilities. The skit was well received by an appreciative audience.
Policy Analyst II from the Ministry of Finance Ms. Jenifer O’Neal chaired the ceremony and delivered welcoming remarks. Territorial at Large Representatives Honourable Irene Penn-O'Neal and Honourable Keith Flax, Human Resources Manager in the Ministry of Finance Mr. Jeremy Hodge, and Pastor Sylvia Rhymer, daughter of the late Mr. George also delivered remarks at the ceremony. Mr. Shane Roberts, Project Manager from BCQS and Mr. Ray Harrigan and Mr. Junior Chiverton the contractors from VG Builders handed over the keys to the Premier. Great grand-daughter of the late Mr. George, Miss T’Keyah Frett assisted the Premier in the cutting of the ribbon to open the building.
The two-story John E. George Building houses the North Sound Post Office, Public Library and the district representative’s satellite office. The North Sound Administration Building is a project under the Ministry of Finance.
British Virgin Islands News