Government signs agreement for finishing new SDD offices

Road Town, Tortola - Government has entered into an agreement with a local firm for completing the internal works at the Social Development Department’s new offices at John’s Hole.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE signed the agreement with Mr. Ogan Baronville during a brief ceremony at the Central Administration Building yesterday morning. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC witnessed the signing.

Honourable O’Neal congratulated Mr. Baronville for being awarded the contract and acknowledged his reputation for good work. “I have no doubt that Mr. Baronville will complete the job in time; we really want to see as much work as possible going on in the Territory,” he said.

Honourable Penn joined the Premier in congratulating the contractor for winning the bid, and said the Government will rely on his good reputation, knowledge, and expertise. “We are confident you will do a fine job in time and within budget,” noted the Deputy Premier.

Mr. Baronville expressed “heartfelt thanks” to the administration for selecting him to complete the project. “I worked there before and everybody was satisfied with the work that was done,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Petrona Davies chaired the brief signing ceremony. “This project also marks a significant milestone in our enduring commitment to enhance the working conditions of the staff of the Social Development Department as the first phase of our planned development in the John’s Hole area is to alleviate congestion and address health and safety issues faced by the Department’s staff”, she said.

Works to be carried out under the $385,095.88 contract include internal walls, plumbing and electrical works, doors, metal work, millwork, finishes and external work. Based on the contractor’s estimate, the project should be completed within four months.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.