Road Town, Tortola - Government signed a $279,880 contract with Garcinox Corporation for the railing and handrail retrofit for the Central Administration Building during a ceremony held on Friday, March 26 at the Premier’s Conference Room.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, signed the contract on behalf of the Government with Hon. Julian Fraser, RA, Minister for Communications and Works as his witness.
The contract which is expected to commence no later than 14 days after the signing will include the installation of new railings components, the installation of new glass panels, and the application of powder coating paint on the new and existing railings.
During his remarks the Premier, congratulated the Minister for Communications and Works for pushing the project through. “It has taken some time but we thank you and congratulate you for your persistence in reaching this stage,” the Premier stated.
The Premier explained that he does not sign variations to contracts quickly or easily and he expressed confidence that the minister and ministry officials were very careful in making the selection for this job.
The Premier concluded by congratulating Garcinox for being awarded the contract. “We look forward to continued cooperation and I hope you finish this contract on time and on budget,” he said.
In his remarks Minister Fraser said, “I am no stranger to high quality architectural work, and I expect that from you, so the Premier should rest assured that is what he is going to get.”
“The Ministry of Communications and Works and myself as the minister, are responsible for the safety in public buildings,” he said, recalling that just recently he witnessed four very small children walking up the stairs with an adult and was immediately reminded of the lack of safety for them and he reminded the adult to hold their hands. “You do not have to be an expert to understand or to see that they are not safe,” the minister recalled.
“I am extremely excited about this job, our speciality is handrails we know them very well and we have designed thousands of feet of handrails,” Garcinox representative, Mr. Jose Garcia said during his response. “We also understand the budget issue, we quoted the job fairly and we definitely hope to do it for that price,” he added.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mr. Julian Willock chaired the ceremony and outlined the benefits of the contract. “Once completed the contract is designed to eliminate the undue risk to Government and improve the safety and aesthetics of the building.”
The Ministry of Communications and Works remains committed to ensuring the continued development and proper maintenance of the Central Administration Building in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) and other international standards.
British Virgin Islands News