Road Town, Tortola - A jointly funded contract by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the European Commission was signed today for the construction of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Culinary Arts Centre.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE signed the €1,784,535.77 equivalent to US$2.2M contract with local firm Quality Construction Ltd. for the building, construction, electrical and mechanical works for the teaching laboratories of the culinary arts centre.
The European Commission will finance €784,500 which is equivalent to US$956,933.10 of the total contract amount for which the Premier expressed his appreciation. In his remarks he said, “I would like to thank the European Commission for their generosity in assisting us to get the culinary arts centre.”
The premier also congratulated Mr. Brian Marshall, Manager of Quality Construction for being awarded the contract and expressed his hope to the HLSCC President Dr. Karl Dawson for what is to come once the centre is erected.
“We are looking forward to great things; we expect great things and we hope that the culinary arts centre will be high on your agenda so that our people can learn more and more of how to prepare the various products not only for us but for visitors to the Territory,” said the Premier.
The Premier also added that it is his hope that the “culinary arts centre will be the place where more local fruits, vegetables and fishes will be used to train the chefs in the preparation and the serving of such.”
The HLSCC President in his remarks said the signing is a “significant” and long awaited moment in the history of the college.
Dr. Dawson revealed that the college plans to re-offer the associates degree in culinary arts and said “we have to distinguish ourselves as far as service is concerned and the building of the centre will help the Territory in this regard.”
He added that a completed centre can also enhance the Territory’s tourism product and provide a needed service for the region as the culinary arts centre is expected to be a Regional Centre of Excellence.
“There is the possibility for packages and tours for cruise ships visitors and those who may want to learn best tactics as far as tropical cooking and cuisine are concerned and that is something we can offer. There are tremendous opportunities,” Dr. Dawson said.
Dr. Dawson said the college is committed to this product and pledged their support to Quality Construction. Mr. Marshall in his brief remarks assured all present that the project will be completed on time and within budget.
Other persons present included HLSCC Board member Mr. Roy Barry, HLSCC Vice President Dr. Anne Munroe and Director of the Culinary Arts Programme Mr. Neil Cline. Financial Secretary and Territorial Authorising Officer for the European Commission Mr. Neil Smith chaired today’s signing ceremony.
Government remains vigilant in its quest to provide quality training and economic opportunities for its citizens as it seeks partnerships to enhance the Territory’s continued growth.
British Virgin Islands News