ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, August 1st, 2012 – The Government of the Virgin Islands has today announced that it intends to launch an open invitation for the cruise ship pier development.
This announcement follows public consultation and is in line with the new Protocols for Effective Financial Management agreed with Her Majesty’s Government.
Announcing the decision to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said, “The cruise ship pier development is one of the important projects that has been under consideration for some time. We believe it has the potential to be a major, long-term success story for our people and our economy.”
Over the past months, Government has taken steps to ensure this is the case by conducting due diligence with its departments and by holding various levels of discussion with groups and individuals.
“I am grateful for the many views expressed by the people of the BVI. Some have been challenging – all have been constructive. They have given us useful food for thought,” Premier Smith said.
He further explained, since last April, a further factor to take into consideration has been the new Protocols for Effective Financial Management which Government signed with Her Majesty’s Government. The agreement freely commits the BVI to acting in line with international best practices in public procurement.
Premier Smith said by introducing greater transparency into the process for awarding large contracts, Government’s intention is to ensure (1) the most competitive offers and (2) best value for public money.
Following the signature of the Protocols, Premier Smith asked Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith to confirm that the procurement process being used for the cruise pier has met Government’s new commitments.
Mr. Smith has now concluded his examination and found that the process to date has been an attempt to ensure a credible restrictive bidding procedure. Premier Smith said Mr. Smith cannot confirm, however, that it is in line with international best practice.
“It is my Government’s view that the proper way to proceed now is to halt the process as it stands,” Premier Smith said.
In its place, the Government will be issuing an open invitation to tender.
He said, “We will be shortly publishing terms of reference and assessing the bids we receive in line with internationally accepted standards.”
He said, “My Government is determined to include the people of the BVI in the process of modernising our Territory – both in developing major new facilities such as the cruise pier and by operating in a transparent, efficient and cost-effective way. We will all be stronger as a result.”
In clarifying reports that the Government has already committed over $3M to the project, Premier Smith affirmed, “This is not the case. No money has been committed and none will be until the new tendering process has concluded.”
According to the Premier, the decision he has announced today confirms his Government’s determination to go the extra mile to get the best outcome for port development and for all of our fellow citizens.
He continues to restate his belief in public consultation, transparency and value for money, and once again confirms that no funding is yet committed.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to stimulating the economy and building a better Virgin Islands. Its communications mission is to build a “people Government” through listening, collaboration, consultation and communications.
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British Virgin Islands News