The Government of the Virgin Islands signed what it said to be, its largest contract in history with Tortola Paving Company Limited to pave nine (9) miles of road from the Road Town Ferry Terminal to the West End Ferry Terminal.

The contract was signed on Tuesday December 23 in the amount of fourteen million, eighty-eight thousand, six hundred and twenty dollars and two cents ($14,088,620.02).

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley stated the signing was the largest contract in the history of the Virgin Islands that would go into the rehabilitation of the road infrastructure. 

Premier Wheatley said, “Of course, a lot of persons have been speaking about the state of the roads, but what I know to be a fact is that the minister is working very hard. It takes time, it takes money, it takes commitment and determination, and the minister has displayed that and it revealed itself in this contract signing here today.”

 Premier Wheatley added, “We are looking forward to having improved roads in the Territory. One that will last us for the next 30, 40 years, and that we will all be proud of.”

Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye Rymer thanked the Premier for providing the funds necessary to get the road works done. 

Honourable Rymer said, “When we received the loan for $100 million, $34,800,000 was allocated for road infrastructure. The ministry decided to do the most important roads including road rehabilitation from West End to Road Town. Along that road, we will also be doing some additional works in terms of the kerb walls, some revetment as well, that is inclusive, and making sure that the road is complete when we are finished. There will also be a centerline, and in line with a beaded centerline as well. We are hoping to have a modernised road.”

Manager of Tortola Paving Company Limited Ms. Kimberly R. Ritter thanked the Government of the Virgin Islands for choosing her company to complete the nine miles of road works and emphasised the importance of investing in maintenance of roads in the Territory so that they can stand the test of time. 

She said, “The Honourable Premier said that he wants these roads to last for 30 to 40 years. As we have done our research, roads rarely last about 20-30 years depending on the maintenance of the road. So, as we complete our road, I want to encourage you to make sure you keep up on the maintenance as it goes along with what we do.  I can assure you that the people of the Virgin Islands will be happy and pleased, because we will do our end, and then they'll have paving as smooth as their rides. So, we thank you again for this opportunity, and we will deliver.”

The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to ensure the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.