This is according to Chief of Infrastructure, Planning, Research and Development in the Ministry of Communication and Works, Duane Fraites.

However, that timeline hinges heavily on the ability of contractors who are tasked with completing walkways and landscaping areas in the ongoing project.

The market square has been torn down for over two years causing vendors to be relocated at the nearby Virgin Islands Fire & Rescue Headquarters as a temporary staging area since that time.

According to Fraites, the ministry is hopeful that its sixteen kiosks, which he said are in different stages of construction, will be completed by the end of the year.

“Once we are able to get in the landscaping contractor, we expect to see a marked difference within the next two months and we’re hopeful to have the entire market square commissioned — we’re targeting for the end of February 2023 to have the entire market square commissioned — all things completed walkways and everything done,” Fraites said. 

In the meantime, Communication and Works Minister Kye Rymer said his ministry continues to process applications for persons who have applied to operate those kiosks once they are completed.

Apart from walkways and landscaping, Fraites explained that the area will also feature a bus shed which will allow taxi operators and others to collect passengers from the area.

While there will be an access road in the area for vendors to drop off goods, it will not feature any parking for vendors or nearby building owners. However, Fraites explained that parking is expected to be secured over at the festival grounds area for persons utilising that space.

He further noted that the ministry is working towards advancing the development of the festival grounds in order for it to be a suitable parking area.

The renovated market square