Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) expressed pleasure that a local contractor had won the bid and which he said, demonstrates the level of capacity that now exists on the island to undertake works that meet standards set by PAHO.

Lawrence Wheatley Construction won bid

“I am so pleased that Lawrence Wheatley Construction, a local contractor on the island of Anegada, has won this bid. The extensive capacity-building initiatives that have been implemented over the past few years have allowed for this company to put its bid forward, to meet the international procurement standards set by organizations such as PAHO and to have the technical and administrative skills to undertake the works,” he said.

A release from the Government Information Centre (GIS) said Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Representative for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Yitades Gebre, said works on this facility will focus mainly on non-structural elements.

Those elements will include replacement or strengthening of the roofs, upgrade of windows and doors; flooding, energy-efficient light, and water fixtures; and improvements in functionality and ensuring that they are in full compliance with international shelter standards as well as smart standards. Attention will also be paid to improving drainage and security around the perimeter of the buildings.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) expressed pleasure that a local contractor had won the bid and which he said, demonstrates the level of capacity that now exists on the island to undertake works that meet standards set by PAHO.

PAHO funded project

Hon Fahie said he remains grateful to PAHO for offering opportunities for local contractors to be a part of such an important project, which will further enhance the local skillset and support economic activities in the Virgin Islands.

The designs for the facilities were also done by PAHO’s technical experts, located in the Virgin Islands, who partnered with regulators to ensure that the plans were approved through the local planning and building authorities and that the costs estimates were in line with the current local rates.