The move by the Government, which is being done to facilitate long-awaited repairs at the building following the 2017 hurricanes, will bring revenue to property owners in and around the Road Town area. According to recently released Cabinet decision, Cabinet took note of the list of available accommodation which may be considered to relocate Government offices.

Cabinet agreed that $380,000 be approved for rent costs for 2019 and that $500,000 be approved for relocation costs.

It was decided that the Government enters into a lease agreement with Manuel Reef Marina Limited for a period of two years, in the first instance, for office space measuring 2,394 square feet on the second floor of the Manuel Reef Marina Building, at the rate of $30 per square foot.

Additionally, Government has been cleared to enter into lease a agreement with Skelton Bay Lot Limited/Skelton Properties Limited for a period of two years, in the first instance, for office space measuring 4,900 square feet on the second floor of Building #10 located at Skelton Baylot, at the rate of $21 per square foot, plus a service fee of $50 per month.

Further, the Government is to enter into an agreement with Harvey Herbert and Delker Herbert for a period of two years, in the first instance, for office space measuring 2,421 square feet each on the second and third floors of Building #1 of the RG Hodge Plaza at the rate of $3,600 per month per floor;

Cabinet further approved an agreement for Lake Development Co., Ltd. for a period of two years, in the first instance, for office space measuring 3,067 square feet on the second floor of the Cutlass Tower, at the rate of $38 per square foot plus a monthly service fee of $4.25 per square foot.

Also, Rita Frett Georges, for a period of five years, for office space measuring 11,696 square feet in RFG Place, at the rate of $35 per square foot; and Burhym Electrical Services Limited for a period of two years, in the first instance, for office space in the Burhym Building with the ground floor space comprised of 1,438 square feet and the first floor space comprised of 3,259 square feet, at the rate of $34 per square foot.

Also, Cabinet decided that the Government enters into a lease agreement with the Valley Plaza Ltd. for the rental of storage space for the Civil Registry and Passport Office on a month-to-month basis at the rate of $600 per month.

Cabinet has agreed and decided that consideration be given to enter into lease arrangements with several other landlords if additional or alternate accommodation may be required.

These include, Raphael Stoutt for office space measuring 2,960 square feet at the rate of $30 per square foot; and Island Block Corporation Ltd. for office space measuring 3,000 square feet at the rate of $35 per square foot.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew Fahie had indicated an independent committee is handling the relocation of workers from the Complex. His declaration came after it was discovered that his office was relocating to the Cutlass Building.

In response to the article first published by BVI Platinum News, Hon. Fahie indicated that the Deputy Governor’s Office through its Housing Accommodation Committee has been working on securing appropriate accommodation for the Public Officers and staff who have been based at the Building since the hurricanes of 2017.

This includes his office which is moving to Cutlass Building that currently houses a restaurant, BVI Finance and serves as the head office for a regional fuel supply company on the upper floors.

“The temporary accommodations were approved by this established committee that is independent of political interference,” Hon. Fahie defended the move.