In a post shared on the popular social media site, Facebook recently, Premier Andrew Fahie, using the tagline ‘BVI LOVE’, expressed his appreciation for the work that has been done on the building so far.

“We are so happy to see the progress being made to refurbish the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada, which was first established by the people of Anegada living abroad,” the Premier said.

“It is good to see the Government of the Virgin Islands in conjunction with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) and funded by the EU (European Union) giving this building the much-needed attention it requires. Community centres play a vital role in the lives and evolution of our communities and should always be kept up to standard. The contractor is performing with excellence,” Fahie added.

Just last month, local construction company Lawrence Wheatley Construction was awarded the contract for the community centre which serves as a primary emergency shelter for residents on Anegada.

The repairs — according to PAHO Representative for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Yitades Gebre — will focus on non-structural elements such as replacement or strengthening of the roofs, upgrade of windows and doors; flooding, energy-efficient light and water fixtures; and improvements in functionality and also ensuring the building is in compliance with international and smart shelter standards.

There is also an emphasis being placed on improving the drainage and security around the perimeter of the buildings.

The designs for the facilities were also done by PAHO’s BVI-based technical experts who partnered with regulators to ensure that the plans were approved through the local planning and building authorities and that the cost estimates were in line with the current local rates.

Construction on the community centre in Anegada is one of four emergency shelters in the territory that are being refurbished and retrofitted with more modern and green technology under the Resilience Building Project.

The retrofitting of the four emergency shelters and the provision of appliances and equipment is being financed by the European Union through a formal agreement with PAHO.

PAHO is providing technical oversight for the implementation of the project aimed at improving national emergency response and increasing community preparedness.

The other three community shelters being refurbished are the West End Community Centre, the Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cow’s Bay, and the Gertrude and Christiana Warner Community Centre in Purcell Estate.