The land is located on Virgin Gorda and hasn’t been developed to date. Tuesday, Junior Minister for trade Shereen Flax-Charles said the purchase was a waste of money, especially the parcel that has an old building which visitors find unsightly.

While making his contribution to the budget debate, Rymer admitted that the government must do something to improve the condition of the unsightly building. But he rebutted Flax-Charles’ claim that the purchase was a waste and said the government still has time to put the property to good use.

“Based on what I was told, that building is in prime property and it was purchased to separate the cargo from the passengers who are going to Virgin Gorda,” Rymer said. “The new board at the Ports Authority is aware of the importance of that building and they are working to develop some plans to turn it into a proper facility.”

He said the purchase of the property was made so that the BVI could remain compliant with an international protocol which dictates that cargo and passengers have to be separated.

“I think it was a good purchase. The board (BVIPA) and this government agree with this purchase,” Rymer said.

Flaxx-Charles called the purchase a crucial mistake and revealed that she fought against the land deal ’tooth and nail’ at the time.

She also alleged that the purchase may have been done for sentimental reasons and asserted that it was made despite the government’s claims of having no funds available.