“This is good news for the people of the Virgin Islands. Your government working for You!,” the Premier said in a social media statement today, April 23, 2022.

The construction comes following the March 31, 2022, contract signing and groundbreaking ceremony for the school campus redevelopment, where contract bids exceeded the estimates from the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) board.

Premier Fahie at the signing said the ESHS project had to move forward despite the cost increase of over $4M due to the global increase in the cost of materials coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

"If we push this project back anymore, who knows how much material costs will go up further to, or what else might come. And as my Government and anyone around me knows that I always say, never let the perfect become the enemy of the greater good,” he said during a speech.

Businesses challenged to donate

Meanwhile, to raise funds, the Premier challenged 70 businesses to donate money towards the project and give back at least $60K adding that while the government can find the monies, businesses can also give back.

“We can go into the reserve, we could stop some projects that is happening, we can go in a line of credit, we could decide to do many other things to get it done as a backup, but why should we?” he added.

“Under the Move with a Purpose Project, I am issuing a challenge to all our successful businessmen and women, and all our companies in the BVI and beyond – especially in the BVI. I am challenging 70 companies, especially in the Virgin Islands, to each make a donation of no less than $60,000 towards the Elmore Stoutt High School Redevelopment Project,” he said.

During a Press conference on Friday, April 22, 2022, the Premier could not provide updates on the progress that has been made in terms of donations, however, said that the PR campaign for the project will be rolling out soon while he promised to provide more information in the future.

Photo of ongoing works at the ESHS School campus.

Premier Fahie at the signing said the ESHS project had to move forward despite the cost increase of over $4M due to the global increase in the cost of materials coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, to raise funds, Premier Andrew A. Fahie challenged 70 businesses to donate money towards the project and give back at least $60K adding that while the government can find the monies, businesses can also give back.