The
Development Planning Unit
Government of the British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda Administration Building

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Description and Scope:
This project entails the construction of a permanent building complex at the Valley, Virgin Gorda to provide centralised accommodations for stationed and visiting civil servants, and to improve efficiency in the provision of government services to the island of Virgin Gorda. The project is to be implemented in three phases (3 buildings) over a 5-6 year period (1996 – 2001); the first phase (Building C) was completed in August of 1997.

Background:
With an estimated population of approximately 3,064 persons, the island of Virgin Gorda is the second largest population center in the British Virgin Islands. When examined across years, population figures reflect an increase of more than 20 % within the past decade alone, and as such the demand for adequate delivery of government services has intensified. The phased construction of an administration complex is expected to improve the delivery of services to the island, particularly as it relates to the collection of revenue and the administration of justice. Revenue from Virgin Gorda accounts for approximately 35% of all Government revenue (other than financial services) and centralisation of services, agencies etc. is expected to significantly improve the collection mechanism by strengthening institutional capabilities. With respect to the judicature, the former system involved the use of the police station for court hearings, a situation that did not effectively allow for privacy and security in the investigation and hearing of criminal matters. However, the first phase of the project, Building C, has basically alleviated this situation, as it has provided necessary Court infrastructure and offices for the timely processing of criminal matters. Whereas in the past, Virgin Gorda residents had to travel to Tortola to conduct government business, centralisation of services on the island via the establishment of a administration complex, is expected to positively impact savings to residents as expenses incurred as a result of transport, accommodation, time etc. will be reduced. Overall the entire project is expected to provide accommodations for some seventeen (17) departments and offices, including offices for the District Representative and the District Officer. The project will effectually enhance the welfare of residents on the island of Virgin Gorda, and this is consistent with government’s policy on providing the necessary infrastructure to enhance the country’s social and economic development

Project Rationale:
The centralisation of government services on the island of Virgin Gorda is expected to result in the following economic benefits:

1. Improved efficiency in the delivery of government services to the island;
2. Improved revenue collection mechanism thereby enhancing revenue generating potential;
3. Increased efficiency with respect to the administration of law (judicature) on the island.
4. Increased productivity resulting from increased ability to accommodate and access records, personnel etc.
5. Increased savings (time, accommodation and transport) to residents, due their not having to commute to Tortola to conduct government business.

The capital cost and all recurrent costs such as those associated with the deployment of staff and the daily operations and upkeep of the building will be borne by the Government of the British Virgin Islands. Building C (Phase I) was constructed at a total cost of $491,662; Building B (Phase II) is estimated at $2m.

Summary of Related Studies:
The entire project was developed over a period spanning some 9-10 years, the investment phase of which actually commenced in 1996/97, with the construction of the first building (Building C). In it’s initial stages, the development of the entire Administration Building project was supported by a 1989 survey conducted by the Development Planning Unit on departments, agencies and ministries providing services to the island of Virgin Gorda. In this survey, information regarding customer base, office space, revenue, equipment, travel and other relevant costs were collected, the major objective being to assess the existing situation and determine future needs and requirements departments and agencies in improving service delivery to the island. By 1991-1992, statistics revealed that of the 1,995 civil servants employed in the Territory, an estimated 142 or 7.1% were from Virgin Gorda, and that many of these individuals were commuters who traveled between the islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola) on a daily basis. Statistics also revealed that approximately 8.4% of total government professionals were based in on Virgin Gorda and that although the island accounted for some 35% of all government revenue (other than financial services) collected, a significant portion of that revenue was being lost as a result of poor enforcement of regulations and revenue ordinances. Centralisation of services in Virgin Gorda via the establishment of a government complex, is regarded as one of the mediums through which increased administrative capacity especially as it relates to institutional efficiency and revenue generation, will be achieved.

Expected Output:

Phase I: Building C (The Flax Building) was completed in August of 1997.

Phase II – Building B

The new administration building will accommodate all stationed personnel from the seven (7) departments, and will occupy a total floor area of 14,636 sq. ft.

Ground Floor (5,506 sq. ft)

Parcel Post Office
General Post Office
Immigration

First Floor (6,214 sq. ft)

Immigration
Inland Revenue
Social Security
Labour
Water & Sewerage

Second Floor (2,916 sq. ft)

Chief Minister Office
Ministerial Suite
District Representative’s Office
District Officer’s Office
Conference Room

Associated Risks:
Assuming that negotiations with landowners are successful and complete and that requisite funding is secured, there should be no major risks associated with the implementation of this project. There will be some noise and dust associated with construction work that will be experienced by the surrounding residential area, as well as occupants of Building B. Also, damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters is a possible risk. However given the implementation of new standards and procedures in construction of buildings in the BVI, this risk should at least be reduced.

LOGICAL FRAMEWORK

VIRGIN GORDA ADMINISTRATION BUILDING – PHASE II

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