GOV’T SIGNS $35M LOAN AGREEMENT FOR NEW HOSPITAL PROJECT
Friday, May 11 – Government signed a $35 million loan agreement with the BVI Social Security Board today towards construction of the new hospital estimated at $63.9 million.
During a ceremony at the Central Administration Building, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance, Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, said the project will be funded through loans from BVI Social Security Board, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, and First Caribbean International Bank.
“The second part of this loan is being finalised and we will host a similar ceremony to recognise the contributions by the other financial institutions,” he said while adding that this is expected to be done by the middle of next month.
The Deputy Chief Minister commended the BVI Social Security Board’s record of investing in worthwhile social and infrastructural projects in the Territory.
“Over the past years the Board assisted Government to secure a loan of $10 million to assist with vital road repairs; donated a world class CAT scan machine to Peebles Hospital; and led numerous initiatives to strengthen and uplift our community,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that the BVI Social Security Board continues to play an important role through the loan agreement that was signed today. “The Board is helping to complete the financing requirements for our new hospital project,” he said.
In addition, he spoke about the current administration’s promise to deliver a modern healthcare facility to the people of the Territory, when they assumed office four years ago. “What we have achieved today is all made possible because our Territory stood together as one and put our energy, resources and faith behind this goal,” he said.
Chairman of the BVI Social Security Board Ms. Sheila George also spoke at the signing, while Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith chaired the ceremony.
On January 22, 2007 Government signed a contract for the construction of the new hospital with three local and overseas firms that have teamed up for the project, following Executive Council’s approval to award the contract to Mirsand-Carimex-Quantum.
The new 150,000 square foot, six-storey facility is to be built on the excavated property directly behind the existing hospital. The new designs, which were completed by the Dallas architectural firm PageSoutherlandPage (PSP), includes all the amenities of the designs proposed originally but with more floor space and more parking.
Government revisited the original designs for the previously planned hospital with a view to reducing operational cost while increasing its function and practicality.
The facility will include 128 beds, three standard-size operating theatres, at least two nursing stations to support each of the major hospital wards, three labour and delivery rooms, a physiotherapy wing, new pharmacy and medical records unit, psychiatric inpatient unit, a chapel, cafeteria and gift shop.
