A Roger Downing & Partners Co. rendering of the cruise pier commercial spaces. Image: BVIPA

The BVI Ports Authority signed a $4.9 million contract with Ports and Marina Services Ltd. on Friday afternoon for work on foundations of the land-side portions of the territory’s cruise pier development.

A Roger Downing & Partners Co. rendering of the cruise pier commercial spaces. Image: BVIPA
The press was not invited to the signing because officials wanted to hold it as soon as possible, said BVIPA Public Relations Officer April Glasgow. “Even the ministers were not there,” she added.

The contract will cover demolition and below-ground works, such as installing pilings and concrete slab foundations, according to a BVIPA press release.

Speaking through Ms. Glasgow, BVIPA Managing Director Claude Skelton-Cline said that there were approximately 20 initial expressions of interest in the project, and three firms were invited to submit bids. James Todman Construction bid $3,739,801.38, Meridian Construction bid $4,040,153.11, and Ports and Marina Services Ltd. bid $5,184,405.31.

Although Ports and Marina Services Ltd., owned by Deric Maduro, submitted the highest bid, the firm was selected by a tender evaluation committee based on various factors, Ms. Glasgow said.

“It’s based on points,” she said, listing factors such as experience, overall credibility, access to financing, and ability to meet an engineering timeline.

Ports and Marina Services Ltd is not listed in Virgin Islands directories, and Mr. Maduro could not be reached at his other business, D & B Trucking. Mr. Maduro’s son Gianni also attended the contract signing.

Mr. Skelton-Cline said that while the contract won’t be released to the public, he’s open to answering questions about the works.

 

See the June 6, 2014 edition for full coverage.

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