The signing of contracts to fix the leaky roof of the Central Administration Building — repairs needed to prevent mould growth that some civil servants claim has made them sick — have been put on hold as the new government reviews the project, officials said.
On Nov. 4, the last workday of the previous Virgin Islands Party-led government, officials called journalists to a press conference to announce the signing of contracts to fix the roof.
Former Premier Ralph O’Neal was scheduled at 12:30 p.m. that day to sign agreements with two firms – construction manager Kraus-Manning and Easy Roof, a St. Maarten-based firm that specialises in roof construction.
But after officials, reporters, and contractors waited for nearly an hour, they were told the press conference had been postponed for three hours. Later, it was put off indefinitely without explanation.
Arlene Smith-Thompson, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, said on Nov. 23 that the roof contracts will take “a little bit more” review from the Attorney General’s Chambers and from the newly elected National Democratic Party government.
See the Dec. 1, 2011 edition for full coverage.