Restrooms under construction at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park were a point of political contention this week over the airwaves and in the House of Assembly, as legislators disagreed about the cost, size and placement of the facility.
Ground was broken at the site on May 24, and workers can be seen daily at the park. Earlier this month, Premier Ralph O’Neal issued a statement that the project was “moving forward swiftly, nicely.” The restroom is slated to be completed in time for the August Emancipation Festival.
Mr. O’Neal has repeatedly praised the project for being a public-private partnership, with government sharing responsibility with the Tortola Lions Club. The community group solicited donations of money and services to build the restroom, according to member Carvin Malone.
Monday, opposition National Democratic Party members said on their radio programme that the project cost is out of line. Archibald “Archie” Christian, a real estate appraiser and candidate for the upcoming general election, said the public restrooms built on the Festival Village Grounds were much larger but cost $250,000. Mr. Christian said he would expect the park project to cost no more that $80,000 and that government should release a breakdown of exactly how the money is allocated.
See the June 23, 2011 edition for full coverage.