The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), working in support of the Government of the Virgin Islands, has signed a contract with Barry’s Electrical Services Ltd. for design and installation services aimed at improving generator connectivity at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
The contract, signed on 12 January, is valued at $845,530.76 and represents a key step toward strengthening the electrical resilience and operational continuity of the Territory’s primary healthcare facility.
Under the scope of works, the project will see the decommissioning and removal of two aging generators, along with the reconfiguration and connection of the Major Peebles Wing and Annex buildings to the hospital’s existing generator plant. Once completed, the entire hospital campus will operate on a unified generator system, improving efficiency, reliability, and emergency preparedness.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the project reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
“My Government continues to prioritise the continued strengthening of our nation’s healthcare infrastructure. This morning we take another step forward with a project that is guaranteed to enhance the reliability and overall quality of service at our main public hospital,” he said.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Vincent Wheatley, also underscored the importance of the project and expressed confidence in the contractor. He noted that the upgrade will help ensure continuity of critical services, including dialysis, which operates six days a week. “Early morning calls on power outages will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ron Potter, said the authority is currently implementing several infrastructure projects to upgrade and redevelop healthcare facilities across the Territory. He noted that the BVIHSA has partnered with the RDA to deliver capital infrastructure projects once financing is secured, and thanked the agency for helping ensure timely and efficient execution.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster highlighted the collaborative nature of the project and its contribution to local capacity building. He commended Managing Director of Barry’s Electrical Services, Ronson Barry, and his team, noting the involvement of his sons as an example of generational skills transfer and youth development.
Barry, speaking on behalf of the contractor, expressed appreciation for the opportunity and said the company is committed to delivering a high-quality outcome. He noted Barry’s Electrical Services’ experience on previous public sector projects, including the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre and the Marine Base.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Tasha Bertie and Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority Dr. June Samuel were also in attendance at the signing.
The project is scheduled to be completed over a 20-week period and forms part of continued collaboration between the Government of the Virgin Islands, the RDA, and sector partners to strengthen critical infrastructure and safeguard essential public services.