Accessibility
Text size
Virgin Islands Innovative Association (VIIA) leader Levor Lettsome believes that the Territory is “in a mess”, accusing the Virgin Islands Party Government of failing to manage the public’s money wisely.
Lettsome, a prospective At-Large candidate, pointed to what he said was $28 million spent on commercial rent since Hurricane Irma damaged the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in 2017.
“The country is in a mess. Twenty-eight million dollars in commercial rent. We should not be paying that,” Lettsome said recently on the Talking Points programme.
He said several government offices are costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each month, with some rental payments reaching about $16,000.
Lettsome argued that alternative arrangements, including properly outfitted temporary structures, could have reduced the Government’s reliance on expensive commercial properties while repairs continued at the Admin Complex.
The complex has remained out of full use since it was extensively damaged by Hurricane Irma nine years ago, forcing government ministries and departments into rented buildings across Tortola.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently said the Government remains committed to fully reopening the Admin Complex next year, once the outstanding repairs are completed. Major interior works are expected to form part of the remaining restoration.
The Government also recently invited tenders for insurance coverage for the building as preparations continue for its return to full operation.
The VIIA leader argued that better planning following the 2017 hurricanes could have preserved millions of dollars for public infrastructure and other pressing needs.
Lettsome, a prospective At-Large candidate, pointed to what he said was $28 million spent on commercial rent since Hurricane Irma damaged the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in 2017.
“The country is in a mess. Twenty-eight million dollars in commercial rent. We should not be paying that,” Lettsome said recently on the Talking Points programme.
He said several government offices are costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each month, with some rental payments reaching about $16,000.
Lettsome argued that alternative arrangements, including properly outfitted temporary structures, could have reduced the Government’s reliance on expensive commercial properties while repairs continued at the Admin Complex.
The complex has remained out of full use since it was extensively damaged by Hurricane Irma nine years ago, forcing government ministries and departments into rented buildings across Tortola.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently said the Government remains committed to fully reopening the Admin Complex next year, once the outstanding repairs are completed. Major interior works are expected to form part of the remaining restoration.
The Government also recently invited tenders for insurance coverage for the building as preparations continue for its return to full operation.
The VIIA leader argued that better planning following the 2017 hurricanes could have preserved millions of dollars for public infrastructure and other pressing needs.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.