A significant step has been taken toward strengthening the Virgin Islands’ national security infrastructure with the signing of a contract for the Design and Construction Management of the Immigration Detention Centre on Thursday, 12 June, 2025.

The contract valued at US$370,000.00 was awarded to Trojan Design and Development Ltd following a Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) procurement method.

The project is funded through the Government of the Virgin Islands $100 million loan facility with CIBC and is being led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency in partnership with the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. The Department of Immigration is the main beneficiary of the initiative.

The proposed 12,000 sq. ft. facility will be a secure, modern structure designed in compliance with international human rights conventions. It will provide separate quarters for male and female detainees, including a triage area for basic medical care, recreational space, and designated operational areas for processing, visitation, and reception.

The new Immigration Detention Centre is intended to temporarily house individuals held for immigration-related or legal reasons, such as persons who entered the Territory irregularly, overstayed their landing, breached entry conditions, are seeking asylum, or are subject to deportation orders.

This critical investment aligns with Outcome #12 of the National Sustainable Development Plan: Peace, Safety, Security, and Justice for All, and supports the broader governmental aim of reforming and modernising the Territory’s law enforcement infrastructure.

In his remarks, Acting Premier Honourable Kye Rymer underscored Government’s commitment to ensuring the Territory is equipped with appropriate facilities to manage individuals detained for immigration-related reasons.

Honourable Rymer noted that advancing this project through the loan facility was both necessary and timely, given the longstanding concerns raised by the Department of Immigration.

“I am pleased that the Government continues to partner with the RDA to move critical projects forward. We are encouraged to see this project reach this important milestone, and we remain intent on keeping the timeline and advancing it to construction as planned,” said the Acting Premier.

Mrs. Sophia Berkeley, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, expressed confidence in the project’s progress and fiscal management.

“As the Accounting Officer, I always expect value for money.  We know that, at times, projects don’t always stay within budgetary constraints, but I am hopeful that through the design, we will be able to deliver a facility we are satisfied with—both in terms of quality and cost. It has been a pleasure working with the team so far and I am hopeful that we will continue to meet the targets, or even exceed our targets by the end of the year”.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge said, “We have faced many challenges over the years, and it has been a long journey—from losing our initial detention facility to finally reaching to this point where we can begin moving forward with the establishment of a new facility. I’m truly excited that we will soon be able to provide a better service for those persons we detain. Regardless of the reason someone is detained, they should expect—and deserve—a better experience than what we currently offer.”

The Acting Chief Immigration Officer added, “This project is going to be a game changer for us, both locally and regionally. Many of our counterparts across the region also struggle with inadequate facilities, and I believe this new centre will position the Virgin Islands as a leader in secure, and humane immigration detention”.

Speaking on behalf of the RDA, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anthony McMaster stated that the agency is pleased to support the Government’s vision of enhanced border control and national security while maintaining its commitment to humane and dignified treatment of detainees.

“We know from the preliminary work undertaken with the Department of Immigration that this is a long-awaited project—but also a very urgent one. Today, we are truly excited to reach this stage because it means we are not only moving the Territory one step closer to full recovery, but also toward sustainable development and national progress. This facility represents betterment—not just for our country, but for those who come to our shores.”

Contract recipient and Managing Director of Trojan Design and Development Ltd. Ronnie Lettsome shared his perspective, drawing from his background in aviation.

“Having worked in the aviation industry, I’ve witnessed the challenges faced by Immigration firsthand.  As stated before, this project is not just about infrastructure; it is about ethics, human dignity, and setting a new standard for how we treat people entering our Territory. At Trojan, we’re committed to delivering value for money and doing everything we can to stay on or ahead of schedule. While I can’t make promises, my team and I are fully dedicated to pushing this project forward—not just on paper, but through to full execution.”

For more information on the Immigration Detention Centre and other projects being implemented by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, visit www.bvirecovery.vg or follow the RDA on its digital platforms – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Highlights from the 12^th June, 2025 contract signing ceremony for Consultancy Services for the Design and Construction Management of the Immigration Detention Centre.

For more information contact:

Colene A. Penn

Head of Communication

Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency

T: (284) 440-0040

General Enquiries:  communications@bvirecovery.vg 

Website: www.bvirecovery.vg