The Facilities Management Unit has been upgraded to a full-fledged department as the Government of the Virgin Islands works towards the transformation vision of the Public Service.

Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer said Cabinet accepted the Ministry’s Re-organisation Plan 2018 as part of the Public Service Transformation Plan. This is in line with the Government’s objective to stream-line services to drive efficiency and effectiveness, while focusing on service delivery to customers.

Honourable Rymer said the objective of restructuring the Facilities Management Unit to a Department included but was not limited to: 

• The development, implementation and increased accountability for the operational processing of building and vehicle maintenance;
• Implement, preventative maintenance practices, exceeding the expected life cycles of the government facilities;
• Enhance maintenance management processes;
• Review custodial services;
• Re-organise security and custodial work to ensure adequate coverage and productivity.

Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Facilities Management, Mr. Arriel Donovan said the unit was established in 1994 for the sole purpose of managing the upkeep and security of the Central Administration Complex, now renamed the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex.

Mr. Donovan said the destruction sustained to the Administration Complex from hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017, led to the relocation of ministries and departments and has expanded the role of the unit. 

Director Donovan added, “The department maintains and secures most Government owned and leased properties. Other additional responsibilities include the Government’s vehicle fleet management; the Courier and Chauffeur service; and the City Park and Ride Shuttle Service.”

The Department of Facilities Management is dedicated to building and maintaining a safe, secure and clean working environment for the occupants and visitors of government owned and leased properties, while establishing and enforcing safety guidelines and procedures in compliance with building and safety legislations.