Government signs $1.72M contract with Island Concrete
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development, signed a $1,722,396.36 contract with Island Concrete Limited on 3 November 2025 to build the Long Look Social Home Complex, with completion expected by December 2026. Government releases and local media say the complex will provide structured accommodation and support services for chronically homeless and vulnerable residents, complementing the existing Safe Haven Transitional Centre and marking an investment in social protection and community healing.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development, formally signed a contract with Island Concrete Limited on Monday, 3 November 2025 to construct the Long Look Social Home Complex, officials announced in a Government release and confirmed by local media.
The contract was signed for $1,722,396.36 — a figure first reported by Jahphix Television (JTV) and since confirmed by the Government — and Island Concrete's managing director, Dion Crabbe, signed on behalf of the company. Crabbe told reporters the firm is honoured to be part of a project that impacts his community and pledged timely, cost‑effective completion along with meaningful involvement of Long Look residents in the construction process (JTV; Government of the Virgin Islands).
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Wheatley attended the signing and described the project as "a symbol of our collective compassion and commitment to ensuring that every Virgin Islander, regardless of circumstance, has access to the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity," the Government release said.
Guavaberry's coverage of the signing echoed Government messages, calling the initiative transformative and describing it as "an investment in people, community, healing, and in hope," underscoring the administration's view that social progress is as vital as economic growth (Government of the Virgin Islands; Guavaberry).
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley described the Long Look Social Home Complex as a cornerstone of the Ministry's transformation toward a Ministry for social protection and inclusion. He noted that, following passage of the Public Assistance Act 2024, the Ministry has intensified efforts to modernise systems and facilities to meet the Territory's evolving social needs. "The Long Look Social Home Complex is not just a building," the Minister said. "It is a safe place for recovery, empowerment, and transition" (Government of the Virgin Islands; VINO).
According to the Government release and local reporting, construction is expected to be completed by December 2026 and the site will be built "in the heart of Long Look." The complex will offer structured accommodation and comprehensive support services for chronically homeless individuals and persons facing severe social and economic hardship, and is intended to complement the existing Safe Haven Transitional Centre by providing a crucial next step toward rehabilitation, reintegration and independent living (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News).
Officials say management of the new centre is expected to be a joint responsibility of the Social Development Department and the Safe Haven Transitional Centre, operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Health and Social Development (BVI News; VINO). Community groups, service providers and residents have been awaiting details on capacity, programme places and safeguards; government communications noted that further implementation plans, timelines, budgets and community engagement strategies will be shared as mobilisation begins (JTV; Government of the Virgin Islands).
Stakeholders and Long Look residents will be watching for follow-up information on how many beds and programme places will be available, what operational safeguards will be in place, and how local labour and support services will be engaged during construction and after opening. The Ministry's public health communications team published contact details for media enquiries and encouraged stakeholders to follow forthcoming updates (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News).
Primary source: BVI News