Progress at New VG Block Plant
Work is advancing on a new eco-friendly block plant on Virgin Gorda that aims to cut the territory's reliance on imported concrete blocks and create local jobs. Ninth District Representative Vincent O. Wheatley visited the site on May 28, 2026, and voiced support while acknowledging remaining challenges.
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Ninth District Representative Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley visited the site in Virgin Gorda where a new block plant is set to begin operations. He said the project faces challenges but expressed confidence in the community's ability to address them, noting, "Working together, we can overcome them all." The facility, developed under the Block Works VI initiative, produces concrete blocks using recycled glass sand.
Project backers say the plant will revive local block manufacturing after more than 20 years of reliance on imports, reduce construction costs over time, and help keep money circulating within the local economy. "I think it’s a great idea," Honourable Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online. "Not only will this reduce our reliance on imports and promote greater local circulation of money, but it will also create jobs." Block Works VI emphasises sustainability: its blocks use crushed waste glass, providing a reuse pathway for discarded glass and helping to reduce glass pollution on roadsides and beaches across the territory.
The venture received a boost after winning the 2025 VI Purpose Fund Impact Challenge and has attracted support from community groups including the Unite BVI Foundation. Local manufacturing of building materials is particularly relevant for BVI residents. Producing blocks at home could shorten lead times for construction and repairs—an advantage when preparing for or responding to storms—and lessen exposure to international supply chain disruptions and import costs that have affected the territory's construction sector.
Our newsroom sought comment from the project team, including a request to Mr Lennard, but he respectfully declined to participate in interviews or news articles. Officials have not yet provided a firm opening date for the plant, and representatives say some operational and logistical hurdles remain to be resolved before full production begins.
For Virgin Gorda residents, the plant offers the potential for new trades and labour opportunities and aligns with broader territory goals around circular economy practices and environmental cleanup. As the project moves from site preparation toward commissioning, community stakeholders and residents will be watching for announcements on employment plans, production capacity, and how recycled-material sourcing will be managed.
BVI Live will continue to follow developments and report on confirmations of timelines, job opportunities, and further statements from project leaders and elected representatives.
Primary source: VINO