Ocean Conversion has expressed disappointment over the decision taken by government to sign with Biwater, calling the move as a step backwards in the development of the Territory.

“By signing this contract with Biwater the Government of the BVI has with the single stroke of a pen, significantly impaired investment of the well over 1000 strong Virgin Islanders, Belongers and long term residents of the territory who have invested their hard earned dollars in Ocean Conversion,” the company stated in a release last Friday, a day after Government inked the water and sewerage contract.

Ocean Conversion, which was in the hunt for a water contract, said there was no formal notification of the decision from Government. The company also noted that they were not informed about a contract to continue operation of the Bar Bay plant and the subsequent provision of water in eastern Tortola.

Ocean Conversion maintained that their proposal would have saved the Government and people of the VI approximately $20 million on the initial cost of the project. The company alluded to the contract signing as reminiscent of the days back in the 1960’s and 70’s when significant contracts were awarded to foreign entities such as Bates Hill and Cable and Wireless.

According to Ocean Conversion, “This was not acceptable then and given the significant educational and economic advancements made by Virgin Islanders since then, it is definitely not acceptable in 2010,” Ocean Conversion stated. The company said particularly troublesome is that by Biwater’s own admission, they are seeking financing for the project from the savings of Virgin Islanders in local banks.  However, the profits made will all be shipped out to England for the benefit of a handful of Biwater shareholders”.
“February 18, 2010 will go down in the annals of BVI history as a sad day when a significant step backwards was taken by our Government in relation to Virgin Islanders investing and participating in the economy of their country.  It will be remembered as a day of disenfranchisement of all Virgin Islanders,” Ocean Conversion stated.

Opposition concerns

Opposition Leader, Dr. D. Orlando Smith said the government has finally decided to inform the public of its decision made months ago regarding the supply of the lion’s share of water to the Territory.

“This government has decided to yet again ignore the ideals of promoting entrepreneurship among its people [and] has ignored the consequences of this decision on hundreds of local investors. [The Government] has refused to negotiate with our local entrepreneurs and has instead decided to buy from Buy Water most of the water supply to the territory,” Dr. Smith noted in a release.
According to Dr. Smith, the government has also ignored the evidence produced by countries all over the world regarding their dissatisfaction with the performance of Biwater, several of whom had to resort to the courts for redress.
“This begs the question – Why is this government selling us out like this? Who is benefitting?” Dr. Smith questioned

Fair contract

Government officials have stressed that contracts for water distribution on Tortola were done in a fair manner. Minister for Communications and Works, Julian Fraser said 75 percent of water produced comes from the Baugher’s Bay Plant, which is owned by Government.
“Ocean Conversion BVI Limited continues to operate that plant even though it belongs to us. There is no reason for anyone to believe that anyone is being disenfranchised by this agreement; there is room for everyone,” the minister stated.
He furthered stated that he was directed by the Premier to enter into negotiations with Ocean Conversion BVI Limited for operation of the Baugher’s Bay Plant for one year.
Premier Ralph T. O‘Neal said that Ocean Conversion will have the contract to supply the eastern part of Tortola. The contract, which is expected to be signed this week, is for seven years initially with an option for renewal.

Share this story

---