However, while renovations are finally complete, it seemed to have happened at a cost overrun of more than $100,000.

The works which started last November was initially contracted for $766,028 to Ridgeview Construction (BVI). But in a government-commissioned media release on Friday, the “overall contract cost” was $878,118.32. This represents an overrun of $112,090.32.

No explanation has been given about why the project — which was led by the Deputy Governor’s Office and implemented through the Recovery & Development Agency — seemingly ran over budget or above the cost previously given.

The newly refurbished facility, which is based next door to the Virgin Gorda Police Station, was officially opened on September 6 — exactly two years after it sustained damage by Hurricane Irma.

‘Good example of partnership’

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Jaspert said the project “represents a success on the journey towards achieving the results of the build-back-better process.”

He said the project, which was funded by the United Kingdom, was “a good example of partnership” between the governments of the United Kingdom and the British Virgin Islands.

Premier Andrew Fahie, in the meantime, said the project “involved many parts coming together to make it a success”.

Hurricane-damaged barracks affected policing on sister island

Last year, Police Commissioner Michael Matthews bemoaned that the hurricane-damaged barracks affected policing on Virgin Gorda.

“We’ve recently tried to increase the number of officers on Virgin Gorda except we got nowhere to house the officers if they, for example, live on Tortola,” Commissioner Matthews said at the time.

He added” “We are sending the officers across using the public service, except, the ferries don’t run particularly late at the moment and so I’m having difficulty in sustaining the coverage I want because those officers have got to get back.”