Is the Road Town Market Square a ‘white elephant’?

Territorial At-Large Representative and Deputy Speaker Stacey Mather has raised concerns about the government’s investment in Road Town Market Square, questioning whether the $1.5 million project, intended to revitalise the area and provide opportunities for vendors, will ever generate returns.

In a recent House of Assembly debate about the government’s $100 million loan resolution, Mather addressed the delays and financial management issues surrounding the project. He noted that the project was initially budgeted at $1,432,500 and was supposed to be completed in May 2021.

However, the market was not officially opened until February 2023, with some work still pending. “The Road Town Market looks pretty, but what’s the rate of return on that?” Mather asked. During last year’s dedication ceremony, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer expressed hope that the Market Square would encourage economic enrichment and recreational enjoyment.

“As tourism is everyone’s business, in these beautiful Virgin Islands, we felt that it was important to present festive kiosks that will attract both tourists and residents alike,” Rymer said. “From today, this market will be bustling with vendors selling local and imported produce and goods, the sound of music, and people shopping.”