Opposition fires back at Road Town arena plan

Second District Representative Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull has taken aim at Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley's vision for a National Cultural Arena in Road Town, contending that the government is squandering prime commercial real estate on what he termed the Premier's "party centre".

During remarks on NDP Radio this week, Turnbull argued that the parcel behind the Ralph T O'Neal Administration Complex should be developed for business instead. "The land next to the Ralph T O'Neal Administration Complex could be used for big prime commercial space," he said. "I understand that the honourable Premier wants it designated for his party centre… that's where he keeps the shows and all kind of thing."

Turnbull also objected to siting an entertainment venue in Road Town's core. "That's where you're going to put something like that in the middle of town? You have to be more mindful of what you do. The planning that we're doing right now is not properly done," he stated.

His objections surfaced after the government unveiled conceptual designs for the venue. Former legislator Shereen Flax-Charles raised questions about whether cultural workers and specialists had meaningful input before designs were finalised. "I think in my opinion they put the cart before the horse," Flax-Charles said. She contended that sound engineers, singers, dancers and actors ought to have been part of architect consultations from the outset.

People's Leadership Movement chief Mark Vanterpool also voiced opposition, arguing that entertainment spending sits uneasily with residents facing high electricity bills and other financial strain.

The government inked a design contract for the arena in March 2026 via the Recovery and Development Agency. At the signing, Premier Wheatley pushed back against detractors, asserting that the long-term cultural value of such infrastructure had been overlooked.