VANTERPOOL BACKS COMMERCIAL MAKEOVER FOR DAMAGED ADMIN BUILDING

Mark Vanterpool, a businessman and former legislator, has pitched a commercial redevelopment of the hurricane-damaged Ralph T. O'Neal Administration Complex as an alternative to restoring it for government use.

During an appearance on Talking Points radio, Vanterpool outlined plans to occupy the ground floor with a small retail mall featuring roughly 600-square-foot spaces designed for startup entrepreneurs. The remaining levels, he suggested, could serve as conference rooms and lodging, possibly connected to an adjoining hotel.

Vanterpool contended that limiting the prime Road Town site to administrative offices would squander its economic potential. He noted that a mixed-use development would sustain foot traffic and commercial activity after 5 pm, when government staff typically depart. He also warned that returning ministries to the complex could leave privately owned office buildings empty, damaging the commercial real estate market.

The proposal follows suggestions from political commentator Cindy Rosan that the building become a national museum, library and cultural venue. That idea faced significant public opposition.

Co-host Damion Grange pushed back on Vanterpool's vacancy concerns, pointing out that government tenancy in private buildings can drive up rents and squeeze small operators. Grange also defended centralised government, noting that scattered services force residents to travel across multiple sites, describing this as "unsustainable."

Vanterpool responded by citing traffic gridlock and security risks from concentrated operations. He proposed a bolder step: placing the Ministry of Tourism on Virgin Gorda, the Ministry of Fishing in Anegada, and the Ministry of Environment in Jost Van Dyke. This dispersal, he argued, would channel spending to outlying communities like Sea Cows Bay.

Co-host Elvin Grant urged caution against letting grand plans distract from urgent needs. "I think we've got to get water running, electricity prices down, we've got to get the roads fixed," Grant said.