Road Town, Tortola - The Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Julian Fraser RA reported to the House of Assembly on Monday that Ocean Conversion BVI Limited was offered one million dollars to continue operations at the Baugher’s Bay Plant.

This offer according to the minister was made following a letter that was received by the company to discontinue its operations.

“Ocean Conversion will turn over to the Government full responsibility for operation of the Baugher’s Bay Desalination Plant by the end of business on 29 March 2010,” according to the letter signed by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Federick W. McTaggart.

Minister Fraser knew the impact that would have on the Territory and therefore attempted to conduct further negotiations to avoid disruption to water services. “Mr. Speaker, I even went a step further by asking if I was to arrange to get them a million dollars to tie them over until I was in a position to negotiate, would they continue to operate the Plant. I immediately met with the Premier and Financial Secretary and I got their approval to make the offer, which would have been payable the following morning,” the minister explained.

According to the minister’s statement, “Mr. Harrigan promised he will get back to me, and within 15 minutes I noticed receipt of a text from him, which stated: “Minister Fraser as discussed today it is not a money issue so the $1 million dollars does not change our decision. What we need is resolution on the issues raised.”

According to the statement the Permanent Secretary later informed the minister that at the request of the local Plant Manager Mr. Leverett he and the Deputy Director of the Water and Sewerage Department Mr. Kerof had gone to the plant and collected the keys at about 5:15 pm on Monday, 29th March 2010 and that the plant was in shutdown mode at the time he received the keys.

“Mr. Speaker, after briefly consulting with the Permanent Secretary, I directed that he contact the other sole producer of water on Tortola, Aqua Design BVI Ltd. and in addition he further contacted Seven Seas Water Corporation of Florida. Mr. Speaker, without any commitment from Government, Seven Seas Water Corporation flew in two of their experts who reported for duty at the Plant on Tuesday, and together with Aqua Design they worked all day Tuesday and thru the night to Wednesday, followed by a full day on Wednesday and into the night,” the minister said.

Minister Fraser further explained that by Thursday April 1st one train at the Plant was up and running producing 582,000 gallons of water per day. I am pleased to report that as of 1:00 pm Saturday April 10th, both trains had resumed full production, and at last report the Plant was producing around 1,000,000 imperial gallons of water per day.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is committed to the continued development and maintenance of the public infrastructure.