A state-of-the-art learning facility for the University of the Virgin Islands’ nursing program could be completed “this summer,” according to the institution’s president.
UVI broke ground on the project at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix in November 2023. According to a press release shared after the groundbreaking ceremony, UVI stated that the 11,800 square foot building “will serve as the learning center for nursing students and house the University’s Health Services Department.”
Speaking to the Committee on Education and Workforce Development on Wednesday, Dr. Safiya George told lawmakers that the project is “more than 95% complete.”
“We were told it would be ready in January, but you know how that goes,” she said. “They're honestly almost finished. And I imagine that they should be finished this summer, for sure, for real this time,” George assured.
She added that walls are up and the contractor has worked on the surrounding sidewalks. “The cabinets are finished. It's just wrapping up and doing finishing touches because they're more than 95% complete,” she said to Senator Clifford Joseph.
George confirmed that furniture and equipment have already been ordered to outfit the building.
Construction was initially expected to last 18 months, with a completion date scheduled for 2025. It was not stated what contributed to the project’s extension into 2026.
Delayed allotments totaling over $8 million have impacted UVI’s ability to pay vendors, including the contractor for this major project. George explained that payments were kept current until January. However, outstanding allotments have caused delays, particularly in February and March, “because of our not receiving our allotments, or even our drawdowns from the funding source that we use for that facility.”
The federal shutdown also created some challenges. However, “we are now getting back up to speed and have made payments,” George confirmed.
Per UVI, the new nursing school building will replace six modular buildings erected nearly 30 years ago.
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