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**QUEEN** » 2012-06-22 00:15

Hey SKYEWILL what planet are you on...they delivered a nice building..???.. .it was already there..!!!..all they did was re-do the interior..!! and it took them three years at an inflated cost..!!!...and guess who did the job..??...pleas e dont be sooooo ignorant....

**John French II** » 2012-06-19 00:47

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Sadly, Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear to Tread. Where were the Project & Construction Managers from Punlic Works not to ask for the Quantity Surveyors, Architects and Engineers?
Tenman, as much as you detest the three little words, it must be suggested RWE.
Take a look at this and you will understand how these are approached.
First rule of thumb if the cost of existing facility, refurbishment, upgrades and renos approach 65% or more of new facility - move on.
Here is RS Means' dollar-per-squa re-foot construction costs: four types of office buildings as published by Reed Construction Data.
re-foot-construction-costs-four-types-of-office-buil/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">www.reedconstructiondata.com/construction-forecast/news/2012/02/rsmeans-dollar-per-squa re-foot-construction-costs-four-types-of-office-buil/
Too many experts with nary a clue. When will they learn? All of these major infrastructure developments are going to cost the Poor People of Antigua & Barbuda Dearly. It is so sad to see how the Contractor led the Good Hon Min of Fin by the nose to get his hotel completed through Construct Antigua.
Go Well My Friends! Enjoyed the discussion & comments. Much Respect!

**GARRAT** » 2012-06-18 16:35

let us cut through the chase. We are caught up in a global economic and financial crisis. Workers in the construction industry are mostly without jobs. Masons, carpenters,stee l benders, painters and labourers are all looking for work. The UPP Government seems oblivious to this truism. They took over EC$12.4 Million of out tax dollars and bought piece of a prefab building at Woods while fathers, sons, brothers uncles sisters and mums are left waiting for work; and Christian who move from one job to many in the government is telling the waiting crowd of unemployed that this is a good deal! This need an independent inquiry . Why should some rich cat walk away with over $8M while many go hungry? Damn shame!

**Smoke n Mirrors** » 2012-06-18 15:19

In the 1st photo it looks like Baldwin is asking Harold "are you sure this was a good move?" Harold replies sheepishly "I hope so Sir."

**Observer** » 2012-06-18 07:58

Fnspr: The building is 30,000 sq.ft. But it is not just empty space that constitutes the cost. If 30,000 sq.ft of space is rented complete with furniture, state of the art telephone system, and all the other accoutrements installed in the building, it surely won't be $5.00 per sq.ft. That i**hink the $2.00 was added. And you would not get any place in St. John's comparable to that at $5.00 per sq.ft even if it is empty. Besides, on Friars Hill road, there are "common costs" that are added to the rent. Don't get me wrong, I am not carrying a torch for Mr. Christian. I am just stating what I know to be fact.

**Audrey Taylor** » 2012-06-17 07:14

* million Dollars for a steel frame and fabricated concrete. I believe you can take a bite of of some parts of that building. Iwould like to see an official valuation report on that structure....mo re cheeze for the greedy

**antiguan nomore** » 2012-06-17 03:36

just move this **ed man from my computer. i do not want to be an Antiguan right now. will someone please wake me when antigua has a prime minister that went to school and not one with fake phds'

**browngal** » 2012-06-16 22:52

Tenman, I have an assignment for you. I need you to check for me if Government is paying less rent than prior ton 2004. My View from where I am sitting is NO. I can understand if you are giving up the rental for you own and I applaud this. However, I gather Establishment Division is going to move into the Shoul's building. The Treasury is moving into the old CIBC Building. Audit Dept. has moved into the Armstrong Building on St. Mary's & Temple Streets, the Intellectual Property into the Hewlett Building on St. John's Street. Citizens Welfare into the Richardson Building on High street (while Xtreme Mas has moved into the Citizens Welfare Building). Tenman I think just made your assignment easier.

**Anu** » 2012-06-16 21:20

There is nothing wrong with government making investment into owning its own real estate. Truly it will save them some money on a long term basis. What really baffles me is why did'nt the government prepare an estimated cost to construct a building that would be designed for their needs and then make comparison to the investment that they have gone through with. Even if it would have cost the government a few extra dollars to construct, i think it would have done the country some good by getting local contractors involve, so at lease some of that money would have been circulated in our economy. Many citizen would have benefitted both directly and indirectly if they had taken that route. However i can recall Mr Lovell being interviewed on a radio programme and concerns about constructing a new building was asked of him and his reply was, in the interest of time the government went this route. It would have taken them too long a time to construct a new building. They had estimated a time of aprox.. six months to occupy the new premises but it took two years. Also why would govt want to purchase a building with structural problems (sinking)? Would'nt it be more costly to maintain?

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-16 20:29

Tenman, I believe that we are on the same page.

The question to be answered is what should have been done? I do not know without information to do a complete cost comparison analysis. Perhaps, Caribarena, under the FOIA, can ask for the studies that were done to arrive at the decision and undertake the project. Good debate!

"Let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

**tenman** » 2012-06-16 19:27

fnspr sorry I never saw your 2012-06-16 17:08 comment until i submitted mine. We are both advocating the same formula. Perhaps its my education that causes me to see things done without showing the side work as suspect. It all has to be transparent, this is tax payers moneys. These behind the back deals with persons simply telling tales cannot work. The same Christian stated that minor fixes were needed to the building, yet it took them 2 years. If this was a private sector initiate, two new building could have been built in that time

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**fnpsr** » 2012-06-16 19:20

Tenman, I m not taking anything as fact. I am only restating the information given. Based on the question posed, the owner does not know what to do and he has asked his team for a recommendation. Thus, what you are doing, as member of the team, is an integral part of the analysis. The question whether to rent is only of the options that has to be considered.

Tenman, based on your post, the plot thickens. Now according to you, the new office building is temporary and there are plans to construct a building, with “BOOT” and pay rent and eventually purchases it. As it stands now, I as the owner would be very confused. However, do you see what happens when we flush out options?

Also, notice that funding was not part of the question. That would be dealt with when the decision is made. Additionally, such things as location, ease of access, parking and the like would have to be considered later.

“let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**tenman** » 2012-06-16 17:41

fnspr why are taking the EC 2.5 million per year as a fact? Commonsense should tell you that no proper building which could rent for 2.5 million a year would sell for 8 or 12 million. The rental cost for office space in the heart of town is about 5EC per sq foot per month. Keep in mind properties at woods would not rent for as much as those in town. Using the 5.00 per sq foot town rate, is Mr. Christian suggesting that inland revenue now has at least 42K sq feet in office space now available at woods? fnspr the current digs at woods are temporary according to MP Lovell. He labels it an investment property. The long term plan is to have State insurance finance a building (BOOT arrangement), where there will essentially be a monthly rent and then government will get ownership (see www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/9238-ondcp-to-review-cooper-sale.html)
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**fnpsr** » 2012-06-16 17:08

Tenman, welcome back to the debate. "The problem I have with the value for money suggestion by Mr. Christian is we are yet to see a valuation report supporting the moneys spent." Tenman, this is exactly my point. Somebody has a "hunch" and the next thing you know it becomes a project and soon thereafter they have buyers' remorse. Value for for money here is quantitative and can be demonstrated ostensibly. If the powers that be would just take the time to do feasibility studies and or cost comparison analyses, they would do much better and alleviate much of the doubt.

"let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.

**tenman** » 2012-06-16 16:12

fnspr, the plan initially was to have this building (financed by State insurance) provide office space to Inland revenue. In the past it was also suggested that the area for the car park "can't park" would provide office space for government offices. The problem I have with the value for money suggestion by Mr. Christian is we are yet to see a valuation report supporting the moneys spent. There has been talk for years that the building at Woods has been sinking. In addition at a time when projects were needed to stimulate the economy, this did not provide the best stimulus for a 12 million dollar investment
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**tenman** » 2012-06-16 16:07

fnspr if you were to look at the prospectus for a Dec 2011 treasury bill offering by the government, you will note it states:

Quote:

Finally, economic performance in 2011 and into the medium term will be achieved through a number of public and private sector projects. Financing for a number of these initiatives is still being negotiated. Once work on these projects commences, it is expected that economic output and employment will be significantly impacted. Among these projects are construction 12 of modern office buildings and conference facilities by the State Insurance Corporation and the Antigua Department of Marine Services at a combined cost of US$30 million;

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-16 15:16

Everyone makes good points, but we do not know how good they are until you flush them out. With that said, suppose you are the owner of a small bushiness enterprise. Let’s call it IRD. You are somewhat successful and you believe that improvements such as a new structure, purchase of an existing building and renovating it (Woods) or rent an existing building that will meet your needs. Improved technology and the like will make you better and increase your revenues (taxes). You call your management team together and outline your dilemma and ask for their advice. You give them 30 days to come up with the best option. Which option would you recommend? Your recommendation should be fully documented.

Additional facts are as follows: To purchase and renovate: EC $11.256 M. To rent: EC 2.5 M per year into perpetuity. The X factor is the cost of construction of a new building.

So in order to make an informed decision a comprehensive cost comparison analysis must be done. Good Luck!!

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**Dessalines** » 2012-06-16 12:10

Youre missing the point. The 'success' alluded to here is not tax compliance rAtes or seamless business processes. The success is about the government owning its own property as opposed to paying astronomical annual rental costs.

I agree with Markus that they should've started from scratch however looking at the existing parliament building complex I'm not sure we would've gotten something of a superior quality.

**Eric** » 2012-06-16 11:16

Well Well!!! Are you people always unsatisfied, negative and desperate? What kind of people are you? Always so power hungry and continuously drunk with the RED COOL AID? All you do is continue to vomit up the prescribed “talking points” of the ALP. There is always lots of talk but none of you can do better.
I agree, let’s fix the little things first – let’s get to the bottom of the IHI affair. Let us return the millions of dollars taken from the treasury.

**skyewill** » 2012-06-16 09:34

It's a start and not it's not perfect and while I agree the x certificate thing is a business killer and the government do need to produce a good administrative/ information Management system, it's a start. Our systems have been a mess long before UPP, this is progress and an improvement. You are a very intelligent man. Send your suggestions to the Minister in charge. I just hope it's not another loan other than that I like it so far and I look for them to get better.

**Markus.l** » 2012-06-16 09:34

This steel frame is at least 25 years old with a sinking foundation and craked up floors. With all the lands GOAB has ,would it have been better to built a new building and provide jobs in a depressed economy//?
The same IRD which is taxing the people into poverty now spends the tax $ buying old building from Cronies.
Was this build not owned by Bill Copper, Who was his personal Banker??

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-16 09:31

Congratulations on the new building. However, you need to collect more that 52 percent of revenues. Additionally, you spend $962 K on furnishing and only $130 K on telephones and IT. Shouldn't this be reversed?

"Let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

**skyewill** » 2012-06-16 09:18

If the tax payer DON NOT owe any money and it's paid in full, then I will agree with the PM, They delivered a really nice building and a good move into getting the country on track. I like what Mr. Christian said about getting better and better every day. I hope there is a good maintenance plan in place and there is also a training division in the organization to keep all employees advanced including management..... Good job keep it up.

**tenman** » 2012-06-16 08:22

A building that was to take 6 months to have ready, took two years and this is deemed a sucess? What is a failure, the can't park which has already had its opening yet is useless? Has anyone taken the time to ask the actual customers how better the experience is? Wasn't the real problem inefficient procedures caused by bad policies which continue to this day? Why should any person who wants to get items from the port go through the manual process currently required to get a tax complaint certificate? There has to be real communication between government offices and a new building does nothing to fix this real problem.

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