Ribbon cut at DVES’ new Administration Building

Hon. Joey Hew from the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, and Stephen Quinland, Director of the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services (DVES), along with Deputy Governor, Franz Manderson, cut the ribbon on the big brand new DVES building at North Sound Road. It has been just over a year and a half since the groundbreaking for the new 2-story 8,734 square foot building which will not only provide office space for department managers and other employees, but will provide storage and inventory facilities too. DVES personnel service and maintain the Government’s fleet of more than 1000 vehicles and it is hoped that the new facility will help them complete their work more efficiently and under more pleasant conditions.

Mr. Quinland said the opening prayer: “Today I stand before you; a man touched with joy. Who is unbelievably thankful that you are helping DVES reach that unreachable star.”

Minister Hew said: “The main priority of this government is to provide the safe, modern and comfortable working environment, for the hard working members of the Cayman Islands Civil Service. “When I took my tour after taking office, I noticed that the working conditions were less than ideal for our staff here. So along with the Cabinet we remained committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure that this project would move forward.

“The improvements that we now witness will enhance staff productivity, and customer experience, all of which will contribute to the stable, effective and accountable government for which we strive. We will also reap the benefits of inventory management and control, and anticipate the need to reduce capital expenditure. DVES is a unique facility. It is the only facility across our islands which services every aspect of our vehicles and equipment needs; from a small weed whacker to a 40-ton truck; to a 70-ton car-crusher, and the compaction equipment at the Landfill. So it is truly remarkable, given the Government’s 1000 + vehicles and equipment, that it is all managed by this relatively small department.”

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting DVES and meeting with the five mechanics who are being trained, right upstairs in our new training room, in electric vehicle service and safety. This, of course is in preparation of the Government’s plan to convert 30 percent of our fleet to energy-efficient vehicles by the year 2027. After completion of phase 2 of DVES redevelopment plan with construction set to start in the first quarter of next year, these competent mechanics will be able to put their training to good use in a modern, state-of-the art service bay.

“The Department will have an increased number of bay spaces, which will lead to increased turnabout in repair times and increased working stability for the larger vehicles, and it will also minimize employee exposure to the elements. Tremendous benefits will result in the work here at DVES for many years to come.”

After the ribbon was cut, Minister Hew joined Mr. Manderson and Mr. Quinland on a tour of the new facility.