Steady progress continues to be made on the recovery front as new contracts were signed to advance recovery works in the Virgin Islands.

K and C Construction was awarded the contract for the repairs to the Attorney General’s (AG) Residence valued at 331,862.53 at a contract signing ceremony on January 21. 

The scope of works for this project includes a total refurbishment of the Attorney General’s Residence to provide fit-for purpose accommodation for the Attorney General.  The residence sustained significant damage, particularly to its roof during Hurricanes Irma and Maria and further damage from constant exposure to the natural elements, rainwater ingress and general deterioration. 

The refurbished home will feature a full replacement of the roof and structural elements, windows, doors, drywall, new kitchen cabinetry, closets, electrical, plumbing, air condition and exterior works.  Works are scheduled to commence on February 7 for a period of five months.

As part of this signing ceremony, the RDA recognised the contract awarded earlier this month to Amandla Engineering for the supply and installation of the Solar Facility for the Leonora Delville Primary School valued at $40,748.00. This facility will provide resilient power, lowering the school’s energy bill and ensuring a resilient community facility that will supply power in times of crisis.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said the Virgin Islands continues to progress. As Premier, he was pleased to ensure funding was made available in the 2021 budget for the AG’s residence project.

“It is important to make sure that the people of this Territory must have a stake in the development of its economy.  I firmly believe that on our journey towards self-determination, we have to believe in our people, we have to continue to build our people, we have to continue to understand that our future is in our hands but we also must understand that the future belongs to the prepared.”

The Premier congratulated both Mr. Kendol Arthur and Ms. Nea Talbot for their success in the RDA independent procurement process and he thanked the RDA for their progress towards the recovery agenda.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) Mr. Anthony McMaster in his remarks said, “The Government of the Virgin Islands through the RDA has injected $23.4 Million to date into the Virgin Islands economy through the CDB loan funding of which 89% has been awarded to locally established companies.”

The CEO also as part of his remarks, outlined progress made to date on several recovery projects including road works, schools, infrastructure projects, public buildings and renewable energy.

He added, “We have been fulfilling the mandate that has been given to us by ensuring there is local content in the rebuilding of the Territory.”

Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE said, “We continue to work along with the team at the RDA led by Mr. Anthony McMaster and various Government agencies such as the Public Works Department who contribute their expertise and knowledge to ensure that these projects are completed at a high standard, so that they serve the specific needs of the Government in a sustainable manner for the foreseeable future.”

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency is a statutory body under the Premier’s Office created by the Government of the Virgin Islands to deliver the programmes and projects under the Recovery to Development Plan, raise funds and build the capacity of key stakeholders in the Virgin Islands community.