The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) announces the successful completion of its sixth mission in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

This mission marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to rebuild and enhance the resilience of the Virgin Islands following the catastrophic hurricanes of 2017.

The sixth mission which took place from 27 – 31 May, focused on assessing the progress of recovery projects - both past and present, identifying new development opportunities, and strengthening the partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands, RDA and the CDB.

Key components of the mission included:

1. Engagement: Interactive meetings with the Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro along with senior government officials to gather feedback and ensure inclusivity for development plans.  Engagement sessions were also held with a cross section of stakeholders for the West End Ferry Terminal project.
2. Progress Evaluation: In-depth review of the ongoing infrastructure project - the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre to ensure it is on track for completion.
3. Exploration of New Initiatives: Identification of additional funding and project opportunities to address emerging needs within the recovery and development framework.

"Hosting the CDB for this sixth mission has been incredibly productive and inspiring," said Anthony McMaster, Chief Executive Officer of the RDA. "The insights and support from the CDB are invaluable as we continue to navigate the path to recovery and sustainable development. Our joint efforts are building a stronger, smarter and more resilient Virgin Islands."

In attendance from the CDB were Ms. Valini Nagassar - Operations Officer (Civil Engineer); Ms. Claudia Louis - Operations Officer (Education); Mr. Paul Saunders - Operations Officer (Environmental Sustainability) and Ms. Lavern Louard-Greaves - Operations Officer (Social Analyst).  RDA’s CDB Contract Supervisor and Project Manager, Mr. Sergio Dantas led the CDB delegation, accompanied by Community Liaison Officer Ms. April Glasgow and Environmental Specialist Mr. Clive Petrovic.

Mission Highlights:

• Infrastructure Milestones: Significant advancements have been made at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, a critical infrastructure project which is progressing and meeting technical specifications.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on sustainable construction practices to ensure that rebuilt structures are resilient to future natural disasters, promoting long-term community stability.

Collaborative Approach:

The mission emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and effective recovery strategies. The CDB’s expertise and resources are being leveraged to maximize the impact of development efforts.

Impact on the Virgin Islands:

The ongoing collaboration between the RDA and the CDB is pivotal in transforming the Virgin Islands into a resilient, vibrant community. The mission’s focus on infrastructure and sustainability is driving significant progress and setting the stage for a prosperous future.

For more information about the RDA’s mission with the Caribbean Development Bank, please visit BVIRecovery.VG or contact the agency at info@bvirecovery.vg.

• Images: Highlights from the CDB sixth mission with the RDA

For more information contact:

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency

Colene Penn, Head of Communications

T: (284) 440-0040

E:  communications@bvirecovery.vg

W: www.bvirecovery.vg

About the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency:

The RDA was created by the Government of the Virgin Islands with the passage of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act (Act No. 1 2018).  The Act was passed by the House of Assembly, and gazetted on 16^th April, 2018.

The RDA is the implementing agency of the Government of the Virgin Islands with responsibility to execute projects in the revised Recovery to Development Plan.  The agency works closely with Government to fulfil its mandate of project implementation, fundraising and capacity building.