Three contracts for major recovery projects including Rehabilitation and Slope Stabilisation Works on Tortola and repair of the Vanterpool Administration Building on Virgin Gorda were signed today by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).

Caribbean Environmental Restoration Ltd was awarded two contracts for Road Rehabilitation and Slope Stabilisation Works at Little Dix Hill in the amount of $407,105.60 and at Bob’s Gas Station in the amount of $494,308.10.

Metro Construction Ltd was awarded the contract to repair the Vanterpool Administration Building on Virgin Gorda in the amount of $1,410,670.79.  The projects are financed by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan and will be implemented by the RDA on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities and the Deputy Governor’s Office.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie congratulated the contractors and said it was important to ensure that the people of the Territory have a stake in the development of its economy.

The Premier said the renegotiation of the CDB loan was vital because it could not be just or fair for loan funded monies to pass through the BVI’s economy.

“Your Government could not sit aside and see BVI businesses and workers pushed to the side and disadvantaged from not being able to access the benefits of this cash flow. By successfully renegotiating the terms with the CDB, our BVI workers and businesses can get a vitamin boost from this money,” the Premier said.

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Honourable Kye Rymer thanked the RDA who continues to work closely with his ministry to deliver recovery projects.

The minister reiterated Government’s commitment to support the recovery of this Territory.

“The signing of the contracts is a clear intent by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the RDA to continue advancing this Territory beyond the natural disasters of 2017 towards a period of development and advancement,” he said.

The minister applauded the contractors for competing and winning contracts at an international level.

“The Virgin Islands companies that have demonstrated the ability to meet the requirements of the CDB and other stakeholders says that the BVI construction sector, indeed has the capacity to perform and deliver. It stands as a further testament that as we continue to grow our Territory, that our people including our contractors can meet any international standard set before them,” Honourable Kye Rymer said.

Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. who was also present at the signing of the contracts said that Government is responsible for providing hope and the awarding of three new recovery projects is tangible evidence.

“Today represents hope, promise and the direction of the Territory.  It represents a purpose.  A purpose for the RDA which its CEO leads but a purpose for the Territory to get back on the right track,” the Deputy Governor shared.

Interim Chief Executive Officer with the Recovery and Development Agency Mr. Anthony McMaster said the signing of the three new projects signals the advancement of recovery work in almost every district.  McMaster stated that the three main mandates of the RDA are project implementation, fund raising and capacity building and added that the agency is currently in negotiations to sign deeds of contribution for up to $210,000.00 for renewable energy and $400,000.00 towards the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Marine Base. 

The agency has also welcomed four new interns as part of the RDA’s Apprenticeship Programme and they will be working in the areas of business case development, procurement, environmental management and studies and project management.

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency is a statutory body under the Premier’s Office created to implement the Government of the Virgin Islands Recovery to Development Plan to support the rebuilding of the Territory following the devastating weather events of 2017.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Highlights from the October 15, 2020 Contract signing ceremony for Road Rehabilitation and Slope Stabilisation Work for Little Dix Hill and Bob Gas Station roads, and repair work to the Vanterpool Administration Building. (Photo Credit: GIS)