Feedback received today from stakeholders on the recovery and development of the Virgin Islands has been fruitful and constructive.

This is according to Chairman of the Disaster Recovery Coordinating Committee, Mr. Brodrick Penn who along with Permanent Secretaries met with fishermen, farmers, agriculturalists, horticulturalists, landscapers, environmentalists and public officers as Government embarked on a series of stakeholder consultations.

Mr. Penn said he was pleased with the turnout and has encouraged other stakeholders to attend the upcoming meetings to contribute their ideas to the overall development of the Territory.

He said sector specific stakeholder meetings are being held this week and will be followed by public meetings across each district and the sister islands to allow residents to give their feedback on the proposed priority areas.  In addition to the consultations, persons can provide written feedback on the BVI Recovery and Development Document by January 20.  

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE in a statement said the next few weeks and months will be the most critical in the Virgin Islands modern history. He said much is at stake for the Territory and generations of Virgin Islanders, and the series of consultations is the most significant exercise that residents will undergo in a generation.

Premier Smith said, “As we undergo this exercise, I encourage you to read through the consultation document and come prepared to engage with me, my Government, and with senior members of the public service to discuss your points and ideas. Let us come together with one mission, to rebuild and restore the Virgin Islands, together.”

The Premier reiterated the importance of the consultations adding that the people of the Territory must go through this exercise together and embrace the opportunity to reshape the Virgin Islands following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.

Meanwhile, Virgin Islanders living abroad are invited to participate in the shaping of the rebuilding plan by downloading a copy of the public consultation document at www.bvirecovery.vg and providing their feedback and suggestions via email to feedback@bvirecovery.vg.

The consultations are being spearheaded by the Disaster Recovery Coordinating Committee established by Cabinet to advance the Territory’s recovery plans.

The committee will consider the input of stakeholders and the general public in preparing a final recovery plan for approval by the House of Assembly.