Public officers are better equipped with knowledge to handle procurement matters related to the Caribbean Development Bank Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan projects.

Head of Project Office for the United Nations Development Programme, Mr. Luis Thais said the recent training has helped public officers to expand their understanding on general procurement principles, procurement planning, their respective roles and responsibilities, red flags in procurement and ethics in procurement.

Mr. Thais said participants welcomed the initiative and requested that further workshops be organised to discuss procedures and requirements to help them improve their procurement knowledge and skills.

 Mr. Thais also added that participants agreed that the timely and effective implementation of the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan requires strengthened coordination and a proactive collaboration by all parties involved in procurement.

Participants attending the workshop included procurement experts and officials from the Deputy Governor’s Office, Premier’s Office, Ministries of Finance, Natural Resources and Labour, Health and Social Development, Communications and Works, Education and Culture, the Treasury Department and the Public Works Department.

Director of Projects in the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Drexel Glasgow is an advocate for building capacity among public officers and shared the expectations of community members to see faster results on the ground. He stressed the importance of procurement in enabling a transparent and efficient implementation of the recovery process.

The workshop was facilitated by UNDP representative Mr. John Primo. Other presenters included Dr. Drexel Glasgow, Mr. Luis Thais and Mr. Duane Fraites from the Ministry of Finance.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to rebuilding the Territory stronger, smarter, greener and better.

Photos attached

• Photo 1:2- Public Officers engaged in Procurement Workshop held on October 10.
• Photo 2:2- Head of Project Office for the United Nations Development Programme, Mr. Luis Thais presenting at Procurement Workshop for Public Officers held on October 10.