GIS- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that Virgin Islands contractors have the potential to compete on global markets.
Premier Fahie was at the time addressing the Recovery and Development Agency’s contract signing for the Ballast Bay Road Rehabilitation and Slope Stablisation, Great Mountain II Road Rehabilitation and Slope Stabilisation and Repair Work to Road Town Police Station on October 5.
The Premier challenged contractors, “to become more competitive” not just locally but within the region and beyond.
“Becoming more competitive means we have to be able to do the job and deliver quality within a reasonably good price and we have to look at how we stand in relation to other providers of the same or similar goods and services,” he said.
The Premier spoke about the impact that contractors have on the Virgin Islands economy stating that “BVI companies are executing BVI projects managed by our BVI RDA which is led by BVI talent and utilising funds sourced and raised by the BVI at this time where we the BVI people are the ones that must repay the loans raised.”
Premier Fahie reiterated his confidence in the people of the Territory and that he believes in their capacities and capabilities. He said that he is pleased that the people continue to rise to the challenge and create portfolios to access the jobs and earn an income.
The Premier stated that one of his mantras is that the people of the BVI must benefit from the economic activity that takes place in the Virgin Islands.
“I look forward to the triple effect where people get to truly participate and benefit from the economic activity that is taking place on our shores especially in the New Regular of living and working in COVID-19 where we are using what we have in our hands to jump start our economy, create jobs and benefit from domino opportunities,” he said.
The Premier said that it is a known fact the future is for the prepared. He added, “As we embark on the journey of transforming the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy and as we march towards becoming more self-reliant, self-determined and less dependent on others, we must be prepared.”
Honourable Fahie urged the contractors to work with BVILOVE and clear the path ahead for their own companies and leave a path behind for others to be lifted up.
“When all of this comes together,” he said, “the Territory will benefit in social and economic ways by us being able to handle projects with local talent.”