The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has successfully completed its sixth mission in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and enhance the resilience of the Virgin Islands following the devastating hurricanes of 2017.
The mission, which took place from May 27 to 31, focused on assessing the progress of recovery projects, 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 engagement with senior government officials, including Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, to gather feedback and ensure inclusivity for development plans. Progress evaluation of ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, was also conducted to ensure they are on track for completion. Additionally, the mission explored new initiatives and identified 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.”
The CDB delegation included Ms. Valini Nagassar, Ms. Claudia Louis, Mr. Paul Saunders, and Ms. Lavern Louard-Greaves, who were accompanied by RDA’s CDB Contract Supervisor and Project Manager, Mr. Sergio Dantas, Community Liaison Officer Ms. April Glasgow, and Environmental Specialist Mr. Clive Petrovic.
Mission highlights included significant advancements at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, a critical infrastructure project meeting technical specifications, and an emphasis on sustainable construction practices to ensure rebuilt structures are resilient to future natural disasters, promoting long-term community stability.
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.