The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has officially signed a contract for the design and construction management of a new Agriculture and Fisheries Complex in the territory, marking a significant step toward enhancing local food production and sustainability.
The contract for the project was awarded to Trojan Design and Development Ltd for $95,200 on October 17, 2024, following a competitive bidding process and is anticipated to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.
The purpose of this project is to provide a modern facility that supports farmers and fishers in the Virgin Islands, enabling them to increase productivity, access new markets, and reduce the territory’s dependence on imported goods. The complex will include critical features such as an abattoir, a fish processing facility, and office spaces for administrative and technical services, all designed with input from stakeholders to ensure functionality and compliance with regulations.
During the contract signing ceremony, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. The Hon. Karl Dawson emphasized the importance of the project in light of the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022.
He stated, “This facility will allow a level of aggregation and consolidation that will facilitate trade between those who are producing and those who will eventually be supplying the products.”
The project aims to enhance food security and sovereignty by making more land available for agriculture and addressing sustainability in fisheries, along with improving access to water, a critical resource for production. Dr. Dawson noted that the new complex will streamline operations for farmers and fishers, reducing the need for individual arrangements with restaurants and supermarkets.
The RDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony McMaster, expressed confidence in the project, stating, “It’s a pleasure to reach this milestone, and the RDA intends to deliver this project on time and within budget.”
Ronnie Lettsome of Trojan Design and Development Ltd also spoke at the ceremony, assuring stakeholders that the design will meet high standards and stay within budget.
He remarked, “We appreciate your confidence in us and I’m happy to be a part of this project that will push the BVI forward in terms of agriculture and fisheries.”
The new Agriculture and Fisheries Complex is envisioned to replace and enhance facilities that were destroyed by hurricanes in 2017, modernizing food processing operations and offering educational programmes aimed at improving local agricultural practices.