This decision was taken by Cabinet when it met on October 5, 2022, at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building. His Excellency, the Governor Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting attending by all Member, with the exception of the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, who was on medical leave.

2 years, 8 months added to life of RDA

According to the Post-Meeting Statement of Cabinet released today, October 27, 2022, Cabinet noted the request from the Chairman of the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) to extend the lifespan of the Agency for an additional three (3) years to December 31, 2026, to allow for completion of projects already in progress or that are scheduled to commence in 2022.

It also noted the letter from the Premier to the Chairman of the RDA giving formal intent for an extension of two (2) years and eight (8) months to December 31, 2025.

Cabinet then decided that the Premier’s Office instruct the Attorney General's Chambers to prepare the amendment to the Act to extend the period of dissolution of the RDA mentioned in clause 22 of the Act for an additional two (2) years and eight (8) months.

Cabinet also decided that the Financial Secretary take the necessary actions to extend the RDA’s Instrument of Trust period to coincide with the extension of the Agency’s lifespan and that the RDA should not take on any new project where the completion date would exceed the extended life of the Agency.

Knowledge & skills transfer to PWD

It was also decided by Cabinet that the RDA must develop and execute a plan to transfer its knowledge and skills to the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant agency in collaboration with the Premier's Office.

The RDA is required to submit reports on a semi-annual basis to the Cabinet on progress made in accordance to the transfer of knowledge and skills to the Department of Public Works.

The Agency also must develop and present to Cabinet a winding-up plan in conjunction with the Premier's Office by November 30, 2024.

It was also decided by Cabinet that the RDA, currently led by CEO Anthony S. McMaster, must develop and execute a plan to transfer its knowledge and skills to the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant agency in collaboration with the Premier's Office.

What is the RDA?

According to the RDA website, the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) was established in 2018 by the Government of the Virgin Islands as a transparent and accountable specialist project implementation agency to respond to the unique challenges faced by the Territory following the extreme weather events of 2017.

The RDA is a statutory body, set up under Virgin Island’s legislation, that works hand in hand with Ministries to deliver projects under the Recovery to Development Plan (RDP) – the Government’s ambitious plan for recovery and development that has been approved by the House of Assembly.