"It is disappointing that Paul Bayly is resigning as CEO of the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). The RDA is incredibly important to BVI’s recovery and development – a top priority for us all – and I sincerely hope that the setback of BVI losing such an experienced and talented CEO does not hamper recovery efforts," the Governor said in a statement today following the surprise resignation.

The Governor reminded that the Government established the RDA as a dedicated agency to focus on recovery, based on international best practice and working to the Government’s recovery plan.

"It is disappointing that the Government of the Virgin Islands has not fully given the RDA the opportunity to realise it’s potential. I therefore understand and sympathise with Mr. Bayly’s decision," the Government further stated.

He noted that the UK Government has supported the RDA since its creation by co-funding operational costs and projects, such as repairing infrastructure, administration and police buildings across our islands, and has also offered to guarantee loans of up to £300 million.

"It is vital that the RDA is able to build on Mr Bayly’s achievements. For that, the RDA requires the full support of the Premier and his Ministers so that it can work with Government, bring in funding and deliver transparency, value for money and a full and prosperous recovery for the people of this Territory," the Governor stated.

According to the Governor, the hurricanes of 2017 were a terrible time for the Territory. He stated that progress ha been made and applauded the efforts of businesses, communities, the public service and the RDA on recovery to date.

"Whilst we would never have wanted the devastation caused by the hurricanes, they offered us an opportunity to build back ‘Stronger, Smarter, Greener, Better’ and to become a positive example of what an island state in this region can achieve, operating to the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance," the Governor noted.