Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently met with representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and other Overseas Territories (OTs) in the Caribbean to discuss the need for funding to fix the infrastructural issues in the Virgin Islands.

Despite being classified as a "high-income" country, the territory continues to face significant challenges, including heavy dependence on tourism and financial services, and susceptibility to external threats.

Due to the territory's categorization, the Virgin Islands is excluded from accessing official development assistance and concessionary financing.

However, the OTs emphasized the need for further engagement and involvement with the CDB to address their unique circumstances.

The framework formulated by OT Heads of Governments in conjunction with the CDB will ensure that the Virgin Islands is more resilient to the challenges it faces in accessing financing.

The CDB is now looking at ways to strengthen its support for the development agenda of the OTs. The next meeting will be hosted by the BVI, where OTs will hold discussions on the bank's capacity to further support their development.

The consultations come amid growing concerns from residents about the failing public infrastructure, including roads, port facilities, internet infrastructure, water, and electricity resources.

The Premier has given the assurance that he will be borrowing to address these concerns, which have been plaguing the territory for years.

The public has also complained that the government is spending funds in the wrong areas, and Wheatley's focus on securing funding for infrastructure upgrades is seen as a positive step towards addressing these concerns.