This is according to Premiere Andrew A. Fahie (R1) who indicated that the plan will be available on the VI government website bvi.gov.vg from January 15, 2022.

“The Government of the Virgin Islands is, therefore, asking the public to prepare for public consultation on the proposed National Sustainable Development Plan developed with technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC),” he said.

The Premier explained that the consultation is ongoing and that in January, UN ECLAC Lead Consultant Dr June Soomer and her team will meet with special groups such as farmers, fisherfolk, financial services, teams from ministries, tourism stakeholders, private sector officials, sports personnel and Civil Society Organisations to ensure that they are well represented within the plan.

Submissions already recieved

According to the Premier, the National Sustainable Development Plan was built on inclusivity with recommendations from the public and industry stakeholders from the onset.

“There were more than 70 sets of consultations and submissions that have been received from many individuals, schools, community leaders, organizations, the Private Sector, Public Officers, ministries, District Representatives, institutions and Virgin Islanders in the diaspora who provided valuable input and support in the development of the Plan,” a Government release from GIS noted.

The Premier explained that the consultation is ongoing and that in January, UN ECLAC Lead Consultant Dr June Soomer and her team will meet with special groups such as farmers, fisherfolk, financial services, teams from ministries, tourism stakeholders, private sector officials, sports personnel and Civil Society Organisations to ensure that they are well represented within the plan.

Plan will strengthen relicense in society - Premier

“The overarching goal of preparing a development plan is to strengthen the resilience of the society to withstand future hurricanes, pandemics and any other crisis that may come; and to secure the future prosperity of the Virgin Islands through sustainability,” Hon Fahie added.

“One of the promises made to the citizens of this country was that the draft National Sustainable Development Plan would be submitted to them for comments before it was completed and taken to the House of Assembly for approval.”

The public will be given one month to make comments, recommendations and submissions which will be the final opportunity for the public and stakeholders to ensure that there is an overarching plan in place that will guide the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands for the next 15 years.