McMaster said this is the RDA’s way of ‘rising to the challenge’ of the coronavirus crisis and the challenge of rebuilding local infrastructure still damaged by the 2017 hurricanes.

“These projects will range in sub-projects which will include various sectors including government buildings, schools, road and retention works, water facility repairs and the update of port facilities, ”the acting CEO said on Friday, adding that the BVI will see the first half of that $40 million this year.

He continued: “Today you are just witnessing the signature of two contracts which will be the first of approximately 19 contracts expected to be awarded over the next 18 months thereabout. This year, the RDA has pledged to ensure that it injects a minimum of $20 million in capital investment works to the BVI.”

The two contracts were for work on the third phase of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) and repairs to the Flax Administration Building on Virgin Gorda.

The BFEC contract is valued at $1.7 million while the Flax Administration building is worth $1.2 million.

Meanwhile, McMaster said the RDA understands the impact that the virus has on the local economy and the agency is working to ensure that the funds are injected into the economy.

He also mentioned that part of Premier Andrew Fahie’s mandate was to ensure that there are equal opportunities for every BVI company to be able to bid and win contracts and the RDA intends to do just that.

“As such, commencing next week, we will be publishing our dates for our training programmes that would dissect the tender process, that would allow contractors to see what is required, and what they are required to do,” he stated.