The document was formulated after extensive consultation with the public, including the Virgin Islands diaspora, and local and international stakeholders across sectors and subsectors. After more than 70 of these consultations, the insight, recommendations and viewpoints were strategically utilised to influence the conceptualisation and execution of the plan.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has described the plan as one that is non-partisan and developed in consultation with the people of the VI.

Reflection

He also said the National Sustainable Development Plan is an important component of nation-building.

“And when we talk about nation building, as a people who are presently a territory of the United Kingdom, you cannot speak about nation building without speaking about self-determination and the process of decolonisation…We must also reflect on where we were, from whence we came, and how we got to where we are today… we are on a trajectory towards greater self-determination," Dr Wheatley stated at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Fifth Session of the Fourth HoA at Save the Seed Energy Centre on February 2, 2023.

The plan which will be launched under the theme, “Vision 2036: Building a Sustainable Virgin Islands” proposes six overarching goals that act as guiding principles for the National Sustainable Development Plan. They seek to safeguard and promote the following: Health and Wellness; Education and Learning; Economy; Infrastructure; Good Governance; and the Environment.