RDA should get more projects, Penn says
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has advocated for the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) to undertake more projects to expedite the territory’s development.
Penn made the remarks at the inauguration of the Trellis Bay Rest Stop on Beef Island, where he reflected on the prolonged efforts to rebuild the facility after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
He described it as a welcomed day for tourism and the East End community.
“This project has been a long time in coming since the devastation of Irma and Maria,” Penn shared. “Progress delayed is not progress denied and we’re here dedicating this very important facility to the lifeblood of the BVI’s economy.”
He emphasised the significance of Trellis Bay as a vital hub for tourism and local commerce, noting the high volume of vehicles and visitors frequenting the area.
Penn commended the RDA for its consistent delivery of essential projects, noting that they have shown consistency.” They say when you want something done, you give it to the RDA and the RDA continues to prove time and time again that they deliver projects that the territory needs,” he said. Penn urged the government to assign lingering projects to the RDA to ensure their timely completion, even as he highlighted the agency’s proven capability.
Established in 2018 to spearhead recovery efforts following the 2017 hurricanes, the RDA has completed over 40 projects, including the recent construction of the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base in Road Reef, Tortola. The agency is also advancing the West End Ferry Terminal project, engaging with residents to discuss its progress and finalising tender documents for the construction phase.
In October 2024, the RDA began transitioning into a permanent entity, the Virgin Islands Development Agency (VIDA), reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster resilience.
Meanwhile, Penn stressed the importance of maintaining new facilities, urging the relevant authorities to implement proper maintenance plans to preserve the standards of such projects. He called for improvements to the surrounding infrastructure, including the dock and lighting, to enhance safety and security for residents and visitors.
He thanked all stakeholders involved in the Trellis Bay Rest Stop project, including the BVI Tourist Board, No Limit Construction, and the RDA, for their dedication to enhancing the Virgin Islands’ tourism product and community facilities.
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HOW YOU GEH DAH ONE SAY BOI ❓️
He said more, not all
Only Trellis bay anything get done in the 8. He only care about his family empire.
Stop trying to tint the member for a project that needed to be executed, not for district 8 but for ferry travelers. Do you see who is holding the key?
Thank God for this facility, to the folks that made it happen and to the angels looking over us.
No more sanding in the blazing sun and cold rain.
All praises ue.
Here goes this wannabe politician trying his hardest to make RDA relevant. RDA, PWD, WSD, BVIEC, Finance Projects Unit, outside consultants and still the place looks like we got a royal dump on us!
Kissed opportunities to get it right the first time for these failures. Just another government facility for the goats n sheep to occupy after the next hurricane sweeps through in the future.
Pal go back FSC….
@ OTP, don’t forget Solid Waste Department.
Thanks to speedy or nothing would have been done
why should rda or anyone related to government do more, you guys all mismanage the money
That will affect politicians cut back. Kick back whatever back once its back its corrupt and wrong
The government should strengthen and support the Public Works Department (PWD) rather than relying solely on the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). The PWD has a team of trained professionals with valuable expertise that could be leveraged for the territory’s continued development. By restoring the PWD’s project responsibilities and providing necessary resources, the government can maximize the territory’s progress while building its public service.
If you want something down, GIVE IT TO THE RDA!
BIG FACTS!
is more oversight.
It’s because BVI is not independent why penn could be speaking at that ceremony, the deputy governor being in charge of civil service gives that opportunity for an apolitical creature to direct the media and government functions that would be the sole purview of what is called a prime minister, don’t like that British cramp, if only the Caribbean could a arrange a body that gives directives to this Westminster system we inherit and constitution.
THAT WAS REALLY FUNNY , WE BELIEVE THAT THESE GENIUSES FORGOT ABOUT THAT PART ○¿○ OR WHO ? ? ?
do we really need another public bathroom?? And re the RDA I do believe we should give them proper projects and not bathrooms… just saying (btw how is the Brewer’s Bay bathroom going?)