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(L-R) Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Director of Communications Arliene T. Penn, Chief Economist at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Mr. Carl Howell, Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Arlene Smith-Thompson and the Chief of Infrastructure Planning Research and edvelopment and Project Coordinator in the Ministry of Communications and Works Dr. Drexel M. Glasgow, at the press conference earlier today, July 30, 2012. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI ? In response to complaints and concerns raised by the people of the Virgin Islands (VI), the Government of the VI, Ministry of Communications and Works (MC&W), under the supervision of Hon. Mark Vanterpool, has recently introduced a project, with its aim solely to reconstruct and rebuild damages caused by a dreadful storm in October of 2010.
During a press conference held at the Treasure Isle Conference Room, the ?Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project? that was introduced and launched to the public earlier today, July 30, 2012, was attended by the Director of Communications Arliene T. Penn, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Arlene Smith-Thompson, Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Chief Economist at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Mr. Carl Howell, Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool and the Chief of Infrastructure Planning Research and Development and Project Coordinator in the Ministry of Communications and Works Dr. Drexel M. Glasgow.
Hon. Vanterpool, informed this news site that the project was created to focus on specific areas in the Territory that are very dangerous. ?There are certain areas in the Territory that are very dangerous as a result of the storm, so we were anxiously waiting for this improvement.?
The Minister added that ?now the funds are available the reconstruction of these damages depends on how quickly the project team attacks the project.?
Hon. Vanterpool said that the matter on hand is a very crucial topic and his department will be moving very swiftly to get these projects and damages around Tortola under control and safe for its people. He said that the ?project will take probably a year or two for the works to be done and for the Ministry to pin-point other areas that needs fixing.?
Prior to the work being done around the VI, workers of the Minister?s department will be engaged in a two day session dubbed as ?Procurement workshops?.
During those workshops, he indicated that the workers will be trained on how best to procure materials and services to get the best cost benefits.
With his Ministry previously engaged in energy conservation and now infrastructure rehabilitation, Hon. Vanterpool said they are all according to the plans that were included into the present government?s manifesto. He added that ?it is not what?s next for the Government but for each area the plans are being put in place.?
The Minister assured this news site that the work that will be done during the process of this project, will in no way affect the upcoming emancipation festival celebrations.
He added that any work being done will be put on hold until August 13, after the festival.
?We will work up until this weekend and then stop work until after August 13, 2012, after the festival.?
Role of CDB in Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project
While giving brief remarks at the press conference held this morning, CDB?s Chief Economist Mr. Howell stated that CDB is driven by its mandate to contribute to the harmonious growth and development of the Caribbean region and to reduce poverty. He added that by doing this, the bank has been able to leverage the skills set of its highly motivated staff to support positive development outcomes in the region.
Mr. Howell further stated, that through the provision of loan finance, policy advisory and technical assistance services and support, CDB has been able to support many countries in the region to build economic and social sector resilience and to improve recovery time following an unfortunate natural hazard event.
In reference to discussions between senior management of CDB and the Premier of the Virgin Islands, he added that the bank is in the process of preparing a country strategy for the VI that is forecasted to be introduced to the board in December.
?The country strategy will essentially set out how the bank believes it can best assist the country?s development objectives, over the next three years.?
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