25 Submissions Received for Road Town Partnership
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) confirmed that 25 submissions were received before the competition closed this weekend, reflecting widespread interest from designers, creatives and members of the public across the Territory. The RDA will now move to an evaluation stage where a Selection Committee will assess entries against criteria including design quality, cultural relevance and alignment with the vision for a National Monument that reflects the Virgin Islands’ identity, heritage and resilience.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has confirmed that 25 submissions were received for the Road Town Partnership National Monument Design Competition, which officially closed this weekend (RDA/BVI Government). The final tally reflects a strong response from designers, creatives and other interested members of the public across the Territory, demonstrating growing engagement and national interest in contributing to a symbol that represents the Virgin Islands’ identity, heritage and resilience, according to a release from the BVI Government.
Organisers said entries continued to arrive up to the competition deadline, with participation increasing as the closing date approached. The range and diversity of submissions highlight both the depth of creativity in the Territory and the importance placed on this initiative by residents and stakeholders.
The competition invited participants to conceptualise a national monument intended to serve as a lasting symbol of the Territory’s story, resilience and aspirations. The project forms part of broader efforts under the Road Town Development Partnership Committee to strengthen cultural identity and create meaningful public spaces that reflect the Virgin Islands’ heritage.
The committee brings together business partners, residents and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development. Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and Chair of the Road Town Partnership Committee, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, welcomed the response. "We are encouraged by the level of participation and the strong response received as the competition progressed.
The 25 submissions reflect meaningful engagement from individuals across the Territory who have taken the opportunity to contribute to a national symbol. This initiative goes beyond design—it speaks to identity, pride, and giving voice to how we see ourselves as a people," she said (BVI Government).
The RDA said it will now proceed with the evaluation process. A Selection Committee will assess each entry in accordance with established criteria, including design quality, cultural relevance and alignment with the vision for the National Monument. The committee’s assessment will determine which designs advance to any next phases and will inform the selection of a final proposal.
For BVI residents, the monument project represents an opportunity to embed local stories and values into public space, support cultural tourism and promote community pride. The RDA and Road Town Partnership Committee have not released a firm timeline for announcing shortlisted entries or a final design; updates will be shared as the evaluation progresses (RDA).
Members of the public seeking further information have been directed to the RDA communications team at communications@bvirecovery.vg and the agency website at www.bvirecovery.vg. The BVI Government release also lists additional contacts for media and general enquiries, including Head of Communication Angela U.
Burns at aburns@gov.vg, the government’s international media email BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com, and general government enquiry numbers (1-284-468-3701 and WhatsApp 1-284-468-9760). The strong response to the competition demonstrates local and national interest in shaping a visible, lasting tribute to the Territory’s culture and resilience; residents are encouraged to watch for future announcements as the Selection Committee completes its review.
Primary source: BVI Government