National Design Competition Launched for Road Town
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Road Town Partnership (RTP) Committee and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), has launched a national competition seeking original monument designs for the central Road Town roundabout. The call—part of the broader Road Town Development Project—asks individuals and creative teams across the Territory to submit freestanding concepts visible from every angle; submissions are due by 27 March 2026 (BVI Government).
The Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Road Town Partnership (RTP) Committee and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), has launched the Roundabout National Monument Design Competition, a national call for original monument concepts to anchor the central roundabout in Road Town (BVI Government).
Organisers say the envisioned monument will be a signature feature in one of the Territory’s most prominent public spaces and should celebrate the history, culture and identity of the Virgin Islands. The competition is presented as part of the broader Road Town Development Project and invites individuals and creative teams across the Territory to submit designs that embody Virgin Islands pride and are visible from every angle of the roundabout (BVI Government).
Co-Chair of the RTP Committee and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, encouraged local creatives to take part: "I am truly excited to invite those among us with creative talent to participate in this competition. There are very attractive monetary prizes, but this is more than just a competition.
It is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, as the monument you help to design will stand at this roundabout for generations to come," she said (BVI Government). To ensure safety and clear sightlines, the RDA stipulates that all design submissions must be freestanding; only low shrubbery or ground cover may be used around the monument so the structure can be seen in a full 360-degree view and will not block visibility for drivers and pedestrians (RDA/BVI Government).
Entrants must submit design sketches accompanied by a short concept description that explains the inspiration, symbolism and proposed materials. All works must be original and created specifically for this competition; incomplete entries or designs that block visibility or otherwise fail to comply with competition rules will be disqualified (BVI Government).
Prizes and recognition include US$3,000 and official recognition for first place, plus an opportunity to collaborate with the RDA to refine the final design and public acknowledgement in RDA publications, media releases and exhibitions. Second place receives US$2,000 and a certificate; third place receives US$1,000 and a certificate.
All top entries will be included in public exhibitions and media acknowledgements (RDA). Submissions must be emailed to info@bvirecovery.vg by 27 March 2026. For more information, the RDA lists communications@bvirecovery.vg and the Agency’s website, www.bvirecovery.vg. The Government’s press release notes that a promotional flyer for the competition is available and provides additional contacts, including Angela U.
Burns, Information Officer II, Premier’s Office (aburns@gov.vg), and international media enquiries via BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com (BVI Government). The Recovery and Development Agency, established by the Government in 2018, is responsible for delivering infrastructure and institutional strengthening projects across the Territory and will work with the winning designer or team to refine and realise the final monument (RDA).
The RDA and RTP encourage artists, architects, designers and emerging talent to participate in shaping a lasting symbol of BVI resilience, culture and future (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government