Opposition Backs Making Rda Permanent
Opposition Leader Penn told the House of Assembly he supports legislation to convert the Recovery and Development Agency into a permanent Virgin Islands Development Agency, saying the move is the right thing to do but must not be subject to political whim. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the bill is more than a name change, aiming to preserve the RDA’s technical capacity built since 2018 and redirect it toward long-term development.
Opposition Leader Penn gave full support on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for legislation to make the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) a permanent body, but said safeguards are needed to ensure its future cannot be left to "the whims and fancies of any administration." Speaking at the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Penn said: "I support the bill before us; I supported it in 2018 when it came before the House, I supported it in the Unity Government when we did a decision to transition to the Development Agency and I support it today because it is the right thing to do." He emphasised that any permanence must come with certainty and appropriate protections.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley moved the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for its second reading. The bill would rename the RDA the Virgin Islands Development Agency (VIDA) and transform the institution from a recovery-focused coordinator into a permanent delivery partner for the Territory’s long-term development agenda.
Dr Wheatley described the proposal as "the next stage in the evolution of one of the Virgin Islands' most important public institutions," stressing that the change is more substantive than a rebranding. He noted the RDA was created after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2018 to coordinate recovery and has since built a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise and accountability.
Since its establishment the RDA has managed approximately $69.2 million in funding, with more than 90 percent of contracts awarded to local contractors. The Premier highlighted concrete achievements including the redevelopment of six schools benefiting more than 1,900 students, repairs to five administration buildings, refurbishment of six police stations, rehabilitation of recreational and tourism facilities, road network improvements, installation of renewable energy systems, construction of water reservoirs, and procurement training for contractors and interns.
Government officials argue the accumulated expertise should be preserved and expanded rather than dismantled at the end of the recovery period, redirecting the agency’s capacity toward sustained social and economic development across the Territory. The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is now at the Committee Stage of the House of Assembly, where members will examine details and possible amendments.
Residents, contractors and community groups with an interest in infrastructure, procurement and long-term planning are likely to follow the committee process closely as debates continue.
Primary source: VINO