Rda Strengthens Contractor & Industry Standards With
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) held its inaugural Contractor Orientation Session on the Code of Conduct for Contractors and Workers and its Grievance Redress System (GRS) on 24 March 2026, bringing together representatives from five construction firms, including four contractors working with the Agency for the first time. The workshop introduced a six-point Code of Conduct, reinforced monitoring and mandatory compliance measures, and provided an in-depth overview of the GRS to ensure projects are delivered responsibly, safely and with respect for communities and the environment, the Government of the Virgin Islands said.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) hosted its first Contractor Orientation Session on the Code of Conduct for Contractors and Workers and the Agency’s Grievance Redress System (GRS) on 24 March 2026, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced. Representatives from five construction firms attended the workshop.
According to the government release, four of those firms are first-time contractors with the RDA and were awarded contracts through the Agency’s competitive procurement processes after demonstrating the required technical and professional capacity. Central to the session was the RDA’s newly emphasised Code of Conduct, which sets out six core principles: zero tolerance for corruption and fraud; environmental protection; occupational health and safety; community respect; compliance with Virgin Islands laws; and delivery of quality work with integrity.
Participants were walked through practical expectations for worksites, including proper waste management, adherence to safety protocols, protection of surrounding communities and the immediate reporting of hazards or incidents. The Agency also used the orientation to underline how it will hold contractors accountable throughout the lifecycle of projects.
The workshop explained monitoring mechanisms and mandatory compliance requirements that will accompany contracts so standards are maintained during delivery and not just at handover. The RDA says these steps aim to build a culture of transparency and high-quality workmanship across its portfolio.
An in-depth overview of the Grievance Redress System formed the other major element of the session. The GRS provides a formal channel for members of the public, stakeholders and project-affected persons to raise concerns. Complaints received through the system are recorded, assessed for the appropriate resolution pathway and escalated where necessary so issues can be resolved in a timely and transparent manner, the government statement said.
RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster described the workshop as a “critical step” in strengthening how projects are delivered across the Territory: "It is not enough to build infrastructure—we must do so responsibly, safely, and with respect for our communities and environment.
By setting clear expectations for contractors, particularly those new to the Agency, and reinforcing systems like our Grievance Redress Mechanism, we are building a culture of accountability, transparency, and quality that ultimately delivers greater value to the people of this Territory." The quote was included in the government release.
Established in 2018, the RDA implements priority recovery and development projects on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands. The recent release also highlights the Agency’s broader mandate—project implementation, fundraising and capacity building—and notes its evolving role in supporting local capability and sustainable growth as it transitions toward an expanded development-focused mission.
For more information, residents can contact the RDA communications team at communications@bvirecovery.vg or visit www.bvirecovery.vg. The Government of the Virgin Islands lists additional contacts in the release, including Angela U. Burns, Information Officer II at the Premier’s Office (aburns@gov.vg, +1 284 468 9445) and an international media enquiries address at BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
The orientation marks the latest step by the RDA to ensure that recovery and development projects are not only technically sound but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable, the government statement said.
Primary source: BVI Government