A team which consisted of representatives from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Town and Country Planning and Public Works were accompanied by Dr. James Joyce, an Engineering Geologist and Land slide expert from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez to assess the aftermath of Tropical Storm Otto in 2010. Photo: GIS

Premier Smith added that the project should be used as “a springboard to ensure higher standards in building our roads, bridges and retaining walls to ensure the long-term stability of our infrastructure”.

infrastructure, ultimately in resulting medium and long term savings to the taxpayer.”

He stressed the importance of the VI continuing to look externally for its economic growth “simultaneously developing ourselves within our borders into an economy of enviable efficiencies and sophistication”.

The necessity of this he explained was, “because beyond our natural endowments of a pristine environment, warm climate and talented people, we possess no natural resources that can be traded beyond our shores”.

“Our ability to thrive and maintain or even improve on our standard of living is hinged on our ability to be competitive”.

In an effort of appealing to local pride in productivity, he underscored the need to “apply intellectual capital to provide solutions and to demonstrate a service oriented ethos to those who visit us”.

Premier Smith also stressed the need to not have the significant gains in the construction sector over the past two decades be used as “a means to an end in itself”. Rather, he challenged that instead it should be used simply as, “a means to an end, where at the end of the day this activity has created the basis for economic growth, through the creation of infrastructure that is necessary for strong and sustained economic development.”

He closed by expressing sincere appreciation to the team at CDB and wished them the best as they continued to strive to provide for a better Caribbean.

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool at the launch stated “Our Honourable Premier’s presence here [yesterday] to play a leading role in this ceremony, underscores the fact of our Government’s commitment to our theme of ‘improving the standard of living for all through infrastructural development”.

The CDB approved a loan of USD$16.7 million for the implementation of the Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project which will begin on August 13, 2012 and can last for up to two years to fix damages to road and infrastructure that were caused by Tropical Storm Otto in 2010.