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Swifter processing & approvals with new Planning Authority Board- Hon Fahie

- says Board now meeting twice monthly to fast-track building applications
The appointment of the New Planning Authority Board, according to Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), will see 'swifter processing of applications and approvals', which will result in a direct boost to the local economy. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says that the development of infrastructure and commercial property in the Virgin Islands (VI) post-Irma and Maria of 2017, has been progressing well, so much so that government recognised the need to enhance the projects. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says that the development of infrastructure and commercial property in the Virgin Islands (VI) post-Irma and Maria of 2017, has been progressing well, so much so that government recognised the need to enhance the projects. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says the development of infrastructure and commercial property in the Virgin Islands (VI) post-Irma and Maria of 2017, has been progressing well, so much so that government recognised the need to enhance the process and expedite the projects.

As such, a New Planning Authority board has been appointed earlier in the year to push and assist the government’s mandate and the Premier In a Monday, November 11, 2019, statement release via social media says the new board has already ‘hit the ground running,’ with energy and enthusiasm to regulate development.

New Board already working – Premier Fahie

According to the Post Cabinet statements of July 26, 2019, “Approved the appointments of the following persons to the Planning Authority for a period of three years from 1st July, 2019: Messrs. Charles L. Cooper (Chairman and Member), Edward Freeman, and Keith Malone; and for two years from 1st July, 2019: Messrs Lucien Thomas and Clifton Thomas as members.”

The Chief Planner, Director of Public Works, Director of Disaster Management and the Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer are ex-officio members and while not mentioned in the original cabinet statements, Premier Fahie also named Elvis J. Harrigan aka ‘Juggy’ as a member of the board.

“When the new board met, they met 57 applications which included subdivisions and development. For three consecutive weeks, they met and the applications were thoroughly deliberated and the necessary approvals were derived in three short weeks to clear this backlog of applications,” he said. 

According to Hon Fahie, the board will also be meeting at a minimum of twice monthly—instead of once—to ensure that applications for construction and development have been disposed of in a timelier manner.

The premier also noted it is good news not just for industry beneficiaries but for investors and the economy.

Boosting the Local Economy

Further, according to the Leader of Government Business, “Swifter processing of applications and approvals will result in a direct boost to our local economy, it means construction projects will be able to move to execution phase faster, creating faster turnarounds so that professionals can move from one job to another more quickly.”

He said speeding up of projects life cycles will also benefit suppliers of materials, which will result in the turnover of stocks more rapidly.

“In the case of commercial properties, it means returning to service sooner, bringing revenues for owners and employment opportunities for workers and consequently providing income to families," he said. 

According to the Premier, the board and its new mandate will fully throttle the economy along the development agenda, “going full throttle means reaching levels of performance in achievement far beyond what we have ever seen,” he said in noting that the VI must not build for today, but for the future as well.

7 Responses to “Swifter processing & approvals with new Planning Authority Board- Hon Fahie”

  • king (12/11/2019, 14:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    That picture of Fat Hogs Bay looks really impressive. The board seems mixed up with people from different parties. I hope they put aside party differences and make the planning profession and planning business their priority.
  • yess (12/11/2019, 16:36) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes Premier do your thing we with you, just work on keeping these island people coming here often, immigration system need fixing.
  • WOWW (12/11/2019, 16:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawd look how fat hogs bay look, wasn’t like this back in the days now these island people just degrading the place.
    • Too true (13/11/2019, 05:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      How is it the island people are degrading the place when it is we locals that build the houses?!….
  • Dunce (12/11/2019, 17:45) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    How this board get select? seeing some NDP's there... I thought we draining the swamp.
  • Hmm (13/11/2019, 19:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This board is no better than the rest from before maybe the worst bunch ever knows nothing about drawings or far worst planning set of puppets


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