Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, has indicated that there will be a change in designation for the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). Photo: Facebook

The Recovery and Development Agency was established in 2018 following the devastating hurricanes of 2017. Photo: Internet Source

Mr Anthony S. McMaster (left) is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Recovery and Development Agency, while Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer (right) is the Director of Programme Delivery. Photo: RDA

He made these comments during a community meeting focused on the removal and disposal of derelict vessels from Sea Cows Bay Harbour on Thursday, July 10, 2025. 

The RDA was established in the British Virgin Islands following the passage of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act (Act No. 1 of 2018), which was gazetted on April 16, 2018. It was created by the government in response to the challenges posed by the devastating hurricanes of 2017. 

RDA should be out of commission but is doing a ‘wonderful job’- Hon Fraser

Mr Anthony McMaster serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RDA, while Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer is the Director of Programme Delivery. 

Currently, the RDA is tasked with the removal and disposal of derelict vessels from Sea Cows Bay Harbour. 

During Thursday’s community meeting on the removal and disposal of derelict vessels from Sea Cows Bay Harbour, Minister Fraser stated, “Instead of the ministry itself engaging and executing the works, we turned to the Recovery and Development Agency, which, by mandate, should be out of commission by now. However, they have done a wonderful job executing government projects.” 

A lot of work left for RDA to do

It is in this light that the government decided to “keep them on”, Fraser explained, adding that the RDA’s designation would soon be changed. 

“However, keep your feet on the ground because there is a lot of work we expect you to do for us. This is just one of the many projects we want you to undertake.”

Since its establishment in 2018, the RDA has been actively engaged in numerous projects focusing on recovery and development efforts following the 2017 hurricanes. 

The agency has completed over 40 projects, including significant infrastructure developments such as the Law Enforcement Marine Base, road rehabilitations, and reservoir improvements.