Above: the Ministry’s planning meeting (Photo: GIS)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The British Virgin Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Works is setting out a 10-year infrastructural development plan for the territory.

The plan is the product of a two-day retreat last month under the theme of Building a Better Virgin Islands, 2013-2023.

Among the ideas for the territory? A better road network, an improved sewage system, more access to water and “vastly improved” ports.

“A robust infrastructure is a key component of our economic development and long term economic growth,” said British Virgin Islands Premier Dr Orlando Smith. “Both our economic pillars tourism and financial services are impacted by our infrastructural development hence the need for the creation of a strategy with a view to further enhance both industries.”

Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool said the BVI remained “in its infancy as it relates to infrastructural development.”

“We are charged with building the systems in which our entire country operates,” he said.