The Government of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency have signed two design consultancy contracts totaling more than $100,000 for the development of a Fisheries Landing Site at the Omar Hodge Fishers’ Wharf and a Road Town Master Plan, officials announced Tuesday.
The agreements, signed March 24, are intended to strengthen food security, support the Territory’s Blue Economy and guide long-term development in the capital. The Road Town Master Plan contract, valued at $74,000, was awarded to OBM Limited, while the $35,200 fisheries design contract was awarded to WDMO Group Design & Drafting.
The Road Town Master Plan is expected to establish a phased framework addressing land use, mobility, infrastructure and resilience in the capital, as officials seek to manage growth and improve the functionality of the town.
“A modern, well-designed Fisheries Landing Site will support livelihoods, enhance food resilience, and reinforce our commitment to responsible use of our marine resources,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. He added that the master plan would help create “a capital city that is functional, resilient, and attractive.”
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith said the initiative is intended to improve quality of life and strengthen the identity of Road Town. “Road Town is the heartbeat of our Territory—our commercial centre, administrative hub, and social soul,” she said, adding that a unified development plan is needed to address increasing pressures on infrastructure.
OBM Limited Managing Director Marvin Flax said the Road Town Master Plan would serve as a flexible framework guided by stakeholder engagement. “Master plans must be living, breathing frameworks—responsive to change and grounded in communication,” he said.
WDMO Group Design & Drafting Managing Director Wayne O’Neal said the fisheries project would be delivered through collaboration with the agency. “Our focus is on ensuring that this project is executed to the standard that the people of the Virgin Islands deserve,” he said.
The Fisheries Landing Site is intended to provide a regulated and sanitary environment for fishers while supporting the Territory’s Blue Economy and preserving local fishing traditions. The facility is named in honor of the late Omar Hodge, a former legislator and advocate for the fishing community.
The fishing industry in the Virgin Islands has faced ongoing challenges, including damage to coastal infrastructure following the 2017 hurricanes, which affected fishers’ operations and access to proper landing facilities.
RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster said both projects are part of a broader strategy to advance sustainable development. “These projects represent food security, the development of our Blue Economy, and the continued advancement of our country,” he said.
He added that the contracts were awarded through a Quality and Cost-Based Selection process, noting that proposals were evaluated based on technical capability and cost.
The Recovery and Development Agency, established in 2018, is responsible for implementing priority recovery and development projects for the Government of the Virgin Islands.