NDP Manifesto 2019

Anegada and Jost Van Dyke
Sister Islands
A re-elected NDP shall, among other things, inclusive of statutory obligations:
• Designate Anegada, with its open spaces and abundance of
shallow water, as an agriculture/aquaculture hub by introducing
facilitating Agribusiness Development legislation and
establishing government-sponsored agriculture/aquaculture
projects (e.g. beef, sheep, goats, conch, whelks and fishes).
• Create economic zones on Anegada and Jost Van Dyke for any
business, with exemptions from taxes and customs duty for 5
to 20 year periods, with supporting legislation with regard to
the location, development and type of structure required for
any business to operate successfully. Here the focus will be on
green and environmentally compatible businesses which add
value to the development of these local economies.
Virgin Gorda
A re-elected NDP shall, among other things, inclusive of statutory obligations:
The main focus of economic development in BVI has traditionally been on
Tortola and, to a lesser extent, Virgin Gorda, primarily with tourism. Our
other Sister Islands -- Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke -- all have
an equally important role to play in the development of BVI and must be
so empowered.
Accordingly, a re-elected NDP shall review existing governance mechanisms
to allow for greater participation by the Sister Islands by providing them
with greater autonomy and representation. Such mechanisms include
introducing a system of community government for the Sister Islands
(Virgin Gorda in the first instance) to complement the work of District
Representatives and deal with certain matters like disaster planning and
response, and the environment. Community government representatives
shall be nominated by both Government and the Opposition to ensure a
balance of representation.
A re-elected NDP shall provide support and incentives to banking institutions
to re-establish banking services on Virgin Gorda within six months.
Meantime, all banks will be asked by Government to explore the feasibility
of establishing banking services on all of the Sister Islands as a priority.
• Make available expanded medical services through the
provision, as appropriate, of either a doctor or nurse whose
services will be available 24 hours.
• Continue and prioritize the distribution of lands on Anegada.
• Review and increase the current level of ferry services between
Anegada and Tortola.
• Commit to increasing the physical presence of legislators on
the ground in these communities.
• Restore the Setting Point dock, adding suitable facilities and
designating the area as an entry port.
• Restore the resource centre and nearby sports facilities for the
community’s youth.
• Bring clarity to the vexing issue of land distribution in North
Sound, and continue with and expand its distribution.
• Proceed with the long outstanding separation of the passenger
and cargo situation at the main ferry dock.
• Improve and expand the playing field in conjunction with FIFA.
• Restore the Jeffery Caines arena.
• Separate BFEC Primary School from the Secondary School.
• Construct bathroom facilities at Spring Bay and Savannah Bay.
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NDP 2019