UNDP Resident Representative Mr Magdy Martinez-Soliman with Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: Provided

According to a release on the Visit, “During the mission, Mr Martinez-Soliman presented his credentials to Premier Fahie and discussed areas in which UNDP could further support the recovery and sustainable development of the Territory.”

Wealth of Knowledge

Premier Fahie in commenting on the visit said, “I was very pleased to receive Mr Martinez-Soliman who was recently appointed UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the OECS. The BVI and subregion will tremendously benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience as a development professional and former UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Policy Chief.”

The Premier noted that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government is grateful for the technical assistance already provided by UNDP to the Territory after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“We look forward to working very closely with Mr Martinez-Soliman’s good offices on future support for our recovery and sustainable development. A key objective is realising the full potential of our marine sector as we build a sustainable blue economy,” he said.

More Meetings

While on the visit, Mr Martinez-Soliman also paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the Governor, Augustus J. U. Jaspert and held meetings with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5).

The UNDP Chief also met with Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL); Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Sports, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer Jr amongst others.

Mr Martinez-Soliman was accompanied by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr Ugo Blanco and former Head of UNDP’s BVI Project Office, Mr Luis Francisco Thais.