With officials of the Virgin Islands and United Kingdom still in discussion over the Recovery and Development Plan submitted by the Government of the Virgin Islands to the United Kingdom (UK) as part of its request to draw down on the £300 UK Loan Guarantee, Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert said the teams have been having “good discussions” so far with the hope of concluding shortly. Photo: Provided

It was during the Eleventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on Thursday, October 17, 2019 that Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), when questioned by Opposition Member and Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA on the discussions, had said the UK has been open and receptive, but that discussions are delicate and he could not reveal the full details. Photo: VINO/File

The Recovery and Development Plan was submitted by the Government of the Virgin Islands to the United Kingdom (UK) as part of its request to draw down on the £300 UK Loan Guarantee to assist the Virgin Islands to recover and develop from the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking to members of the media during a press conference at his residence on November 1, 2019, he said the plan is now the subject of technical discussions between UK and VI officials and he won’t comment in detail as discussions are underway; however, he is hopeful the discussion will pave the way for the acceleration of the territory’s recovery.   

He added that the negotiating parties are “working very very hard together and having good discussions to try and work through any areas of the detail of what they are doing. They have had a number of discussions over the last weeks and they are continuing or hope they can conclude very shortly and we can move forward.”

UK has been open & receptive- Hon Fahie

It was during the Eleventh Sitting of the First Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on Thursday, October 17, 2019 that Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), when questioned by Opposition Member and Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser RA on the discussions, had said the UK has been open and receptive, but that discussions are delicate and he could not reveal the full details.

"Both sides are listening to each other, and the deadline has been extended so that we can discuss further to find common ground in some areas," Hon Fahie had said.

The Leader of Government Business further noted that the deadline extension was a victory on its own and that the UK is accommodating and have since been reasonable throughout the negotiation process.