Government to host Conference on Sustainability and Physical Development

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Government will on Friday host a conference on Sustainability and the National Physical Development Plan as part of the observation of World Town Planning Day.

The conference to be held at the Prospect Reef Hotel, Reef House will include presentations on sustainability in the development and construction management process, coastal sustainability and development in the BVI and sustainable development in Road Town.

Physical Planner in the Town and Country Planning Department Ms. Allison Williams, who is currently working on the BVI’s national physical development plan, said planning helps to create the fine balance between development and the construction required to facilitate that development.

“One of the economic pillars is tourism, people are attracted to the beaches and the phenomenal waters that we have here and at the same time, we do want to build so that we can accommodate activity and vitality and everything that makes this place so special.”

Ms. Williams told the Department of Information and Public Relations sustainable development should always be the uppermost objective “supporting development and at the same time, minimising how much you change nature.”

She added,  “there are going to be some changes but we want to do as little as possible, it is almost like making room for human activity and at the same time, allow flora and fauna to do what they can do, within the change.”

Chief Planner Mr. Louis Potter said the Territory has always been cognizant of the need to ensure sustainable development. “The British Virgin Islands have always pushed the concept of developing with nature, that is, having development that can be continued year after year while ensuring that we are able to cater to the needs of the persons who come here and the citizens of the country.”

He added that it is essential for development to benefit the people and not deteriorate the environment. Like Ms. Williams, he spoke of the need to find that balance and he highlighted hillside development as one such area.

“There is no reason why in order to build a house against the hill you need to create a 30 foot cut in the hill. You can certainly build your houses in steps in such a way that nowhere do you have to cut more than eight or 12 feet so this is the kind of thing we talk about when we say sustainable development.”

On the issue of the national physical development plan, Mr. Potter said once approved by the Physical Planning Authority, it will become draft law and will therefore be enforceable. The Chief Planner said they are working steadfastly to complete the plan which will be discussed at Friday’s conference. 

Delegates will include professionals in planning, architecture, engineering and other building related fields, real estate and insurance business owners, and surveyors. The conference is co-sponsored by the Contractors Association of the Virgin Islands Limited and the Architects’ and Engineers’ Association. 

Other contributors include James Todman Construction and Trucking Services, Limited, Mr. Michael Riegels, Q.C., Ms. Norma Riegels, Mr. Douglas Riegels, Mr. Ajit George and Necker Island Development.

In addition to Friday’s conference, the Town and Country Planning Unit will host an open house at its offices in the west wing of the Central Administration Complex and will also mount displays showcasing its work in the atriums of the building.
World Town Planning Day is observed annually, providing an opportunity for town planners to educate the public on the importance of planning.