In a recent government meeting, officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in developing a comprehensive plan for the Virgin Islands, emphasizing community engagement and input throughout the process. The Horsley Witten team was recognized for their strategic guidance, which has been instrumental in ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and desires of local residents.

The speaker highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting that the plan is not merely a product of external consultants but a reflection of the thoughts and feelings of Virgin Islanders. Acknowledgment was given to the 92 volunteers and various stakeholders who contributed to the planning process, reinforcing the notion that community involvement is crucial for the plan's success.

As the meeting concluded, officials reminded attendees that the comment period for the draft principles remains open until July 26, encouraging public feedback through the designated website. The next steps involve forwarding the plan to the governor within the next six to eight weeks, with the expectation that it will be presented to the 35th legislature for consideration.

The meeting underscored the significance of capturing diverse opinions on environmental and land use issues, aiming to create a unified plan that guides sustainable development in the territory. The collaborative effort was praised as a remarkable achievement, setting the stage for future phases of the project.