That most of the Dutch-sponsored Trust Fund projects are suspended due to the coronavirus-related lockdown (see Tuesday paper) is understandable. However, that does not mean they are at a complete standstill.
The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) says it is still getting ready behind the scenes for the work to start immediately once this unprecedented healthcare crisis allows it. That makes sense, because preparations such as tendering, strategic planning and finalising required documents can take place even in a virtual manner.
In fact, they must be accelerated now more than ever, because it’s activities like rebuilding the airport, construction of the new hospital, the removal of debris from the Simpson Bay Lagoon area and further tackling the dump that would produce at least some jobs to help keep the economy going, while tourism rebounds. Repairs to the police station roof and procurement of materials have continued, but the bigger projects are very much needed to somewhat fill the temporary void left by the hard-hit hospitality industry. The World Bank as the fund’s administrator ought to give its full cooperation for them to happen swiftly.
In the private sector too, the resumption of ongoing construction – for example, at Royal Palm and Flamingo Resort as well as in Cupecoy – should be facilitated when responsibly possible, with social distancing and observing applicable COVID-19 guidelines. The same goes for the Planet Hollywood Hotel planned on Great Bay.
This also entails speeding up the processing of all necessary permits and other papers to prevent any additional costly delay. The income these projects provide, along with liquidity support from the Netherlands, could help tide the country over.
