1. INTRODUCTION


The main objective of the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) is to improve the longevity, quality of life and income of the people of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). This planning strategy will integrate economic, social, physical and environmental objectives in a simultaneous fashion to obtain a more sectorally balanced and sustainable development pattern. To achieve this objective, an integrated planning framework built upon the concept of strategic visioning from the political leadership and impacts of public and private sector to fashion policies, strategies, programmes / projects in a participative manner will play a central role.

The integrated framework requires the interaction of a number of stakeholders in different activities at different stages. This interaction and these activities comprise the process of the project. This paper is a documentation of the all process involved. The documentation will help to evaluate the project and development methodology guide for future development. The documentation of process includes all activities involved in all phases of the project.


2.0 OPERATING MECHANISM:

The operating mechanism for the preparation of the NIDS, consists of two interrelated components which are the methodological framework, which outlines the approach and the process or set of activities leading to the development of strategy and the second component is the institutional framework which outlines the network of human resources necessary for the elaboration of an integrated strategy and resulting plan i.e. management process.
These two components interact to form the process for the development of the NIDS. Six major phases are identified and are represented in a grouping of the major activities and tasks as follows:

1. Conceptualization 
   

2. Analysis
   

3. Strategy Formulation
   

4. Approval
   

5. Implementation
   

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

The major activities of each phase are presented below. These activities represent those that have been undertaken to date as well as those to be undertaken in subsequent phases.

2.1 PHASE I: CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE PROJECT

During this phase a vision and broad national goals were identified. The project scope is clarified, a draft conceptual framework and methodology were developed and outline work plan is prepared.

        Phase one has been completed. The following activities took place:


Activity 1: Political Support of NIDS (April 1992)

The political directorate through the Chief Minister in the April 1992 budget address initiated the process of development of the NIDS. This was manifest by the concern expressed for the absence of a national plan in the territory.

Activity 2: Symposium on Planning Priorities (November 1992)

To advance the conceptualization of the project a symposium was organized by the Chief Minister's Office in collaboration with the Development Planning Unit (DPU) in November 1992. The aim of the symposium was to chart the national planning priorities. A concept paper entitled National Integrated Development Plan 1994-1998 was presented. This paper set out preliminary objectives and scope of the proposed plan and the intended approach for its elaboration. It also defined the major elements, the vision and set out a schedule of activities leading to the finalization of a NIDP by December 1993. The Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the Planning and Projects Review Advisory Committee (PPRAC) attended this symposium.

Activity 3: Development of the Project “NIDS” (May 1995)

The development of the project was pursued through the technical assistance from International agencies. Assistance was sought from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/United Nations Centre for Human Settlement (UNCHS) in the elaboration of the process and development of the strategy project document was signed by Government BVI and UNDP/UNCHS on May 1995.

Activity 4: Mobilization of Resources for the Project (June 1995 – February 1996)

The Government of the British Virgin Islands and UNDP/UNCHS collaborated in the mobilization of financial and human resources for the project. UNDP/UNCHS provided the Project Manager, Consultants and four United Nations Volunteers to work in the Town and Country Planning Department, Development Planning Unit and Conservation and Fisheries Department. The BVI Government provided over 80% of the financial resources as well as counterpart professional staff.

Activity 5: Development of Preliminary Work Programme (March 1996)

The Project Coordinator and Project Manager jointly developed a preliminary work programme. The work plans were based on activities indicated in the project document. The initial work programme should have started in March 1996 and ended up in April 1997.

Activity 6: Formation of Project Management Team: March, 1996)

The Chief Minister’s Officer appointed the Project Management Team. This group is a pillar of the project. It is responsible for day-to-day coordination of the project. Because of the inter-sectoral nature of the project, the chairman of the group is the Head of the Development Planning Unit. Other members are Chief Physical Planning Officer, Head, Conservation and Fisheries, Head, Social Development. Initially these were the members, later it was decided to include more members in the group. The additional members are the Permanent Secretary/Chief Minister's Office, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health and Welfare and Financial Secretary. The original secretary of this group was UNCHS Project Manager. Up on the expiration of her contract the Project Administrator contracted by the Government of the British Virgin Islands filled this position. This group meets every Wednesday to review the progress of the project. In general the group is responsible for provision of administrative and technical services and coordination of all sub-committees.

Activity 7: Public Workshop on NIDS (November 1996)

The workshop was organized by UNDP in collaboration with the BVI Government to sensitize heads of public and private sector and Non-Governmental Organizations by briefing them of their role and the objectives of the project, project justification, implementation strategies and the expected results of the project. Two facilitators made presentations at this workshop. Dr. James Armstrong, the Project Coordinator UNCHS-Barbados and Mr. Winston Dookeran from UN ECLAC-Trinidad. These facilitators were supported by members of the Project Management Team. Suggestions from the participants were taken and included in the project process.

Activity 8: Formation of Sub-Committees and Secretariats (March, -1997)

The Project Management Team in collaboration with the office of the Chief Minister set up a number of sub-committees to examine different sectors/areas of study of the economy with a view to assist in the formulation of policies and strategies. Members of these committees are from public and private sectors. The letters of appointment were signed by the Chief Minister.
The functions of the subcommittees are:

1. Evaluation of all information in the relevant sector/area.
   

2. Identification of any further data that is required.
   

3. Examination of the existing data with a view to the identification of needs in the sector / area which foster sustainable development of the territory.
   

4. Development of goals and objectives for the particular sector/area, which can foster sustainable development of the territory.
   

5. Development of policies and strategies for the particular sector/area.
   

6. Assisting the public consultations with respect to the area/sector.
   

7. Identification of programmes / projects for the particular area.

The following sub-committees were formed:

1. Global External Sub-Committee:
   Responsible for Information, Political Relationship, Science and Technology.
   

2. Global Domestic Sub-Committee:
   Responsible for Population, Habitat, Government, macroeconomics and Environment.
   

3. Productive or Economic Sector Sub-Committee (I):
   Responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries, Mining and Quarrying and Construction.
   

4. Productive or Economic Sector Sub-Committee (II):
   Responsible for Tourism
   

5. Productive or Economic Sector Sub-Committee (III):
   Responsible for Financial Services
   

6. Social Service Sub-Committee:
   Responsible for Education, Culture, Health, Social Development and Sports.
   

7. The Physical Infrastructure Sub-Committee:
   Responsible for Communications, Transport, Energy, Water and Sewerage.

The Project Management Team did the appointments of secretariats of the above committees. The secretariats provide technical and secretarial services for the sub-committees, which includes the following.

1. Researching on the sector / area.
   

2. Technical input and interpretation as required.
   

3. Provision of all relevant documents and papers.
   
4. Organization of the meetings in conjunction with the chairperson.
   
5. Arrangement for all meetings, which includes the preparation of agendas, and circulation of minutes, notes and reports.
   
6. Preparation of final reports in conjunction with the chairperson.

Activity 9: Training Workshop on Strategic Planning for Integrated Development Planning - January 1997.

The Government of the BVI/ UNDP/ UNCHS in collaboration with the University of the West Indies organized a training workshop for one week on “STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING”. The aim of the workshop was to expose the Project Management Team and Officers dealing with the project to specific project management skills. Among the topics they learned includes the following: 

• Strategic Planning as a tool in the integrated planning process.
  
• Integrated Planning System.
  
• Strategy Implementation.
  
• Tools for Situation Analysis.
  
• Development and Using Integrated Planning Framework.
  
• Project Planning and Development.

Activity 10: Formation of Strategic Change Team

This team is supposed to be appointed by the Chief Minister. The Project Management Team has proposed names of the members of this team, but their letters of appointment have not yet been issued.

2.2 PHASE II: ANALYSIS 

This phase provides the research base for the design and implementation of the national development strategy. Basically this phase focused on preparing the base of the study, including the identification of the critical dynamics of society, key variables and factors, analysis of the actors and their roles, and the identification of strengths, weakness, roles and threats facing the country. The studies cover the economic, social, physical and environmental components.

Activity 1: Data Collection

This exercise involved primary and secondary data collection, which includes gathering of data, facts and information. Apart from collecting information officers were also involved in interviewing relevant officials in the line ministries, departments and public organizations to obtain views and their inputs in this project. Among the data collected are sectoral policies, strategies, programmes and projects being implemented. The agencies involved in this exercise were key departments, members of subcommittees and secretariats. These series of data were collected from the following areas/sectors: Communication and Transport, Energy, Water and Sewerage, Drainage, Construction, Agriculture, Fisheries, Mining and Quarrying, Distributive Trade, Tourism, Social Development and Sports, Population, Environment, Habitat, Government, Money and Banking, Government Finance, Balance of Payments and Science and Technology.

Activity 2: Data Analysis

Departments/Sub-committees played a major role in compiling and analyzing the data gathered in Activity 1. The analyses were in a form of development trends of each study area/sector, analyses of polices and strategies linkage among the sectors. Interactions between factors were carefully analyzed, trends identified and examined. At the end of this activity an overview emerged as to how things had evolved, what the present situation is like and how they are most likely to develop in the future. From the analysis a draft of proposals were made to be included in the background papers.

Activity 3:Writing of Background Papers:

Departments / Sub-Committees / Secretariats was involved in this exercise. The analysis made in Activity 2 was used to formulate the background papers. The Project Management Team recommended the following format for all background papers.

1. Introduction: Definition and brief description of the sector or study area.
   
2. Background: Covered historical background of the study related to present situation and future development.
   
3. Situation Analysis: Recent development of the sector / study area. The focus was mainly on economic, social, physical and environmental analysis.
   
4. Problems / Constraints / Issues: This area covered problems and constraints of each sector / study area e.g. resources allocation, management / administration, assessment of resources and other elements were addressed in this part.
   
5. Sectoral Goals and Objectives: On this section goals and objectives of the sector / study area were identified. Priorities of needs were identified and the integration processes with other sectors of the economy were also identified.
   
6. Polices and Strategies: Policies of each sector / study area were identified in order to promote the performance of the sector / study area. After policies were formulated, strategies were identified on how to implement the policies identified.
   
7. Programme and Projects: Programme and Projects, which will try to solve/address problems, were identified. Writing of projects and programmes followed the World Bank format.

Activity 4: Project Data Bank Process:

This activity was carried out through a consultant sponsored by CFTC in collaboration with Development Planning Unit. Already the National Project Data Bank logical design system guide document has been produced.

Activity 5: Review of Background Papers by Sub-Committees

In some cases where the subcommittees were not directly involved in writing the background papers. They were required to review these papers by making changes as deemed necessary. This exercise was complete in March, 1998.At the end of the exercise, revised background papers were produced.

Activity 6: A Visit by Development Economist to assist with the Preparation of NIDS

• During the first visit the Development Economist advised the Project Management Team on sector/study area paper outline, the documentation of the process of NIDS and work plan for the project. 
  
• The second visit of the Development Economist was devoted to the following:
  
  -Revision of Conceptual Framework of the project. A revised document has been produced.
  
  -Revision of some of the background papers and the project data.
  
• The third and fourth visits were devoted on assisting the PMT in preparation for the Retreat to discuss main Issues and Strategies emanating from research and analysis conducted by Sub committees / Secretariats. The Development Economist was the main facilitator of the Retreat.
  
• The fifth visit the Development Economist presented to the PMT a draft structure document to be used for Public Consultation.
  
• The sixth visit the Development Economist was involved in public consultation exercise for two weeks (from 2nd June, to 12th June, 1998).
  
• August to September, 1998- Preparation of the first draft of the document.
  
• October 1998: Submission of the first draft to the Project Management Team.

Activity 7: Documentation of the NIDS Process

The UNV Development Planner undertook the continuous documentation of the NIDS process. The documentation started from the time when the project was conceptualized up to date. The document shows all the phases and all activities undertaken.

Activity 8: Review of all Sectoral / Area Papers

The Project Management Team was supposed to review all sectoral / area papers submitted by the subcommittees. 

Activity 9: Synopsis and Identification of Major Issues

The retreat was organised by the Project Management Team with the guidance provided by the Development Economist (Consultant) .The retreat was held at Long Bay Beach Resort .The main objective of the retreat was to develop consensus on the main issues and strategies emanating from the research and analysis conducted by the sub committees / secretariats. The research analysis incorporated twenty-eight areas of study, divided into four broad divisions i.e. Economic, Social, Spatial and Environment. Over forty participants from Government Departments, Public and Private Institutions, Non Governmental Organizations and representatives from UNDP, UNCHS and CARICAD participated in the retreat. The following are the outcome of the retreat;

1. The main Issues and Strategies were identified.
   
2. The Mission Statement of the Government of BVI were defined i.e. To facilitate and improve quality of life for all the people in the territory by ensuring their health, education, productivity, cohesiveness, resilience and global competitiveness in a responsible, integrated and sustainable manner.
   
3. The Vision Statement were defined i.e. To create a society that is globally competitive and socially cohesive with ability to satisfy the basic needs of all the people by upholding the principles of human rights and good governance by managing a sustainable and integrated way the development of natural and human resources of the Territory, by generating self confidence among the people and maintaining the unique cultural identity of the BVI.
   
4. The main objectives of NIDS were identified i.e. to improve the quality of life of the people of the BVI.
   
5. The key Strategies for Integrated Development of the BVI was identified.

Activity 10: NIDS Publicity Campaign: January to April, 1998:

This exercise was aimed at educating the public about NIDS before the PMT went for Public Consultation in May 1998. The PMT in collaboration with the Chief Information Officer organised the media campaign. Before that the Project Coordinator briefed the media about NIDS, the purpose was to educate and familiarise the media about NIDS so that they can report effectively to the public. Also weekly newspapers produced supplements information about NIDS. The media campaign continued up to May and included the following;

1. Two appearances by two key persons from the PMT on Public Eye, government’s weekly call in programme, both of which were re-aired.
   
2. Radio spots on three local radio stations.
   
3. Monthly features on the almanac on ZBVI (radio) highlighted various aspects and issues on NIDS.
   
4. G.I.S. Radio report-Weekly radio interviews with key persons on various issues of NIDS. Copies of which were provided to local media for inclusion in their newscasts.
   
5. Facts sheets that focused on various sectoral issues and were distributed to several areas.

Activity 11: Public Consultation (From 2nd June to 17th July, 1998)
After the publicity campaign and education about NIDS, the Project Management Team organised several meetings in different areas of the communities so as to get public opinions / ideas / issues to be considered in the plan in order to achieve the objectives of NIDS by year 2003.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

From June 2nd, Public Consultation meetings were held in main centers of the community i.e. Road Town, East End, West End, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Before the meetings were held a Public Consultative Document (which was prepared by the consultant / Development Economist) and key sectors brochures were distributed to the public to enhance their knowledge about NIDS. The first meeting which was held in Road Town was televised, the idea was once again to explain to the public the objectives of NIDS, the benefits of NIDS and the role of the public as beneficiaries of the of the programme. In general the meetings were intense and highly participatory, and the public showed interest and commitment in the programme. The issues / ideas / opinions gathered from these meetings will be incorporated in the plan (NIDP).

Activity 12: Review of the first draft of the document (September/ October, 1998)

The Project Management Team spent this time reviewing the first draft of the document submitted by the development economist. On 16th October 1998, the PMT presented their comments to the Development Economist to be included in the final document.

2.3 PHASE III: STRATEGY FORMULATION

This phase deals with development of broad strategies; goals and policies based on the analyses of phase II. It will emphasize the need to design and implement effective strategies to realize shared visions.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE:
Draft Strategies are included in some of the background and sector papers. During the Retreat these strategies formulated by the Sub Committees / Secretariats were discussed fully and were endorsed by the participants. More strategies were gathered from the public consultation exercise.

2.4 PHASE IV: APPROVAL

This phase will result in approval of the NIDS by Executive Council before implementation.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE:
The NIDS has been approved by Executive Council in October 2001. 

2.5 PHASE V: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

This phase deals with implementation of plans and programmes. The success of this stage depends on the effective institutionalization of the process and adequate capacity in terms of organization and human resources.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE:
This will be dealt with after completing Phase IV.

2.6 PHASE VI: MONITORING AND EVALUATION

This phase constitute a strategic management process, which is monitoring and evaluation of plans/project/programmes.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE:
The final phase will be done after completing Phase V.





SUMMARY OF NATIONAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 
(NIDS)
PROCESS