PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE

NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE 2022

LET US HARNESS OUR STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES VIRGIN ISLANDS

 1 January, 2022

Good Day and GOD’s Blessings to all the wonderful people of the Virgin Islands.

The year 2021, has been a year of highs and lows for the Virgin Islands as we continue to battle unprecedented challenges.  that are not of our making and for the most part beyond our control, originating far beyond our shores. But, our indomitable spirit and sense of community, which are among our greatest strengths as Virgin Islanders, have supported us through these tough times.

As we close this chapter on 2021, we remember loved ones who are no longer with us. We continue to pray for their families. As a people of BVILOVE and we continue to support each other in overcoming the difficulties of the past few years – from Irma to the pandemic. We can and we will make it, because together – and with our God by our side – nothing is impossible.

Over the past several months, the Virgin Islands economy has been constantly and consistently progressing with recovery, through the policies and management strategies of your Government and through the cooperation of all stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Our tourism industry, which remains in high demand, has been seeing increasing numbers of visitor arrivals. Cruise arrivals, day trippers, overnight visitors, yachts and charter visitors, are all on the rise, notwithstanding the pandemic. Air travel to Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada is now more convenient and accessible.  All of this spells good news for our accommodation properties, taxi and tour operators, restaurants and bars, and vendors, Government revenues – and for the wider economy. To God be the Glory.

Your Government has pushed forward with a number of large and small projects to stimulate economic activity, support local businesses, improve our infrastructure, contribute to job creation and improve and expand service delivery for our people. A lot has been done and more work will continue.

The New Year, 2022, meets us with a new Budget in place to support our continued economic recovery and growth. Many more projects and programmes are already lined up for implementation with others in advanced stages of preparation. Opportunities from new industries such as the Gaming and Betting industry are around the corner. Your Government intends to work even more closely with the private sector to discover and launch further opportunities. The Digital Economy and Green Energy sectors are two of the top priority areas, as we continue working to further strengthen our resilience through diversification. The positive trends in tourism are expected to continue, once we remain vigilant and continue to maintain the Virgin Islands’ profile as a safe destination. In short, 2022 is poised to be a year of hope, opportunity and resurgence for the Virgin Islands, and we ask God to keep it so.

As Premier, my commitment for 2022 - and that of your Government, is to continue working hard to promote Good Governance and to transform the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy through entrepreneurship, innovation and local and foreign investment, so that we can create more opportunities for you and your children, and improve your social and economic security and overall quality of life.

As a people with immense potential and blessed with amazing natural resources, let us resolve to work together for the development of our beloved Virgin Islands. Let us strive to inspire, encourage and support each other. Let us harness our strengths and opportunities to neutralise our threats and weaknesses. Let us be solution-oriented as we work, respectfully and constructively, through different points of view.

Let us, together, make 2022 a year of success for the Virgin Islands.

We will begin 2022 with a TIME OF PRAISE and PRAYER.

January 1, 2022 represents a new day and a new beginning for the people of the Virgin Islands.

The people of the Virgin Islands are invited to join together in one accord to sing songs of praise to God and to petition Him for continued favour in 2022.

The service is scheduled for Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth II Park from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. under the theme: “'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. '” — Jeremiah 29:11

Let us collectively pray and give God praise and thanks as the Virgin Islands progresses forward in BVILOVE. Let us continue to protect the present and future of these Virgin Islands which our ancestors and fore parents fought so hard to maintain and sustain.  As a people we will remain laser focused and keep moving in a positive direction FORWARD!!!

On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and on behalf of myself and my family, I wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

May God multiply your efforts and may your aspirations for 2022 come true. I thank you.