STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE
DURING THE SEVENTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 17^th October, 2019

Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Your Government joins with the BVI Cancer Society and the people of the Territory in remembering the strength of survivors, fighters, supporters, caretakers, our relatives and friends who are no longer sharing this life with us.

For many, the beautiful gift of life is too often cut short due to an illness. Cancer is one such illness that has caused many patients and their families great pain. Breast Cancer Awareness month serves the purpose of bringing focus to not just awareness about breast cancer, but all the different types of cancers. During this month, we are reminded that cancer does not discriminate in its dire effects on people of all races, ages, and income level.

The hope is for all people to be able to enjoy the blessed gift of a long, happy, and healthy life.

I wish to pause this morning and celebrate with those who, through God’s grace, are survivors. For I continue to hear their stories about unwavering faith in God for spared lives, and their respective journeys are indeed an inspiration to us all.

I am praying with and for those who are fighting hard, and I want to say don’t stop fighting. Don’t stop winning. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop believing. Don’t stop praising because all things are possible if you only believe.

I am remembering those who succumbed. It was just two weeks ago that I met a 12 year old for the first time with a rare form of cancer, and though I only knew her for three days before she went to eternal rest, she has left such an impression on me with one key message: Only believe.

So during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mr. Speaker, I would like us to find the time to have a moment of silence.

As we remember the names of those persons who at some point made us smile, but are no longer with us. I’d also like us to ask God to give us the wisdom and knowledge to find a cure.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage citizens and residents of the Virgin Islands, the public sector agencies, the private sector, nonprofit organisations, and all other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of the survival and prevention of cancer. And today, I salute the BVI Cancer Society for their efforts. Some of their members are here with us including the President. I salute you from this Honourable House.

Let us continue to be strong and remember that early screening is the key.

Mr. Speaker with your kind permission I respectfully request that this moment be seized as I invited all members of this Honourable House to please stand in a moment of silence as we remember all those who have their battle with cancer especially also as we stand to remember our fallen sister, once Honourable of this House, the Late Delores Christopher as we do a moment of silence for all our fallen Heroes; and Honourable Paul P. Wattley.

Thank you, everyone for that and I pray the best for their families, who are still here to live on and to those who have gone on to enteral rest, may their souls rest in external peace.