Thank you, [Moderator]

A pleasant Good Afternoon to everyone

I would first like to thank ECLAC for the opportunity to participate in this important discussion and share the Virgin Islands’ perspective on the topic: Protection of the human rights of older persons in situations of social and environmental disasters.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 30th November, 2022 at the Premier's Conference Room, Cutlass Tower. All Members were present.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting on 16 th November, 2022, which was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building.

In my first Quarterly Review of Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations I noted that there had been good progress in a number of areas, which I continue to welcome.

Good morning to all the beautiful people of the Virgin Islands.

During the Budget Address on Tuesday, the Honourable Premier indicated that in a matter of days the public could expect a major announcement with respect to airlifts to the Virgin Islands.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 13th October, 2022, which was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building.

Thank You Madam Speaker.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Mrs. Archer, Financial Secretary, Specially Invited Guests, members of the Virgin Islands community viewing online and listening on the radio, members of the Media; a pleasant good day to everyone.

Greetings people of the Virgin Islands. Today we celebrate the Great March of 1949 which led to the restoration of the Legislative Council in 1950.

Madam Speaker, I would like at this time to provide an update on the Joe’s Hill Housing Development project being undertaken by the Social Security Board.

Madam Speaker, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic we are even more keenly aware of the significant linkages between the health and tourism sectors, and the importance of both sectors to our economy and society. For the tourism industry to be sustainable, it is important to effectively manage any negative health impacts on the Territory, in order to protect both the local population and the industry.  Ensuring sustainability is also an essential component of economic development and maintaining and improving the quality of life in small islands.