STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE DR. THE HONOURABLE ORLANDO SMITH, OBE
DURING THE SIXTH SITTING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE THIRD HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
ON TUESDAY, 18TH APRIL, 2017
AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA
AT 10:00 A.M.
50^th Anniversary of the Ministerial System of Government

I am truly honoured to join you this afternoon as we reflect on the 100^th Anniversary of the United States Virgin Islands.

We are all here to celebrate the official launch of Trade Entrepreneurial Week, where we focus our efforts on the development of the small business sector, that is — existing and potential entrepreneurs and our youth.  

Ladies and gentleman, as you may be aware, United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Theresa earlier today initiated formal negotiations on Britain’s exit from the EU in an official letter triggering Article 50 of the European Union (EU) Treaty.

I have today issued the formal warrant to give effect to this decision and instructed the Financial Secretary and the Accountant Generaltonow proceed as instructed by the warrant.

In January of last year, 2016, I had the pleasure of announcing an exciting project led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour underway in Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay designated the North Shore Integrated Coastal and Watershed Stabilisation Project.

At a time when the challenges we face – from climate change, inequality and poverty to violent extremism – seem so steep, the words of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow give us hope.

At a press conference earlier this afternoon, His Excellency the Governor indicated that he had instructed (or will be instructing) the Financial Secretary pursuant to section 103 of the BVI constitution to provide $800,000 for the police, monies which were repeatedly asked for to augment the police force.

Ladies and Gentleman, Virgin Islanders, long term residents and visitors to the Virgin Islands, today the 13 March, 2017 is Commonwealth Day and it is my honour and privilege to read out the traditional Commonwealth Day Message by the Head of the Commonwealth Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. 

I am deeply saddened to learn of the recent tragic deaths of two young men in this community: Mr. Alston Penn and Mr. Ashburn Dawson. Mr. Ashburn Dawson died after a shooting incident near the Sunday Morning Well last night, while the body of Alston Penn was found on Windy Hill Road early yesterday morning. 

My condolences go out to the families of the victims. I pray that God's tender mercies surround all of you at this time.