Mr. Speaker, I will now speak on the payment of increments for Public Officers.

Mr. Speaker, I am in a good place this morning because finally the Members of the opposition agree that questions and answering the questions asked is critically important in strengthening our democracy, transparency and accountability, especially if we are on our way to becoming self-reliant. I commend them for these questions.

Mr. Speaker, my Government continues to put the necessary structures in place to restore hope and prosperity for all of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Mister Speaker, as the facilities operated by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) were not spared the ravages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, repair works have been in progress in the ensuing period. With respect to the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital, Annex, and Major Peebles Wing:

Mister Speaker, not unlike the civil societies throughout the world, the current limitations of the Territory’s waste collection and disposal systems pose a serious constraint to the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands. These challenges were exacerbated by the widespread destruction caused by the 2017 hurricanes that ravaged the Territory. 

Mister Speaker I am grateful for this opportunity to provide an update on the progress of the first phase of construction of the new Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda, which has been long anticipated and fraught with setbacks.

Mister Speaker, I am pleased to update this Honourable House on my attendance and participation at the 57th Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which took place at the PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C. between 30 September - 4 October 2019. I was accompanied by Dr. Irad Potter, our Chief Medical Officer, and joined by other Caribbean Overseas Territories as part of the delegation of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday 19th October, 2019, I will lead a delegation of Virgin Islanders to the United States Virgin Islands to commemorate the 46th Celebration of BVI/USVI Friendship Day. This year they are the host with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. leading the USVI delegation.

Further to the Ministry  of Finance and the Department of Human Resources'  1st October 2019 notice on the implementation of the new JDE Edwards Enterprise One  this communication is to provide an update on the 15 October 2019 pay period  which was processed successfully with minimal issues.

Good day to all in the Virgin Islands.  I am sad to share that Kim Hollis, a Queen’s Counsel who has served the Territory as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) since 2016, has decided to leave the public service in December as a result of the need for her to take care of an ailing family member.