Good Evening,  May the Peace of the Lord be upon my Caribbean comrades.  I bring to you, greetings on behalf of the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands. Today, I am indeed delighted to join you all on this most historic occasion, and for my first visit to your beautiful islands of Guadeloupe.  

I want to start by giving God all the glory, honour and praise.

I recognise all those who have been recognised before. I also recognise the presence of all dignitaries and their spouses. But it would be remiss of me if I didn’t recognise my very good friends from the U.S Virgin Islands, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the U.S Virgin Islands, Governor Bryan Jr., and Lieutenant Governor Roach – two very good friends of mine.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Virgin Islands,  I am pleased to report to you that the European Union has announced today that it recognises the BVI as compliant with its fair taxation principles as well as being a cooperative jurisdiction.

Good morning.  My name is Julian Willock, the Speaker of the Fourth House of Assembly.  I thank God for allowing me to be here with good health and strength.

Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year as we mark the 70th anniversary of the London Declaration, when nations of the Commonwealth agreed to move forward together as free and equal members. The vision and sense of connection that inspired the signatories has stood the test of time, and the Commonwealth continues to grow, adapting to address contemporary needs.

Last Friday, I brought to the attention of the people of the Virgin Islands a new development in the UK Parliament which sought to amend the Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill on public registers of beneficial ownership.  

It is a great honour for me to greet you in my first public remarks as Minister for Health and Social Development, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2019.

Premier Fahie, Deputy Premier, other Ministers of Government, Leader of the Opposition, members-elect to the House of Assembly, ministers of the Gospel, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon.

Honourable Mark Vanterpool, Member-Elect for the Fourth District has advised me of his intention to relinquish his member-elect status.