Cabinet Meeting – 30th August, 2023

His Excellency, the Governor John, J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the meeting held on 30th August, 2023, which was held at the Premier's Conference Room, Cutlass Tower.

All Members were present. 

The Ministry of Communications and Works was advised that the Sargassum Seaweed at Handsome Bay inhibited the operation of the water production of the Desalination Plant. In turn, the distribution of water was disrupted to customers in the Valley, Virgin Gorda.

Madam Speaker, we are here in the House of Assembly at this stage to handle matters related to advancing the Shipping Registry.

HMS Dauntless docked in Road Town this morning, and will be in the BVI’s waters this week as part of a routine visit. Whilst here, the crew will meet with members of the National Security Council, host a disaster exercise and conduct an on-water search and rescue exercise.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is informing the public that this morning, we became aware of an adjustment to traffic in the vicinity of the Elmore Stoutt High School that adversely impacted motorists.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Education welcomes the start of the 2023-2024 school year under the theme Virgin Islands Education; Moving Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. S.T.E.A.M education is an approach to teaching and learning that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.

Madam Speaker, the development of our children and young people is of utmost importance to the continued development of the Territory. Thus, I am pleased to highlight the reintroduction of Summer Camps in July 2023 through the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports. A total of three separate camps were offered: the Youth Summer Camp, S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camp and the Multi-Sport Summer Camp.

Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to apprise this Honourable House on the recent notable developments at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. 672 students are enrolled this Fall semester for certificate and associate degree programmes.

Madam Speaker, it is with immense joy and renewed dedication that I acknowledge the start of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to come before this Honourable House to provide another update on the implementation of the COI recommendations as outlined in the Framework Agreement of June 2022.