Good afternoon to all those living and visiting the Virgin Islands.  A meeting was convened earlier today with the Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Social Development and representatives of key response agencies across the public service to discuss the current global outbreak of COVID-19. I

Fellow Virgin Islanders, residents and friends, the Ministry of Health and Social Development together with all relevant agencies of the Government of the Virgin Islands continue to closely monitor the rapid international and regional spread of the novel Coronavirus Disease COVID-19, and apply all necessary precautions to prevent the importation or transmission of the disease in the British Virgin Islands.

The Government of the British Virgin Islands assures the public that there is no confirmed case of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands.

After consultation with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and other senior health officials, a decision was made that cruise ship M/V Costa Favolosa will not be allowed to call on the Virgin Islands today.

Mr. Speaker, could the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration please tell this Honourable House if the public restroom is open on weekends or days when Cruise Ships are not in Port?

Mister Speaker, it has come to my attention that a number of persons who reside or either work and reside in the Territory live on boats throughout the Territory.  

Mister Speaker, in our quest to create a labour market that is conducive to economic growth, investment and employment creation and one that will be characterised by improved skills, equity, sound labour relations, and due respect to those who help to create economic opportunities, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development will be embarking on a number of projects this year.

Mr. Speaker, for the year 2020, as reported before, the Immigration Department is in the process of receiving a new Border Management System. 

Mr. Speaker, I had the distinct pleasure to be escorted along the mangroves at Hans Creek, Beef Island earlier this week by a group of enthusiastic conservationists and lovers of the nature in the Virgin Islands.

Mister Speaker, I take this opportunity today to further address one (1) of three (3) contracts awarded on the Sister Island of Jost Van Dyke.