Madame Speaker, there is a vexing problem facing the Territory with respect to the feral (wild and uncultured) animal population. Through the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry I have received numerous complaints from farmers and homeowners alike of the damage these animals cause. While the Department of Agriculture has always been engaged in efforts to reduce the numbers in the stray animal population, efforts are being ratcheted up to alleviate this problem through the implementation of a Strategic Feral Animal Control Management Plan.  This plan provides the framework that involves actions to minimize the negative economic and environmental impacts. It also takes into consideration public health issues that can be caused by wild untamed diseased animals.

The Member for the Third District to ask the Honourable Minister for Education and Culture the following questions:

Madam Speaker, the National Sewerage Programme is another major undertaking of this Government, through the Ministry of Communications and Works.

Madam Speaker, The Ministry of Communications and Works has embarked on an aggressive program to provide the residents of the Virgin Islands with a more reliable, sustainable and consistent potable water supply. We started with first assessing all existing water assets and resources, to develop a comprehensive action plan to achieve this goal. Currently there are a number of projects geared towards improving the potable water infrastructure in the Territory.

Madam Speaker, we are making significant progress with road rehabilitation work under the Caribbean Development Bank CDB Loan Funded Projects.

Madam Speaker, the objective set out by the Ministry of Communications and Works spearheaded by the Public Works Department, is to upgrade and improve the existing road network to allow for better use by Motorists and pedestrians. This ensures improved safety to international standards for all users and newly upgraded roads should have a lifespan for of 15 to 20 years.

Madam Speaker, the Phase V Power Development Project being undertaken by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation BVIEC, is well underway and there is definitely more ‘light’ at the end of the tunnel.

It gives me great pleasure to deliver the 2016 State of the Environment Address.

Your Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan, OBE, Distinguished Colleagues in the House of Assembly, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr. Karl Dawson, Other Distinguished platform guests, 2016 Graduating Class, Faculty, Parents and well-wishers, Ladies and Gentlemen Good afternoon:

Your Excellency Governor John S. Duncan, OBE, Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the Fourth District, Honourable Mark Vanterpool, Members of the House of Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, senior public officers, contractors, specially invited guests, media partners, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls this afternoon, we are moving!