Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on my Ministry. Over the past months I have provided updates as they relate to physical projects, but today I want to speak on the ministry’s legislation and policy framework which is currently afoot and will improve the operational efficiency of my Ministry.

Mister Speaker, I wish to provide an update on the Motorcycle/Scooter campaign that the Department of Motor Vehicles continues to host.

Mister Speaker, thank you for allowing me to make a brief statement on one of our National Parks, The Gorda Peak National Park. Gorda Peak was declared a national park in 1974 and is roughly 260 acres.

The Virgin Islands is known to be a melting pot of various nationalities, which makes our Territory a truly diverse one.  A large percentage of persons residing in the BVI are natives of other counties, and many have resided in our beautiful islands for several years and made it their home.

Mr. Speaker, our tourism sector relies on the presence of pristine waters which sustains our ability to recreate and to provide fish, which forms part of our food security framework. Crystal clear waters allow for our reefs to thrive, as countless residents and visitors enjoy the same. However, Mr. Speaker, our coastal waters, more than ever, requires continued attention and focus. The prevalence of various diseases impacting reefs, storm water runoff which may carry large amounts of sediment from the land and the discharge of pollutants into the waters threaten the survivability of reefs and other marine ecosystems that support our livelihoods and lives. Sometimes, individuals may feel helpless in their ability to positively contribute to the protection of our coastal resources.

Today, we are pleased to sign this contract for phase one of the Great Mountain Road Repair project with Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd valued at $194,065.08.  With this project, we will witness the beginning of the restoration of a major artery in our road network. 

As a Territory, we continue to move forward with recovery of our public infrastructure. I am very pleased to be here to move another project forward as per the schedule of projects in the revised Recovery and Development Plan.

Good day and God’s Blessings to the people of the Virgin Islands. I do trust that all of you are remaining safe as we navigate the ‘New Regular’ as we live and work with COVID-19. I continue to encourage all of us to social distance. We must respect each other by standing six feet apart.

It was with great sadness that this evening we learned of the tragic death of our colleague and dear friend, Junior Peters. 

Good day and God’s Blessings to all Virgin Islanders and Residents, and to the regional and international community.