Thank You Madam Speaker.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Mrs. Archer, Financial Secretary, Specially Invited Guests, members of the Virgin Islands community viewing online and listening on the radio, members of the Media; a pleasant good day to everyone.

Greetings people of the Virgin Islands. Today we celebrate the Great March of 1949 which led to the restoration of the Legislative Council in 1950.

Madam Speaker, I would like at this time to provide an update on the Joe’s Hill Housing Development project being undertaken by the Social Security Board.

Madam Speaker, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic we are even more keenly aware of the significant linkages between the health and tourism sectors, and the importance of both sectors to our economy and society. For the tourism industry to be sustainable, it is important to effectively manage any negative health impacts on the Territory, in order to protect both the local population and the industry.  Ensuring sustainability is also an essential component of economic development and maintaining and improving the quality of life in small islands.

Madam Speaker I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that the Department of Waste Management has resumed clearing roadside overgrowth and removing litter along the main roads on Tortola.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to monitor regional and global health trends that could impact the Virgin Islands, and is pleased to note that current statistics show a significant reduction in the transmission and impact of COVID-19 worldwide.  Recent reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate considerably lower rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to 2021 and the beginning of 2022.  However, there have been increasing numbers of new COVID-19 infections and deaths observed in specific countries – namely, the United States of America, Russia, and Brazil.  Regionally, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has reported very marginal increases in COVID-19 related deaths and cases among its member states. However, it is important interpret the current trends cautiously, as most countries have seen an overall decrease in testing.  After almost two years of strict public health measures, most countries have returned to normal operations and pre-pandemic behaviours and activities. 

Question 1
Madam Speaker, would the Honourable Minister for Health and Social Development please provide a complete listing of capital projects approved and undertaken by the BVI Health Authority during the period 2015 through 2022, inclusive of contractors, contract sums, scope of works, commencement, and completion dates?

The advocacy continues at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

As Minister, I continue to seek to solidify the BVI’s partnerships across various sectors.

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, I made an announcement pertaining to the change in some of the requirements for foreign based charter vessels.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to update this Honourable House and the entire territory about the Ministry’s commitment to continuous professional development for educators to support the development of skills, the expansion of knowledge and the efficacy of instruction. The theme for the 2022-2023 school year is “Virgin Islands Education: Moving Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”