Madame Speaker, I rise to provide an update on the state of the combined fishing and farming industry. Following a series of public consultations that the Premier and his team conducted after the hurricanes, a number of issues were identified in the fishing and farming communities.

Madame Speaker, as we rebuild our economy, the Department of Labour continues to play its role in our rebuilding efforts.  Shortly after the devastating hurricanes of last September, a Skilled Workers Programme was implemented to ensure that the necessary labour was able to enter the Territory in a timely manner. Employers have taken full advantage of this policy and to emphasize this point, a total of one thousand, seven hundred and ten (1,710) skilled workers have entered the Territory, the majority of which are in the construction industry.  

At approximately 4:17 pm, a C-150 aircraft destined to Pointe a Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe departed the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport and crashed into the waters off the east north east end of Runway 07 immediately after take-off. There was one person on board.

A C150 with one person on board departed the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (TUPJ) at 20:17Z (4:17pm) ....

First of all, I’ll just give an update on the conference I attended of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This took place in Jamaica between July 3 and 7.

Good morning to all the members of the press.

I thank you for being here as we report on the progress being made in the setting up of the agency and the work that they are preparing to carrying out the recovery of the Virgin Islands following the events of last year.

After the Managing Director of Scotia Bank advised my Government that it was closing its branch on Virgin Gorda effective 1st September, 2018.

Question 1

Madam Speaker, could the Minister for Education and Culture please inform this Honourable House, post Hurricane Irma, what schools were cleaned up from the monies his Ministry received from the emergency response loan that government received from CDB?

It is my pleasure to be here to share in the joy of families, friends, and educators as we celebrate the 2018 Graduates of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College this afternoon.

We are aware of reports of an incident at USVI at the Cyril E King airport this morning.  We are in touch with US Authorities.