Madame Speaker, there has been a lot of buzz in the Territory over the last few days about my Government’s decision through the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands to grant to nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), access to enter and remain in the Virgin Islands as tourists or for business related matters, without the need for a visa.

Madame Speaker, I wish to update this Honourable House on my recent Asia Mission trip, which was a productive two week engagement with Asian businesses, Government officials and individuals in financial services, tourism, and innovation.

When the BVI Government decided in 2013 to open it’s office in Asia, it estimated that somewhere in the range of 40 to 60 percent of the BVI’s financial services business originated from China and rest of the Asia Pacific region.

Last Sunday we returned home from a grueling but very productive mission to five cities in Asia over a two week period. 

Today is World Environment Day – a chance to consider the amazing environment we have in BVI and the importance of protecting it.

The organisers of Decision March VI delivered their signed petition to the Governor this morning (4 June 2018). 

We are here today to honour Mrs. Lynden Smith, known to all of us as Teacher Lynden and invest her as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. 

Residents of the BVI,

The 2018 Hurricane Season has commenced and forecasters have indicated that this season will be an active one.  This means that we have to be ready and stay ready from June to November. 

People of the Virgin Islands. Many of us would like to put the 2017 hurricane season behind us forever but unfortunately we are still recovering from the devastating effects of the flood events as well as the impacts from two major hurricanes, Irma and Maria.

Good afternoon members of the media. As you know, this forum provides an opportunity for me to update on matters of the Government. And, especially this afternoon, I’d like to inform you of my upcoming travel to Asia.