My fellow Virgin Islands residents, I would first like to take this opportunity to thank Jehovah for his mercies during the recent heavy rains, which caused severe flooding that resulted in the damage of property and infrastructure in our Territory.  It could have been much worse, and we are thankful that here was no loss of life.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the regional delegates as well as our local representatives to the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum being held in 'Nature's Little Secrets', our beautiful Virgin Islands.

It is my pleasure to welcome you, regional and local delegates, to the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF).

Your Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus Jaspert, Mrs. Millie Jaspert and sons.....

Honourable Premier, Your Ladyship Honourable Madame Justice Ellis, Honourable Deputy Premier, Honourable Ministers, Madame Deputy Governor, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, other Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, Members of the Clergy, distinguished guests – good morning.

Your Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert, Mrs. Jaspert, Oscar and Tobias; Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, Ladies and Gentleman, good morning:

My fellow Virgin Islanders and residents of this Territory: This morning, I had the opportunity to visit different areas in Tortola as we, as a Territory, continue our recovery efforts.

My fellow Virgin Islanders, residents, friends, regular visitors and those who are here for the first time, a festive welcome to our 2017 Emancipation Celebration.

Citizens and residents of the Virgin Islands:

Earlier this afternoon, the Leader of the Opposition brought a Motion of No Confidence against the Minister of Finance, which failed to garner support from any other member of the House of Assembly. 

The Government of the Virgin Islands recognising the need to improve airlift into the Territory for our visitors and residents alike, entered into an agreement with BVI Airways to provide the company with $7 million to operate direct flights between Miami and the British Virgin Islands.