Ladies and gentlemen good morning:

Today, we are here to observe the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’, under the theme “Join in Building a Culture of Prevention on Occupational Safety and Health.”

Good morning

Today we are here to officially launch the Virgin Islands National Youth Policy, and recognise the 2015 recipients of the Virgin Islands Emerging Fellow Award.

Today’s youth is the fastest growing demographic in the world’s population. According to a report from the World Bank, countries that invest in their youth have the opportunity to see a surge in economic growth. Those that do not invest in the lives of their young citizens, experience tensions that present obstacles to any growth.

In 2012, my Government started a conversation with Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort to partner in developing the human resources of this Territory in the areas of hospitality and tourism.

This initial conversation which has blossomed into a memorandum of understanding to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands, specifically BVIslanders living and working on Virgin Gorda. I see as important for several reasons:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media, Good Morning.

On March 12, 2015, I laid a report in the BVI House of Assembly titled “Building on a Thriving and Sustainable Financial Services Sector in the British Virgin Islands”.

At that time, I explained that my Government commissioned the internationally respected consulting firm of McKinsey and Company to develop a pragmatic strategy and implementation plan that would chart a new direction for our financial services industry.

Greetings, I am Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education & Culture. In support of Library Week 2015, I am pleased to offer these remarks to encourage all residents to support, utilise and visit our public libraries.

I am pleased to welcome you here today, as we sign a Loan Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Social Security Board, for $16 million, to facilitate the development of the road network infrastructure throughout the Territory.

It is a pleasure to be here this morning to address the individuals who will chart the future for our Territory. The 21^st Century comes with many opportunities and an equal amount of challenges. The individuals who will positively impact the progress of our society are tasked with finding the correct balance in their lives.

The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) indicates that  traditionally  government health ministries and education ministries work separately with different goals. However, there is mounting evidence from across the world which shows that these ministries are interdependent and are more and more forging ties to work together. 

Teachers, I am grateful to have this opportunity to join you all in some down time as we come together as a Ministry, but also as a community to acknowledge the hard work of educators throughout our Territory.  Tonight we say thank you for all that you do.

Many of you have found your way to the teaching profession via varying routes.  However, I have often heard many educators say that they have been inspired to teach because of the genuine curiosity and practicality of students, especially those that are in the early grades.