Happy World Oceans Day!

Legendary caribbean musician Harry Belafonte sang the famous line, “Oh, island in the sun, willed to me by my father's hand, all my days I will sing in praise of your forest, waters, your shining sand.”

Today I have published my Third Quarterly Review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI).

My Review welcomes the free and fair election that took place on 24 April and the continued commitment to reform made by the Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in the opening days of his new Premiership.

A pleasant good morning to you all.  I’m extremely pleased that we are gathered today to mark the re-establishment of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board. I’d like to recognize the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Natural Resources and the Financial Secretary as ex officio members of the Board. I also recognize and warmly greet the non-Government members of the Board, including the Chairman Mr. Edward Childs, Deputy Chairperson Mr. John Klein, Dr. Shannon Gore and Mr. Ronnie Lettsome.  

I acknowledge the protocol already established

My main focus here this morning is to say a brief word of welcome, particularly to you the members of the Climate Change Trust Fund Board for offering yourselves to serve this our beloved territory in this capacity.

Greetings to all who call The Virgin Islands home! Today, June 5, in honour of World Environment Day, I’d like to level with you about a serious addiction that is plaguing The Virgin Islands, affecting not just our environment but our health as a people. It’s our addiction to plastics. Just how bad is it?

On the heels of yesterday's historic non-stop flight, I am here to announce the BVI Tourist Boards Non-stop Concert, featuring the internationally acclaimed recording artists Konshens, Rock City, Monea, and VIBE.

As the Minister for Education, I am deeply saddened by the news of the recent fire in Guyana that claimed the lives of 19 students.

This week, 21st to the 27th of May, the Territory of The Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports pauses to observe Early Childhood Awareness Week.

Thank you Madam Speaker, I say a fifth district good afternoon to each and every one of you under the sound of my voice whether present or online. It's a pleasure to be in the fifth district, it's a pleasure to be here in this Fifth House of Assembly, before I start, I just want to thank God. Thank God for all his mercies and his blessings for having me here in this Fifth House of Assembly. I also thank my wife, Suzanne, for her unwavering support throughout this journey, and my daughters who are here present today, excited to be here for this special day. I also thank my family, I thank the people of the Fifth District for the confidence that they placed in me to represent them yet again. Madam Speaker I also thank all the persons who supported me, who encouraged me, prayed for me along the way, and I thank them for their support.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBER FOR THE NINTH DISTRICT, HONOURABLE VINCENT WHEATLEY AT THE FIRST SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY