Madam Speaker,

I would like to update this Honourable House on national and political developments in the United Kingdom (UK) that we here the Virgin Islands must pay close attention to as a British Overseas Territory (BOT).

Today, we collectively express our deepest sympathies and regret on the passing of the Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office, Mrs. Stephanie Benn.

On the 4th October I was pleased to publish the first Quarterly Review of the Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms which was agreed between the UK and Government of National Unity.  The Quarterly Review is a key part of the process for monitoring the implementation of the COI recommendations. 

People of the Virgin Islands, I greet you heartily on this Heroes and Foreparents Day. This holiday was conceived as a means of recognizing outstanding Virgin Islanders for their contribution to our society.  As we reflect on the findings of the commission of inquiry and seek to improve areas of governance where we have identified weaknesses, it is important to remember that we have also made tremendous progress.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Special Meeting held on 30th September, 2022 held at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building.

More than five months ago the Government of National Unity made a commitment to reform in order to strengthen the Territory’s institutions and systems of government and to transform the way the Government’s business is handled, beginning with us.

2022 His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 23rd September, 2022. The meeting was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building.

On Monday, 3^rd October, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports received a report from the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School that a significant number of students were absent. The students were reportedly feeling unwell. Out of great concern, the Ministry immediately contacted the Ministry of Health to assess the situation.

I am honoured to extend greetings on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, and to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to supporting Government-led efforts to build a more resilient Caribbean.

Today I am pleased to share with you my first quarterly review of the “Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms” (“the Framework document”), being led by the Government of National Unity.