Mr. Speaker, the Caribbean Region is about to enter another hurricane season and I would encourage everyone to accelerate their preparations as we anticipate an active season. I certainly recognise the challenges that emerge in our preparations as we continue to grapple with the pandemic and its social and economic impacts.  We must always remain vigilant and prepared. 

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to address this Honourable House with a very important issue in our environment which is critical for the protection of our Territory in more ways than one; that of the protection of our coral reefs.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report the decisions made at the Special meeting of Cabinet on 10th June, 2020, convened to consider the 15^th Situation Report of the Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Mr Speaker, I wish to take this moment to join with other world leaders, and the millions of other persons in countries across the globe, who are lifting up their voices to demand an end to racism in all forms, everywhere - especially against people of African heritage.

Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to announce that Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mr. Kelvin E. Hodge as the Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority Board for a period of three years effective May 13.

Mr. Speaker, I will now speak on Constitutional Review in the Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands is presently an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (UK). The Virgin Islands’ first modern written constitution was enacted in 1950.

 Mr. Speaker, I do trust that everyone continues to remain safe as we continue to live and work in COVID-19.

On 28 May, the Government presented our $62.9 million Phase Two COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which contained several programmes to help support families and small businesses during these trying times.

Mr. Speaker, we are moving forward with recovery in the middle of the COVID-19 and an active hurricane season.

In this ‘new regular’ era of reopening, as a Government we have taken a phased approach where businesses that would be allowed to operate was determined from solely an economic standpoint.

Mister Speaker, I rise to provide this Honourable House with an update to the current progression of initiatives under the portfolio of the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Virgin Islands is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist Micro Small and Medium size Enterprises in the food services sector including restaurants, cafes and food vans.