Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be able to update this Honourable House on a major milestone for our tax administration system in the Virgin Islands which is targeted to go live by the end of this month.

Madam Speaker, the cruise industry in the Virgin Islands plays a vital role in the overall tourism sector, contributing to the economic growth and development of these beautiful islands. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, the Virgin Islands has emerged as a popular destination for cruise operators and tourists alike.

Madam Speaker, I rise to provide an update on the traffic in the capital of Road Town.

Madam Speaker,

I am grateful for the opportunity to share information regarding an upcoming event that holds great significance in our collective efforts to address the challenge of global illicit financial flows. Senior Officials from the Overseas Territories (OTs) and the United Kingdom (UK) and will be meeting here in the Virgin Islands from the 12^th to the 14^th of September 2023 for a meeting on Illicit Finance. This meeting will be co-chaired by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of the Virgin Islands.

For September, the Virgin Islands' community joins the rest of the world in observing World Alzheimer's Month. The observation of World Alzheimer's Month is being spearheaded by Alzheimer's Disease International to raise awareness of dementia and to help address and eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.

Cabinet Meeting – 23rd August, 2023

His Excellency, the Governor John, J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the meeting held on 23rd August, 2023, which was held at the Premier's Conference Room, Cutlass Tower.

All Members were present. 

A warm and heartfelt welcome is extended to each of you as we continue along this exciting chapter on the journey of re-imagining education in the Virgin Islands.  It is my distinct pleasure to welcome each of you to Professional Day and Summer Institute for 2023.

Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley; Minister for Health, Honourable Vincent Wheatley; Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe; our esteem guests that are here with us, members from the teaching service commission, our amazing private sector partners, Unite BVI, principals, teachers, counsellors, support staff, education officers in the ministry, once again good morning to you all. 

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, my honourable colleagues, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, Honourable Luz Hodge Smith.  Of course, representatives of the RDA who are present, and I would like to especially recognize CEO McMaster, even in his absence, board members, all individuals from the RDA.

Cabinet Meeting – 26th July, 2023

His Excellency, the Acting Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr., chaired the Meeting held on 26th July, 2023, in the absence of Governor John, J. Rankin, CMG, who was overseas on annual leave. The meeting was held at the Premier's Conference Room, Cutlass Tower.

All Members were present with the exception of the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, who was overseas on official business and the Attorney General, who was on annual leave. The Solicitor General Mrs. Jo-Ann Williams-Roberts attended as the acting Attorney General.