Mister Speaker, I would have made a statement to the Virgin Islands on Tuesday regarding the opening of school, and I believe that it is important that it be read into the records of the this Honourable House, so when future parliamentarians take their place and look back at history, they would know exactly what was done and said in the Honourable House at a specific point in our history.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Virtual Meeting held on 11th August, 2021. All Members were present, with the exception of the Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, who was overseas on private business. 

Mister Speaker, just last week Thursday I gave an update on the impact of COVID-19 in this Honourable House.  I started off that statement by acknowledging the community effort that it took to get us to a place where we could breathe a small sigh of relief because of the downturn in positive COVID-19 cases in the Territory.

Mister Speaker, the Social Security Board had an Award Ceremony to congratulate the recipients of the 2021 Nursing Scholarships - Ms. Shenice McKelly and Ms. Stephanie Payne, both of whom will be attending the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, USVI.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, for achieving their most recent milestone, of reaching their 60th anniversary. 

Good day and GOD's blessings to you all. Yesterday, I shared with you that there was a tropical system developing in the Virgin Islands. Today, I have been advised by the Department of Disaster Management team that this system has developed further and is now Tropical Storm Grace.

Good day to all. Since yesterday, as expected, the system we were following so closely has intensified and become Tropical Storm Grace.

Mister Speaker, in May 2021, I provided an update on the repairs and upgrades to the Territory’s nine (9) community centres to this Honorable House. I will now provide new information on the progress that has been made since that time and especially in light of the hurricane season that is now in effect.

Good day and GOD’s blessings to you all.

As you know, we are in the hurricane season and must, therefore, continue to remain ready and vigilant during this time.

The Department of Disaster Management has advised me of the possible threat of a potential Tropical Cyclone Seven as it gradually approaches the Virgin Islands.

Good day to one and all.

For the second time in a week, I am bringing you a message about a weather system with the potential to impact the British Virgin Islands. For the moment, forecasters are calling this system Potential Tropical Cyclone Seven.