Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be allowed to issue this statement regarding the ongoing response in the BVI to pandemic corona virus (COVID-19).

Mister Speaker, I wish to thank the people of the Virgin Islands for their patience during this current 14 day, 24-hour curfew lockdown.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to grow as a Territory, we believe that a Ministerial Code would lend to our future path that would involve systems being in place in keeping with our commitment to self-determination.

Mr. Speaker, the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic, escalated very quickly since the initial outbreak was detected in China in late December 2019.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide this Honourable house with an update regarding the work of my ministry during this twenty-four hour curfew period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the seriousness of the threat, there are some critical functions that must be carried out; however, the officers carrying out these functions are doing so with all due care for their health as well as that of their fellow officers.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement in this Honourable House on COVID-19 titled BVI, WE WILL RISE. 

Last week, medical supplies bound for the British Virgin Islands were seized by US Customs and Border Protection en route to the Territory.

Espero que todos hayan tenido un buen fin de semana de Pascua, aunque reconozco que tuvimos que celebrar nuestras tradiciones de Pascua, como ir a la Iglesia y visitar a la familia, de manera diferente este año, sé que estos sacrificios fueron vitales. Gracias nuevamente por hacer esos sacrificios y quedarse en casa.

Governor Jaspert; Premier Fahie; I extend greetings to everyone here in the Virgin Islands, the Region and throughout the World for indeed the world is listening.

Good day and God’s continued Blessings on all of us who call the Virgin Islands our home.