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.

His Excellency, the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG chaired the Meeting held on 14th September, 2022.  The meeting was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Resource Centre, Jones Building.

A pleasant good afternoon to the members of the press corps, fellow Virgin Islanders, persons viewing online and listening via radio.

Indeed, we are thankful this morning as Fiona passed the Territory without any major incidents or damages being reported. Since passing our area, the system has been upgraded to a hurricane.

I would like to bring you a brief but important update regarding Tropical Storm Fiona, which was upgraded to a hurricane at 11:00 this morning, and brought at least one gust in excess of 46 miles per hour to Road Town overnight.

Government continues to track Tropical Storm Fiona, and to take steps to prepare and protect the public services and assets we all rely on.

We have had a mostly quiet night and morning as Tropical Storm Fiona has continued to move west. Please be advised that the Virgin Islands remains on Tropical Storm Warning, with tropical storm conditions potentially arriving this afternoon and continuing into tomorrow.

A pleasant Good Day to all Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors. Like many of you, I have been closely paying attention to how Tropical Storm Fiona has developed in recent days.