Madam Speaker, I present this statement to the people of the Virgin Islands on the Police Act 2023, which has been subject to much scrutiny since its first reading in the House of Assembly a week ago.  For the benefit of the public, I will give a brief timeline of the progression of the Bill to this stage.

Madam Speaker, in recent weeks there has been an upsurge of extreme misconduct at some of our secondary schools. In fact, Madam Speaker, I can regrettably confirm that some of our students are threatening the lives of their peers, teachers, administrators, and security officers and are threatening to destroy school property. Additionally, Madam Speaker, our schools have found students in possession of marijuana and marijuana products as well as e-cigarettes and alcohol. Brass knuckles with knives attached are being confiscated from students far too frequently. Schools have also reported a significant issue with students bringing oversized splat-ball or pellet guns and using them to shoot at others after school.

Madam Speaker, on Friday 3^rd, February 2022, I received a letter for the BVI Teacher’s Union regarding the payment of outstanding increments. Upon receiving the letter, I immediately contacted the union to request a meeting with the intention to hear directly from teachers so that their concerns could be effectively articulated and represented.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to provide an update on the progress of work at the Burt Point Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Madam Speaker, as Honourable Members and the members of the public would recall, one of the major problems that the Government inherited when we took office in was the poor state of the sewerage infrastructure in several parts of the Territory, including in and around the Capital of Road Town.

Madam Speaker, maintaining our roads requires us to have a supply of materials whenever repairs become necessary or when upgrades are scheduled. Access to materials have been an ongoing challenge over the years and contributes to why repairs are delayed from time to time. 

Madam Speaker, this week – on 7 February, to be more specific - we recognised the first anniversary of the City of Road Town Park and Ride Shuttle Service, and I am pleased to report to this Honourable House that this service which provides essential transportation around the City, has been a resounding success.

The National AML/CFT Coordinating Council (“NAMLCC”) is committed to ensuring that the Virgin Islands can effectively respond to any money laundering (“ML”), terrorist financing (“TF”) and proliferation financing (“PF”) threats that may impact the Territory and has taken various steps in this regard.

His Excellency, the Acting Governor Mr. David Archer, Jr. chaired the Meeting held on 22nd December 2022, in the absence of Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, who was overseas on annual leave.

 THE CABINET OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS - POST MEETING STATEMENT

I have so enjoyed being here in the British Virgin Islands - meeting elected representatives, officials and community members from right across the Territory.