I greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our King, who I love deeply because He is merciful not merciless.

Good Morning to Acting Premier Honourable Rymer and to all of you present, including the media.  I am delighted that you have all decided to Come Innovate with us today as we take this time to speak to you the press and to the people about what will be known territory wide as Innovation Week or iWeek.

I wish to extend condolences to the relatives and loved ones of Mr. Ryan Adams, 20, of Sea Cows Bay, who perished in a road traffic accident last night in the Duff’s Bottom area. May his soul Rest in Peace.

Mr. Speaker, as this is the first sitting since the start of the new school year, permit me to share with this Honourable House some updates on education matters.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to inform the public about the transfer of crown land to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Mr. Speaker, since taking office and appointing a Festival and Fairs Committee to plan this year’s activities, I have been sounding the same refrain that we must celebrate our heritage and culture, give opportunities to our local cultural artisans, and to be fiscally responsible.  Based on those criteria, we have had successes and opportunities for improvement.

Mr. Speaker, from 16th – 25th August, 2019, I led a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago for CARICOM’s Festival of the Arts, known as CARIFESTA. 

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to inform the public about the acquisition of land for the Enis Adams Primary School.  This government, the people’s government, has resolved a 47 year old problem.

Mr. Speaker, with increased economic activity in the tourism and financial business sectors and young people turning 18 years of age, we continue to see more motor vehicles on the road ways. The further increases in economic activity that is anticipated as the diversification of the economy lifts off, will put further strain on our already limited and congested infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, as we are all fully aware, Cane Garden Bay is one of this Territory’s most valuable tourism assets. The area is also a well-populated community.