Mister Speaker, the Government of the Virgin Islands continually monitors the evolution and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic as infections spread with increasing veracity in our region of the world. We remain committed to keeping the public engaged and informed, and I am grateful for this opportunity to present yet another progress report on the Territory’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to renew my appeals to the members of the public to bear with their Government as we develop and implement the measures to further stabilise their social and economic situation and to put the foundation in place for their future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to address this Honourable House on the favourable response that your Government has been receiving from the commercial banks operating in the Territory, with respect to relief measures for the people of the Virgin Islands in this COVID-19 era.

Mister Speaker, I am pleased to present an update on the support being provided to vulnerable households by the Government of the Virgin Islands to repair and rebuild hurricane-damaged homes.

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on my Ministry. Over the past months I have provided updates as they relate to physical projects, but today I want to speak on the ministry’s legislation and policy framework which is currently afoot and will improve the operational efficiency of my Ministry.

Mister Speaker, I wish to provide an update on the Motorcycle/Scooter campaign that the Department of Motor Vehicles continues to host.

Mister Speaker, thank you for allowing me to make a brief statement on one of our National Parks, The Gorda Peak National Park. Gorda Peak was declared a national park in 1974 and is roughly 260 acres.

The Virgin Islands is known to be a melting pot of various nationalities, which makes our Territory a truly diverse one.  A large percentage of persons residing in the BVI are natives of other counties, and many have resided in our beautiful islands for several years and made it their home.

Mr. Speaker, our tourism sector relies on the presence of pristine waters which sustains our ability to recreate and to provide fish, which forms part of our food security framework. Crystal clear waters allow for our reefs to thrive, as countless residents and visitors enjoy the same. However, Mr. Speaker, our coastal waters, more than ever, requires continued attention and focus. The prevalence of various diseases impacting reefs, storm water runoff which may carry large amounts of sediment from the land and the discharge of pollutants into the waters threaten the survivability of reefs and other marine ecosystems that support our livelihoods and lives. Sometimes, individuals may feel helpless in their ability to positively contribute to the protection of our coastal resources.

Today, we are pleased to sign this contract for phase one of the Great Mountain Road Repair project with Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd valued at $194,065.08.  With this project, we will witness the beginning of the restoration of a major artery in our road network.