People of the Virgin Islands, Good Day and God’s Blessings to all of you.

Today is an important day in the life and legacy of Virgin Islanders and the Virgin Islands.

It is Territory Day!

Virgin Islands Day!

The observance of Territory Day is usually marked with us putting on a display of our culture and talents, followed by a ceremonial gathering that includes speeches, poems, historical readings and other forms of reflections.

Good morning to all,

It feels as though a lot has changed since we last met in May. BVI has sprung back to life with many businesses re-opening and friends and family coming together again, though still from a safe social distance. We’ve made progress in preventing COVID-19 taking hold here, but we cannot become complacent.

Mister Speaker, when I last updated this honorable house, I mentioned that the first shipment of the new Ultrasonic meters for distribution to customers had arrived and was in the possession of the Water and Sewerage Department. The Department is now in the final stage of preparations to commence installation within the coming week. The Department currently has a waiting list of customers who have paid all fees and is awaiting connection; these customers will be given priority. I take this opportunity to thank them for their patience and to apologize for the inconvenience that was caused by this delay.  

Good day and God’s blessings to the people of the Virgin Islands.  The year 2020 has been a year of many firsts.  COVID-19 has forced us to do things in a very creative way; I welcome you to our first Virtual Celebration of Territory Day.

I am here this evening to bring another progress report on the Territory’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mister Speaker, in fulfillment of our commitment to keeping the public informed, I am pleased to bring another progress report on the Territory’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands continue to meet for our regular Cabinet Meetings, and we continue to discuss the COVID-19 response of the Virgin Islands.

Mr Speaker, thank you for facilitating me to deliver this brief statement.  Your 16-month-old Government and its various agencies and departments continue to work tirelessly to look after the interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Mr Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and say thanks to one of this Territory’s most brilliant professionals, who has dedicated his lifetime to public service, and who has held some of the highest offices in this country, performing with distinction.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, your Government is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in our handling of the public’s affairs.