Madam Speaker, I wish to inform you and the public that Tropical Storm Philippe caused significant damage to the Beautiful Virgin Islands when it made landfall on October 3rd, 2023. The storm brought approximately eight (8) inches of rain, resulting in overwhelming amounts of mud and debris in our ghuts and our waterways. Fallen trees, boulders, and mud have also blocked roads and drains across the territory.

Madam Speaker, early last month, I gave an update on the progress of development of the West End Ferry Terminal, and I stand here today to present a further update on the additional progress made to date on this important development for our Territory. 

Madam Speaker, with your permission I would like to present a bill seeking the suspension of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2020. This Act, passed on 8 June 2020, aimed to establish the Virgin Islands Trade Commission, and vest it with critical responsibilities related to business, trade, investment, and consumer affairs within our jurisdiction. The Act came into effect on 21 November 2022, through Statutory Instrument S.I. 103 of 2022.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to provide another update on the progress the Government of the Virgin Islands has been making with respect to our implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry as outlined in the June 2022 Framework Agreement. 

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today on the threshold of a new and promising era as we mark the commencement of the 2023-24 tourist season in our beloved Virgin Islands. This season holds the promise of renewed hope and prosperity, a testament to our resilience in the face of the unprecedented challenges previously brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madam Speaker, the month of November is upon us, and Culture and Tourism Month is here again. This year will be the fourth annual Culture and Tourism Month and is being organised under the theme, “Our Virgin Islands, Our Story: Tell Your Story.”

Message from Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley
Update on Hurricane Tammy

Good day to all in the Virgin Islands.

By now you will all have heard that we are no longer undera Tropical Storm Watch. Hurricane Tammy did not strengthen or shift toward us as we feared, which is a blessing and we thank God for His mercies.

Good morning to everyone in the Virgin Islands. 

I am very grateful to share that Hurricane Tammy has passed to the east of us as we had hoped. As expected, we did record some gusty conditions including windspeeds in excess of 30 miles per hour. So far, reports are that yesterday and last night passed with minimal local impacts.

Message by the Governor John J Rankin CMG - Hurricane Tammy Update

Good morning to everyone in the Virgin Islands.

Overnight we have continued to watch Hurricane Tammy’s progress, and the Virgin Islands is now under a Tropical Storm Watch. This means that tropical storm conditions are possible tonight and tomorrow. As of 5:00 am, Tammy was approximately 300 miles east-southeast of Road Town and moving northwest at 9mph. Sustained winds for Tammy were up to 80 miles per hour. Tropical storm-force winds extended out up to 125 miles from the centre of the hurricane.

Good morning to all in the Virgin Islands.

Please note that we are now under a Tropical Storm Watch, which means that tropical storm conditions such as showers and winds in excess of 39 miles per hour are possible within the Territory.

Now is the time to put your storm plans into action and ensure that your family and property can be safe from what forecasters tell us may begin as early as tonight and continue into tomorrow: