Ladies and Gentleman, Virgin Islanders, long term residents and visitors to the Virgin Islands, today the 13 March, 2017 is Commonwealth Day and it is my honour and privilege to read out the traditional Commonwealth Day Message by the Head of the Commonwealth Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. 

I am deeply saddened to learn of the recent tragic deaths of two young men in this community: Mr. Alston Penn and Mr. Ashburn Dawson. Mr. Ashburn Dawson died after a shooting incident near the Sunday Morning Well last night, while the body of Alston Penn was found on Windy Hill Road early yesterday morning. 

My condolences go out to the families of the victims. I pray that God's tender mercies surround all of you at this time.

The Member for the Third District to ask the Honourable Minister for Communications and Works the following questions:

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

I thank you for being here this afternoon. Today, I wish to speak on a few areas in Tourism development. 

Today marks another significant milestone as the Government of the Virgin Islands forges ahead with the project to rehabilitate the roads damaged during Tropical Storm Otto in 2010.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) welcomes the opportunity to make an intervention at this plenary.

I am holding this press briefing to provide you with an update on my recent meetings in London where, among other things, I attended the United Kingdom–Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council on European Negotiations.  As you are aware, while I was the President of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) last year, I led efforts to secure this important meeting which was agreed last November at the annual JMC.  It was essential that at political level the OTs views were heard ahead of the UK Government triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to formally begin negotiations on Britain’s exit from the EU. 

I am happy to be here today representing the Premier and his Government in the signing of these Water Purchase Agreements.

Between the courtesy call I made, along with other Overseas Territories Leaders, on Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Theresa May and prior discussions with UK Ministers on Exiting the European Union (EU), I am very encouraged that my Government is making progress in advancing BVI's priorities on Brexit negotiations.

The Water and Sewerage Department continues to gain internal operational strengthening with the restructuring of management being a pivotal component to its success.