This year's Nurses Week theme, "Nurses: The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit" seeks to focus on, and address the health and wellbeing of our nurses. In my role as Minister for Health and Social Development, I have received many reports of the great works our nurses are doing at our new Peebles Hospital; and how well they have transitioned to the new facilities and adapted to the new technologies. Members of the community inform me almost regularly of the continuous improvement of nursing care in our health care system. And of course, my personal health care needs have given me first-hand experience and knowledge of the compassion, dedication, commitment, resilience, and professionalism of our nurses. 

On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I welcome you here today, as we launch this Hydrology Study, to assess the Territory’s vulnerability to the risks associated with flooding.

My fellow residents of the Virgin Islands, I am your Minister for Health and Social Development, Ronnie W. Skelton. I begin this month-long celebration of our seniors with a tremendous sense of satisfaction. I can remember a time in the Virgin Islands when our seniors mostly just looked forward to retirement. Retirement meant that as a senior your contribution to our community slowed down considerably. Yes, you continued with your church and other social activities, you had more time to spend with your grandchildren and the demand for your babysitting services increased. However you were made to feel that the vast amount of knowledge you acquired through many years of experience was no longer needed. As an approaching senior, I am proud to say that this seems to have changed.

We are here for yet another Buy BVI Trade Expo, and yet I feel that every year the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association has managed to put together an amazing programme.

My fellow residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands, I am your Minister for Health and Social Development, Ronnie W. Skelton.

Saturday, April 22, marks the beginning of Vaccination Week 2017. 

Thank you Madame Chair and good morning to everyone.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Education believes that our education system should give our students the required skills for success in all areas.

Madame Speaker, after maintaining work permit fees at the same level since 1981, the BVI Government has amended the work permit fee structure to one that is progressive and based on income.

Thank you Mr. Chairman,

I say a pleasant Good morning to members of the Board of the BVI Arbitration Centre, the team here at the Arbitration Centre, and other honoured guests. 

STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE DR. THE HONOURABLE ORLANDO SMITH, OBE
DURING THE SIXTH SITTING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE THIRD HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
ON TUESDAY, 18TH APRIL, 2017
AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA
AT 10:00 A.M.
50^th Anniversary of the Ministerial System of Government