Question 1

Madam Speaker, could the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please give this Honourable House a detail breakdown on how the monies were spent for the nonstop concert held shortly before the emancipation festival activities?

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE,

HONOURABLE DR. NATALIO D. WHEATLEY

AT THE THIRD SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION

Statement delivered by the Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley at the Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of The Virgin Islands, 7 September 2023

Statement by

Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance

3rd Sitting of the 1st Session of the 5th House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands

7 September, 2023

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER 

HONOURABLE DR. NATALIO D. WHEATLEY

AT THE THIRD SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION

OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2023

Madam Speaker, today, we stand at a pivotal moment in the history of our beloved British Virgin Islands. It is a moment that holds the promise of shaping the very foundations of our society – the future of our immigration policies and the profound impact they have on our future.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be able to update this Honourable House on a major milestone for our tax administration system in the Virgin Islands which is targeted to go live by the end of this month.

Madam Speaker, the cruise industry in the Virgin Islands plays a vital role in the overall tourism sector, contributing to the economic growth and development of these beautiful islands. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, the Virgin Islands has emerged as a popular destination for cruise operators and tourists alike.

Madam Speaker, I rise to provide an update on the traffic in the capital of Road Town.

Madam Speaker,

I am grateful for the opportunity to share information regarding an upcoming event that holds great significance in our collective efforts to address the challenge of global illicit financial flows. Senior Officials from the Overseas Territories (OTs) and the United Kingdom (UK) and will be meeting here in the Virgin Islands from the 12^th to the 14^th of September 2023 for a meeting on Illicit Finance. This meeting will be co-chaired by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of the Virgin Islands.