Greetings, I am Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education & Culture. In support of Library Week 2015, I am pleased to offer these remarks to encourage all residents to support, utilise and visit our public libraries.

I am pleased to welcome you here today, as we sign a Loan Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Social Security Board, for $16 million, to facilitate the development of the road network infrastructure throughout the Territory.

It is a pleasure to be here this morning to address the individuals who will chart the future for our Territory. The 21^st Century comes with many opportunities and an equal amount of challenges. The individuals who will positively impact the progress of our society are tasked with finding the correct balance in their lives.

The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) indicates that  traditionally  government health ministries and education ministries work separately with different goals. However, there is mounting evidence from across the world which shows that these ministries are interdependent and are more and more forging ties to work together. 

Teachers, I am grateful to have this opportunity to join you all in some down time as we come together as a Ministry, but also as a community to acknowledge the hard work of educators throughout our Territory.  Tonight we say thank you for all that you do.

Many of you have found your way to the teaching profession via varying routes.  However, I have often heard many educators say that they have been inspired to teach because of the genuine curiosity and practicality of students, especially those that are in the early grades. 

My Fellow Virgin Islanders and friends, today is an exciting day for the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, and for the people of Virgin Gorda in particular, as it marks a crucial milestone in our quest to strengthen the delivery of health services on the Sister Islands. As we gather here to witness the Contract Signing and Ground Breaking for the Nurse Iris O'Neal Medical Centre, we are witnessing a very big step towards our dream of a world-class healthcare system, and better health outcomes for the people of the Virgin Islands.

Residents and friends of Virgin Gorda, Good Afternoon:

In earlier days it was the most recent doctor to join the health service who was sent to hold clinics in the sister Islands

In 1969, as a young man returning home to start my career as a medical officer, taking care of patients in Virgin Gorda was among my first duties

During those visits I often thought about what it would be like if Virgin Gorda had its own medical facility that could offer a good range of services and extended hours to its people.

Good Morning:

I am pleased to be part of another first for the BVI: this Apprenticeship Programme and its related Youth VI Website. I am delighted that this Government through the Ministry of Education and Culture, in collaboration with our business community is giving some eighty five young men and women the opportunity to earn a living. 

A pleasant good morning to one and all.  Today I am delighted to have this occasion to deliver to the Territory’s youth additional opportunities provided by their government for their personal and professional advancement.  

Ladies and gentlemen of the media!  Good afternoon!