Salutations based on protocol ( Speaker, Deputy Premier, Other Ministers, Attorney General, Deputy Governor, Justices, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Speaker, Junior Ministers, Other Members of House of Assembly (by seniority), Chairs of the Service Commissions, Principal Officers of Government (Financial Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, PS, Premier’s Office, other PSs), Former members of HOA, Chair and Heads of Statutory Boards, Senior Public Officers, Invited guests, Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls), Good afternoon!

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, delivered the 2024 Budget Address in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly earlier today, with a fiscal package totaling $382.67 million.

The 2023 Budget was passed at the Ninth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly to the tune of $412,971,110. This will comprise of $340,872,400 for recurrent expenditure; $49,428,600 for capital expenditure; $7,148,810 in contribution to various statutory funds; and $15,521,300 towards repayment of the principal on our debt.

Thank You Madam Speaker.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Mrs. Archer, Financial Secretary, Specially Invited Guests, members of the Virgin Islands community viewing online and listening on the radio, members of the Media; a pleasant good day to everyone.

The 2022 Budget was passed at the Thirteenth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly in the amount of $397,174,331.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that his Government recognises and commends the dedication of the Territory’s teachers, who have performed yeoman service in the less than satisfactory conditions.

The House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands is ensuring a smooth process for the passing of the Territory’s 2022 budget.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to strengthening the Territory’s energy supply and reducing its carbon footprint.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has stated that two-hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) is allocated for Tourism Infrastructure Development as he emphasised the Government’s commitment to developing the Territory’s tourism product in the 2022 Budget Address.