The Government of the Virgin Islands has said that tourism continues to be the single most important economic activity in the Territory and measures will be taken to build and sustain the sector.

The Government is on a mission to position the Virgin Island for the future, according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.

Madame Speaker, I thank God for his mercies in allowing me to present my Government’s 2017 budget for the people of this Territory under the theme: Charting Our Course: Positioning the Virgin Islands for the Future.    

The public is reminded that Budget Day is Monday, January 16. 

My fellow BVIslanders and Residents:

As we begin the last month of the year, it is essential that I update you on the state our Territory, our economy and our public finances.

This is a time of challenge not just here in the BVI, but all around the world.

The 2016 Budget was passed at the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the House of Assembly to the tune of $330,846,500.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has outlined his vision tor moving the Territory towards self-sustainability.

Madame Speaker, I am grateful to God and to the people of this Territory for giving me the opportunity to deliver the first Budget Address in the new term of this Administration.