Madam Speaker, as the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to work tirelessly to address the needs of the people of this Territory in the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, I bring before this Honourable House updates on initiatives being spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. 

Madame Speaker, I address this Honourable House to report on the progress made in the massive job of cleaning up our beaches and clearing the same of any marine debris which accumulated along our shores.  

The British Virgin Islands has sought United Nations (UN) support for the climate resilience of its airports and seaports at a regional workshop in Bridgetown, Barbados.

I wanted to take the time to clear up the misrepresentation of events in support of our clean-up and recovery efforts. Financial Services and tourism are the twin pillars of the Virgin Islands’ economy. Our financial services sector accounts for 70 cents of every dollar of our GDP. It is how Government makes an income to pay civil servants, our law enforcement officers and our teachers. It is how Government can support the provision of services such as electricity, garbage collection, roadworks, health services and importantly, education. 

Visiting cruise passenger have expressed that the experience in the BVI was a positive one. This was the sentiment from those first to visit the Territory since the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, on Tuesday, December 5 held two separate meetings with the Territory’s insurance providers and banks to discuss matters relating to the processing of claims and the status of loan moratoriums following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The public is advised that the Fort Hill road will be closed December 12 and 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on both days.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is appealing to the Virgin Islands community to give due care and attention when working in and around mangroves during this critical time in their recovery following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

35 linesmen have arrived to assist the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) with the restoration of electricity in the Territory.

Acting Director for the National Parks Trust of The Virgin Islands (NPTVI), Ms. Lynda Varlack, reassures that despite the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the National Parks and Protected Areas of The Virgin Islands are ready to receive guests.