The Financial Services Implementation Unit (FSIU) is moving to enhance the operation of relevant government departments as part of the BVI Forward campaign designed to transform the financial services industry.

Madame Speaker, at this time, I would like to update this Honourable House on where we are with the issue of transparency as this relates to Beneficial Ownership of Companies.

Madam Speaker, with your kind permission, I will now make a brief statement regarding the amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004.

Madam Speaker, with your kind permission, I beg to make the following statement with regard to the amendments to the Anti-money Laundering Regulations and Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice that have recently been approved.

Hoteliers and other business leaders in the British Virgin Islands will hear about the recently launched BVI Forward campaign at a business connection luncheon hosted by the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA).

Good Afternoon members of the media! I thank you for being here

Good morning! It is a real pleasure to be here today.

BVI House Asia has celebrated its second anniversary in Hong Kong and Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is pleased that the Territory remains a trusted partner in the Asia Pacific Region.

The Financial Services Implementation Unit congratulates Tevin Skeete who is the winner of the Moving BVI Financial Services Forward Essay Competition which was staged to generate interest in the industry among 16 to 19 year olds. Tevin, a second year honour student at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, is pursuing studies in finance and aspires to be a financial manager.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has enlisted the support of a team of community spokespersons who will help to raise awareness of the financial services industry and the benefits derived by the average person in the Territory.