Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley

Minister For Health And Social Development

At The Ninth Sitting Of The First Session Of The Fifth House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands

The Cabinet Office is notifying the public that the Bill entitled, Police Act, 2023 is now available for review on the Virgin Islands Official Gazette website at https://eservices.gov.vg/gazette/. 

Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak about the issue most affecting the youth of my Territory.

Today marks the beginning of the Social Development Department’s registration process for persons transitioning from the House of Assembly Grants to the Public Assistance Programme. 

In the past few days there has been a cascade of uneasy events that have rocked the Virgin Islands and its people. Nonetheless, we must remain resilient and steadfast on our journey. As an elected official, I stand on the principle of country above self, and as such, I have agreed with the decision to cede my post of Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration to facilitate the continuance of Government. This procedure will be completed once all the legal requirements are followed, and as such, the Constitution of the Virgin Islands would remain intact. 

Good morning Mister Speaker, Members of the House of Assembly, and everyone viewing online and listening via radio.

As Governor of these Virgin Islands, I am grateful to be here today to carry out my constitutional responsibilities on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second in delivering the Speech from the Throne.

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

It is important that I begin this Budget Address from the words of Abba, our Father as found in Luke 12:8, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.”

Mister Speaker, I wish to speak now on the appointment of members of the Recovery and Development Agency.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity to address this Honourable House.

Mr. Speaker, on 25 February, 2019, the people of the Virgin Islands went to the polls in peaceful, free and fair elections and elected a new Government.