On 13 February I published my second Quarterly Review of progress made under the Framework for Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations. This was published here in the BVI and also sent to Lord Goldsmith, the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories. I’ve now received his response to my Quarterly Review and I am publishing it today for everyone to see.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing its Public Service Compensation Review and is inviting Public Officers to submit feedback through a survey.

Improving contractors and suppliers’ capacity to effectively respond to bidding opportunities was the centre focus when the RDA held its first Procurement Workshop for 2023 on Virgin Gorda.

A clear illustration on the bidding process and the processes involved in bidding for contracts was outlined to the contractors and suppliers, as well a new topic; the Grievance Redress System was introduced.

Madam Speaker, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has demonstrated its continued commitment to complying with evolving international standards on transparency and the fight against financial crime, with a set of new legislative changes that came into force on 1st January 2023.

Minister for the Overseas Territories, the Rt. Hon. Lord Goldsmith, His Excellency the Governor Mr. John Rankin CMG, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins QPM, are featured on an environmental tour that continued on Anegada on Thursday February 2. The tour commenced at the Elizabeth Ann-Harris Memorial Marine Base where the delegation was given a brief tour of the coastline of Road Town, Tortola before transferring to Anegada.

Minister for the Overseas Territories, the Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith, has arrived in the British Virgin Islands on a three-day visit from January 31 to February 2.

 The nine-month-long Public Service compensation review is in its current state assessment phase and will involve a series of stakeholder meetings.

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull is reminding the public that permission is needed for the commercial use of beaches in the Territory and for gatherings of over 50 people.

The public is notified that the offices of the Ministry of Health and Social Development have relocated to the Vornicia's House of Commerce - Lesmore Smith's Building, located in Long Bush.

Normal office operations are expected to commence at the new location on Wednesday, February 13. Some interruption to service can be expected for the duration of the relocation period.

Persons who may need urgent assistance can call Customer Service Care Centre at 468-3701. Any inconvenience caused during this time is regretted.

Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and members of his delegation met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle during the third day of his official visit to London.