This morning, December 6, government officials including the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool welcomed Marella Discovery’s return to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Madam Speaker thanks for the opportunity to make this statement on Tourism.

The staff and students of the Primary Division of the Bregado Flax Education Centre in Virgin Gorda had a special start of their academic year today with the donation of a 4000 square feet semi-permanent structure that will be used as their temporary school.

This morning I was hit with some sad news when I learnt of the passing of Business Entrepreneur Mr. Aubrey Levons, owner of Big Bamboo Restaurant on Anegada.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE left the Territory on Friday, October 27 to attend a Caribbean Overseas Territories meeting and tourism industry meetings in Miami and New York. The Premier will also travel to London, UK for attendance at official meetings.

Good afternoon:

I am pleased to provide this update on the current status of our Territory, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma almost nine weeks ago.

Good day, as Premier of the Virgin Islands, I am pleased to report on progress with our recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Devastation is obvious to all, but I want you to know that your Government is committed to leading the Territory through this challenging time.

The cruise ship Disney Wonder visited the Territory on August 29 for the first time since the passage of the Tropical Wave.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is reminding visitors to the Territory that effective September 1, an environmental and tourism levy of $10.00 will be collected on arrival at all ports of entry.

The Government of the Virgin Islands recognising the need to improve airlift into the Territory for our visitors and residents alike, entered into an agreement with BVI Airways to provide the company with $7 million to operate direct flights between Miami and the British Virgin Islands.