Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present an update on the Department of Waste Management’s ongoing efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction in the Territory.

Mister Speaker, let me first extend New Year Greetings to everyone in these beautiful Virgin Islands; throughout the region and via all the usual communication mediums, who have had to endure the sound of my voice giving updates on what I think is the most critical topic in this Territory’s history, over the past 10 months – that of COVID-19. 

Mister Speaker, yesterday on 30^th December 2020 the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for supply in the United Kingdom approved AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford/Vaccitechs Covid-19 vaccine candidate AZD1222.

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to share in this Honourable House and with the entire community, updates on the progress in schools since the start of the 2020/2021 school year and plans for the upcoming term. 

My dear people of the Virgin Islands, a pleasant good day and God’s blessings to you and your families. I trust you are having a safe and enjoyable Yuletide Holidays, and that you are continuing to be vigilant to protect your loved ones and the wider community by adhering to the health protocols.

Season’s Greetings to all the people of the Virgin Islands. I pray God’s richest Blessings on each and every one of us as we celebrate the Christmas Story in this Advent season.

El domingo 20 de diciembre de 2020, un nativo de la República Dominicana viajó a las IVB y posteriormente Inmigración le negó la entrada al Aeropuerto Internacional Terrance B. Lettsome. Luego, el pasajero fue transportado a Wyndham Tortola (Lambert Beach Resort) donde se esperaba que se pusiera en cuarentena y esperara la salida programada del Territorio el lunes 21 de diciembre de 2020.

On Sunday, 20^th December, 2020 a native of the Dominican Republic travelled to the BVI and was subsequently refused entry by Immigration at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. The passenger was then transported to Wyndham Tortola (Lambert Beach Resort) where he was expected to quarantine and await the scheduled departure from the Territory on Monday, 21^st December, 2020.

I extend Seasons Greetings to everyone in the Virgin Islands; throughout the region and the World. I am pleased to bring you the status report on the COVID-19 situation and response in the British Virgin Islands and the decisions of Cabinet following this week’s meeting.

Good morning. Thank you to members of the media for attending my regular press catch-up this morning – it is good to see you all. Good morning also to the Deputy Governor who joins us here this morning.