Thank you, Madam Chair and Former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Rosalie Adams.

Mr. David DaCosta Archer, Jr. was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands on Thursday, March 1 at a ceremony held at Government House.

Madame Speaker, members of the House of Assembly, invited guests in the gallery, those listening via the airwaves and online, good morning.

When I first arrived in these islands, I was struck by the sheer natural beauty, engaging people and the peace and tranquility that have given these islands the name of Nature’s Little Secrets.  While the Virgin Islands are of course well known in business, international finance and tourism across the world, what struck me also were the stories of how people felt safe here; and how important that is.  A sense of calm and safety to walk in the early and late mornings, have family outings and some who even slept with windows and doors ajar to take in natural breezes.

The security of the territory is a critical part of its recovery and is something I take very seriously. I am in regular contact with the Commissioner of Police on security matters and this week convened a meeting of all of the agencies involved in this area. 

Public Officers, ladies and gentlemen, you recently received communication from the Deputy Governor about an exciting opportunity we have to shape the future of the Public Service.  Allow me a few minutes of your time to briefly speak to you about this opportunity and why your input into the future of the Public Service is critical at this time.

Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming and thank you Premier for your statement. I wholeheartedly welcome your announcement on the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) and applaud the leadership you and your Cabinet have shown in establishing it. I would also like to join the Premier in his thanks to Dr. Mathavious for agreeing to be Chairman of the Board.

As with so many areas in our Territory, Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a significant impact on the judicial system of the Virgin Islands, leaving all of the key properties required for the effective functioning of the system extensively damaged.

Foreign and Commonwealth Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS), Sir Simon McDonald is featured with Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Cabinet Ministers as part of his first visit to the Territory.

Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) and the most senior Public Servant in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald will visit the British Virgin Islands as part of a brief tour of the region from Thursday, February 16 to Saturday, February 18.