Ladies & Gentleman, Good Morning.

I am very pleased to see what I would call, the rebirth of the annual Buy BVI Trade Expo after an eight-year hiatus from our calendar of events.

Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to share a momentous achievement that I am certain will help build and maintain confidence in our healthcare system. 

Madam Speaker, Water is an essential part of everyone’s life. It affects and impacts every single resident of the Virgin Islands. Therefore, I feel compelled to make a statement today regarding the water challenges we’ve been facing in the territory, specifically the production and distribution of desalinated water. It is my duty as the Minister responsible for water to ensure that the public has an adequate and consistent supply. It is undeniable that there have been some challenges, Madam Speaker. However, I can assure you that I am on the job to remedy this.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honourable House a statement on the work of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) over the past year, and its priorities for the upcoming year.

Madam Speaker, please permit me a few moments to address the very complex issue of the high cost of insurance which our country is facing. The rising costs of homeowner insurance policies is a multifaceted challenge influenced by a combination of local and global factors. It is important to recognise that this issue is not isolated to the British Virgin Islands but is part of a broader global challenge.

Madam Speaker, this year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands, a milestone that reflects the dedication and vision of stalwart educators and the unwavering commitment of our community.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to share with this Honourable House the successes of the recently concluded 36th OECS/PPS Policy Board Meeting and 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Health held in the Virgin Islands under my Chairmanship.

Madam Speaker, I would like to provide this Honourable House with an update on my recent visit to New York in early October where I made a statement to the Fourth Committee at the ongoing 78^th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Madame Speaker, The Virgin Islands has adopted a comprehensive an inclusive approach to the management of Crown lands and has subsequently engage in the development of a Crown Land Policy, which is now out in the public domain for consultation.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, recognises that the Jost Van Dyke Primary School (JVDPS) is subjected to constant flooding when it rains.  For this reason, the construction of the new school, remains an urgent priority and is currently in the final stages of completion.