I was made aware of the cartoon published by VINO today and comments by the host of Honestly Speaking and was appalled and disturbed by what they depicted and insinuated.  

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to give an update on Sports and Recreation in the COVID-19 Era.  By now, we are all aware of the health risks caused by this worldwide pandemic.  All over the world, professional leagues and sporting events we all enjoy, the NBA, the NFL, and even the Olympics have been shutdown.  Recreational facilities, including public pools and basketball courts have been closed due to the threat of transmission of this virus.

I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to make a statement on Festival and Fairs.

Mister Speaker, during the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, I spoke about an exhibition that the Department of Culture was producing. At that time, the Department was planning to display this exhibition in the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Building, accompanied by satellite exhibitions at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and on our sister islands.

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to stand before you today and give a statement on Labour and Immigration matters.  As you and the Members of this Honourable House will remember I made a statement on Sunday, 3^rd May to the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands updating them on Labour and Immigration matters.  Mister Speaker, today I wish to give supplemental information that will answer some burning questions coming out of that statement.

Mr. Speaker, the Caribbean Region is about to enter another hurricane season and I would encourage everyone to accelerate their preparations as we anticipate an active season. I certainly recognise the challenges that emerge in our preparations as we continue to grapple with the pandemic and its social and economic impacts.  We must always remain vigilant and prepared. 

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to address this Honourable House with a very important issue in our environment which is critical for the protection of our Territory in more ways than one; that of the protection of our coral reefs.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report the decisions made at the Special meeting of Cabinet on 10th June, 2020, convened to consider the 15^th Situation Report of the Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Mr Speaker, I wish to take this moment to join with other world leaders, and the millions of other persons in countries across the globe, who are lifting up their voices to demand an end to racism in all forms, everywhere - especially against people of African heritage.

Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to announce that Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mr. Kelvin E. Hodge as the Chairman of the BVI Ports Authority Board for a period of three years effective May 13.