This year’s annual Territory Day celebrations will focus on the importance of being a Virgin Islander in a year when the Territory will go through a constitutional review.

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.

The lives and journey of the Territory’s local heroes and freedom fighters are being explored in the new virtual exhibition series launched by the Department of Culture.

Good afternoon,  It is a pleasure to be here on this auspicious occasion. Before I begin my remarks, I must say to you that I felt chills listening to the Territorial Song, and my heart is warmed by the creative designs of Territorial wear adorning the bodies of you wonderful people.  I must say that these were chaired by our beloved Eileen Parsons.  

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Culture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, said the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt was a great leader who was focused on the development of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Mister Speaker, I now will make a statement on Black History Month because though it is most recognised in the United States, I am very well aware that we are a people of the African Diaspora.

Local authors Donald de Castro and Nurse Diana Stewart-Walker have recently published books which are now available for sale in stores around the Territory.

The BVI community gathered on Wednesday, January 1 for a “Time of Prayer and Praise” at the Queen Elizabeth II Park.