‘Driving BVI Innovation through Legislation’ is the theme of the Government’s Legislative Agenda for the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly.

His Excellency the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert delivered his final Speech from the Throne on Thursday, November 5 and said that he counts it an honour and privilege to deliver the Speech from the Throne on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“As is the tradition, and is the case in most Commonwealth countries and British Overseas Territories, the Speech from the Throne outlines the elected Government's Legislative Agenda to pursue in the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly.”

The Governor said, “Our Government will deliberate each piece of legislation within the context of building a stable diverse and competitive economy through trade, industries and the people of the Virgin Islands.”

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie moved the motion during the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth  for the Governor to give the Speech in the House of Assembly. 

The Governor presented proposed Bills and amendments to different pieces of legislation focused on a competitive economy, creating a stable and diverse economy, and building the people of the Virgin Islands.

He said, “Our Government will deliberate each piece of legislation within the context of building a stable, diverse and competitive economy through trade, industries and the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The Governor said that the Government values public input and debate on Bills and will endeavour to increase public consultations on all legislation coming to and presented in the House of Assembly.

He said, “The vision of the Government is to transform the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and local and foreign investment by 2025.”

The Speech from the Throne is delivered at the beginning of each new Session of the House of Assembly. The Speech from the Throne is prepared within the Premier’s Office in consultation with Ministries. The Speech is then deliberated and approved by the elected Government of the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, the Speech is delivered to the Governor. During the First Sitting of the House of Assembly, the Premier and Minister of Finance, then moves a motion to invite the Governor to read the Speech from the Throne. The Government’s Legislative Agenda is monitored by the Premier’s Office to ensure that it moves forward with fortitude and determination.