Mister Speaker, the region of the Americas and the other Caribbean Islands and territories join the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and partners in celebrating the 19^th Annual Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) that this week began on April 24 and will end on April 30.

Mister Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to say a few words in celebration of the over 10,000 residents of the Virgin Islands that have heeded the call to be vaccinated against the deadly virus that causes COVID-19.

Mister Speaker, I wish to speak about the decision by this Government to start the process of reviewing the salaries of public officers.

Mister Speaker, throughout this pandemic, the people of the Virgin Islands have time and time again shown their resilience.

Mister Speaker, I wish to speak now on the appointment of members of the Recovery and Development Agency.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 21st April, 2021, which was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Conference Room. 

People of the Virgin Islands, I am making this statement in my capacity as Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands and Head of the Legislative branch in reference to the continued delay and refusal of the Office of the Governor and the Secretary of State, the Right Honourable Dominic Raab’s refusal to assent to the following bills, which were duly passed in the House of Assembly:

1. Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) (Amendment) Act; and
2. Disaster Management Act, 2021

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity to address this Honourable House. To all Honourable Members I say good day and God's Blessings. And to the wider national community who are following these proceedings virtually, I greet you in BVILOVE.

The HEOC [Health Emergency Operation Centre] presented an update on the COVID-19 situation, including vaccination coverage, along with various considerations for modifying the border entry requirements for travelers who have been fully vaccinated.

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 31st March at the Financial Services Commission’s Conference Room.