Madam Speaker thanks for the opportunity to make this statement on Tourism.

Madam Speaker, whatever our yardstick, the month of September 2017 will long live in the annals of our history. No person has been untouched by the passages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  We each remember them in our own way and have prepared and responded to the aftermath as best we could.  

Madame Speaker, as a Territory we have just experienced the most devastating hurricane ever seen in our region. It has negatively impacted our lives but there are positive things that arise from this situation as well. In the words of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, "you never want a serious crisis to go to waste". This crisis provides an opportunity for us to correct some things and we must seize the opportunities. 

Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to make a brief statement to this Honourable House and the people of the Virgin Islands as I express our sincere gratitude to those persons who have assisted us or made pledges to assist our schools in one way or another.

I once again take the opportunity to welcome all to the start of the 2017/2018 academic year and to address educators, parents, students and the general community.

Residents, friends, public officers, I am Rosalie Adams, Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands and I am pleased to deliver this week’s update on the recovery efforts in the Territory following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

This morning I was hit with some sad news when I learnt of the passing of Business Entrepreneur Mr. Aubrey Levons, owner of Big Bamboo Restaurant on Anegada.

People of the Virgin Islands, I come to you today as part of my weekly schedule of updates.

Citizens and residents of the Virgin Islands, I am Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports. I am once again taking the opportunity to update you the public on the happenings in education post hurricane Irma. 

Good afternoon:

I am pleased to provide this update on the current status of our Territory, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma almost nine weeks ago.