A pleasant good afternoon to the members of the press corps, fellow Virgin Islanders, persons viewing online and listening via radio.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon Penn has welcomed the commencement of a review of social assistance benefits and grants administration systems in the Virgin Islands.

Good morning members of the Press Corps, fellow Virgin Islanders and persons listening via radio and online.

I am happy to once again have press conference to keep the public updated on current matters. This morning I am pleased to be joined by Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, who will also make a statement. Today we will update on environment, agriculture and other matters.

This morning I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an update since our last joint press conference on the Government of National Unity’s efforts in implementing the COI Recommendations as set out in the Framework for the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report and other Reforms. This morning’s update focuses on activities during the month of July.

Good Day,

I’m pleased to join the Premier today to update you on the progress in implementing 48 of the 49 Commission of Inquiry recommendations and other reform commitments made by the Government of National Unity.

As persons may recall, on 8^th June, 2022, in a public statement, the Governor advised that the United Kingdom Government accepted the Government of National Unity’s final proposal, the Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report and other Reforms.

The public is advised that tonight’s public meeting on the ‘Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry’ at the Enis Adams Primary School has been postponed. Apologies for any inconvenience the postponement may have caused.

Alternatively, residents are encouraged to submit their questions or concerns about government reform via email implementationunit@gov.vg.

The public is invited to today’s government reform discussions at Ivan Dawson Primary School, Cane Garden Bay, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is advising the public that tonight’s community meeting in Brandywine Bay has been postponed.

The public is invited to attend and participate in this week’s community meetings, which are part of a series of Government-led meetings to discuss reform.