The Government of the Virgin Islands has placed transparency and accountability legislation at the forefront of its agenda for the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly.

Good morning Mister Speaker, Members of the House of Assembly, and everyone viewing online and listening via radio.

As Governor of these Virgin Islands, I am grateful to be here today to carry out my constitutional responsibilities on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second in delivering the Speech from the Throne.

His Excellency the Governor, John Rankin, CMG rang in the holiday season by hosting parties for children and young adults on December 2 and 3.

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie met with Minister for Overseas Territories The Right Honourable Amanda Milling, MP.

Twenty individuals are now British Citizens after reciting the Oath of Allegiance and  Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom during the British Citizenship Registration Ceremony on November 12.

It is with great sadness that I have been made aware of the death of Sir David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West in the United Kingdom.

Twenty Virgin Islands residents are the newest registered British Citizens after they received certificates and recited the Affirmation of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty during a ceremony at Government House Thursday morning.

The funeral will take place at Windsor Castle on Saturday, 17 April, at 10:00 a.m. BVI local time. The Governor invites everyone across the Territory to observe a minute’s silence in honour of The Prince Philip.

The public is advised that due to the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Territory will observe a national period of mourning from today, April 9 until the day after the official funeral and burial.