It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has stated that the practice of submitting  questions for answer in the House of assembly is critical for the strengthening of democracy, transparency and accountability in the Virgin Islands.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J. U. Jaspert, acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, has prorogued the House of Assembly effective Monday, October 28 until such a time a new session is appointed.

Mr. Speaker, as this is the first sitting since the start of the new school year, permit me to share with this Honourable House some updates on education matters.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Julian Willock and Members of the House wore pink to show their solidarity in the fight against Breast Cancer at the Seventh Sitting of the 1st Session of the Fourth House of Assembly.

Territorial Member Honourable Neville A. Smith handed over a cheque of $1,500.00 to Superintendent of Prison Mr. Verne Garde to assist in financing the Restorative Justice Programme at Her Majesty’s Prison.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Julian Willock has led a delegation to a Parliamentary Conference in Kampala, Uganda.

The entire budget process is now complete and the 2019 Standing Finance Committee report is available to the public.

In an effort to educate students about the Legislative branch of the Virgin Islands government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly has invited schools to attend Sittings.

Mr. Speaker, imagine having to brave the waters and travel on a regular basis to Tortola from Virgin Gorda, stand in a long bank line to have transactions done, and sometimes return home without being successful.