Mr. Speaker, it is my duty to update the people of the Virgin Islands on the phased reopening of schools.  During my statement on the reopening of schools on Tuesday, 25th August, 2020, I announced that our phased plan to reopen schools was derailed due to a spike in Covid-19 cases in the Territory.  I also stated that this decision would be reviewed in the weeks that followed.  Since then we have had dozens of active cases.  Through the leadership of the Minister of Health and the HEOC team and the cooperation of the public, we have been able to contain this latest outbreak of the Corona Virus, and for this we give all thanks to God!  But we are not out of the woods yet, and, Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to the various health and social distancing guidelines as we continue in our efforts to combat the virus.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has advised the National Security Council to impose a new restricted curfew for a period of seven (7) days from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to update this Honourable House and the Territory on the activities of the Social Security Board.

The public is notified that the free shuttle service being offered on Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada will resume on Monday, September 28, 2020. 

It was a moment of hope, pride and love when the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) unveiled to the Virgin Islands community and the rest of the world its new BVILOVE brand on Monday, September 21.

FOURTEENTH SITTING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE 
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE

TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020

I wish to update this honourable House on my participation in three recent virtual United Nations meetings that took place against the backdrop of COVID-19.

The public is notified that all vessels permitted to sail in Territorial waters must be able to produce an electronic copy of their approval letter. 

In announcing that December 1, 2020 is the date for welcoming visitors to our shores, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has called on the people of the Virgin Islands to do their part to make the reopening a success.

Mister Speaker thank you for yet another opportunity, to inform the public about the work that is happening in the Territory in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.