Seasons greetings to my beloved people of the Virgin Islands.

I come before you today to announce a significant change to my administration.

I am extremely pleased to welcome Hon. Stacy Mather into the government to strengthen our ability to deliver for the people of the Virgin Islands.

I have known Stacy since our days of attending the then BVI High School. When Noni Georges and myself conceptualised the Youth Empowerment Project, it was clear that Stacy, a talented and caring teacher, was the perfect individual to lead what has become the most successful youth development initiative in the history of the Virgin Islands.

Over the past 20 years or so, I have witnessed, Stacy and Yep shape the lives of our most precious gifts, our youth. Even my two children have been benefited from his leadership and guidance.

I believe very passionately that this was a key reason why the Virgin Islands electorate made Stacy the top vote getter in the 2023 general elections.

Since then, Hon. Mather has served admirably in His Majesty's loyal opposition and has brought attention to urgent areas for action, including workforce development and food security.  Hon. Mather openly offered his assistance in addressing these concerns.

With Honourable Mather's decision to join the government, he chooses not to criticise the darkness but light a candle.  This comes at a time when our youth need us now more than ever.  As delinquency increases, as more and more fall into the trap of criminality, and as some languish in despair, we are in a fight for the heart and soul of our Territory.

The question is whether we will remain divided in a partisan fight to the finish or whether we will rise to the occasion and save a generation.  Stacy has chosen patriotism over party and country above self. I commend him for his courage and look forward to working with him in the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Mather will assist me with the Rated Programme, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries, and the development of community programmes that will empower community-based organisations to execute initiatives for the upliftment of the citizens and residents of our community.

Let me again take this opportunity to thank Honourable Mather for his courage and commitment to country, for choosing people over partisanship, and fighting for our collective future rather than individual ambition.  The members of my administration welcome him warmly and look forward to working with him to advance the building of this burgeoning nation. 

May God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands. I now ask Honourable Stacy Mather to make a statement.

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