As the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway, I would like to join the Premier, the Department of Disaster Management and our regional partners in encouraging the people of the Virgin Islands to Work Together to Be Ready and Stay Ready for storms and other hazards.

The National Security Council (NSC) convened a special meeting today to consider and review the events at Her Majesty’s Prison, which occurred over the weekend, 29-30 May, 2021.

I am deeply concerned about the events at Her Majesty’s Prison on Sunday evening that sadly resulted in a loss of life.

A violent altercation occurred among several persons incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, 30th May which resulted in the injury of four prisoners.

May 23^rd through the 29^th is being observed as Early Childhood Awareness Week. The theme and sub-theme: “Educating All in Changing Times: All Hands Needed” focuses on highlighting the need for us as a community to revisit the way early childhood is approached in our Territory.

I wish to provide a brief update to you the people of the Virgin Islands on your Government’s participation in and cooperation with the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI).

On the advice of the Health Emergency Operating Center, the public is advised that the “Anegada Appreciation Boat Ride” scheduled for Saturday, 29^th May 2021 is postponed until further notice.  

His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting held on 12th May, 2021, which was held at the Financial Services Commission’s Conference Room.

I extend greetings to all in the BVI, the Caribbean region and the world.  Mr. Speaker, the last update on the COVID-19 Situation was issued on 5^th May 2021.  As of today, 13^th May 2021, 32,057 tests were conducted on individuals swabbed throughout the Territory and evaluated at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital.

Mister Speaker, for some years now, the Department of Culture has celebrated International Museum Day whilst placing a focus on our Territory’s museums. Mr. Speaker, if you recall, last year, the celebrations for International Museum Day were completely virtual and were highlighted through the release of a virtual exhibition in a two-part series entitled, “From Perreen Georges to Noel Lloyd: Heroes and Freedom Fighters.”