Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honourable House a statement on the work of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) over the past year, and its priorities for the upcoming year.

Madam Speaker, please permit me a few moments to address the very complex issue of the high cost of insurance which our country is facing. The rising costs of homeowner insurance policies is a multifaceted challenge influenced by a combination of local and global factors. It is important to recognise that this issue is not isolated to the British Virgin Islands but is part of a broader global challenge.

Madam Speaker, this year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands, a milestone that reflects the dedication and vision of stalwart educators and the unwavering commitment of our community.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to share with this Honourable House the successes of the recently concluded 36th OECS/PPS Policy Board Meeting and 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Health held in the Virgin Islands under my Chairmanship.

Madam Speaker, I would like to provide this Honourable House with an update on my recent visit to New York in early October where I made a statement to the Fourth Committee at the ongoing 78^th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Madame Speaker, The Virgin Islands has adopted a comprehensive an inclusive approach to the management of Crown lands and has subsequently engage in the development of a Crown Land Policy, which is now out in the public domain for consultation.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, recognises that the Jost Van Dyke Primary School (JVDPS) is subjected to constant flooding when it rains.  For this reason, the construction of the new school, remains an urgent priority and is currently in the final stages of completion.

Madame Speaker, the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment and Development (R.A.T.E.D.) Programme seeks to provide a pathway for persons who are unemployed or who are under-employed to obtain an opportunity through short-term employment, apprenticeship and/or training and development. 

Madame Speaker, agriculture and fisheries remain a high priority on the Government’s agenda, and I wish to provide an update on current matters.

Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on the Territory’s Road Infrastructure. 

As you know, the road infrastructure throughout the Territory is not ideal.  There is substantial deterioration of not only the top layer, which is the asphalt layer, but also the base and subbase layers that have been compromised in many areas.