Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to further highlight recent developments within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour pertaining to funding. The Ministry is in receipt of a grant from the European Union and their partners Expertise France in the amount of 927,890 Euros or approximately $965,000 US dollars through the Overseas Countries and Territories’ Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme - RESEMBID.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday 19^th January, The Honourable Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley during his recent official visit to the UK, signed into effect a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BVI Government and the prestigious University of Southampton.

Madam Speaker, Members of the House of Assembly, ladies, and gentlemen, good morning.

As Governor of the Virgin Islands, I am honoured to deliver this Speech from the Throne on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John Rankin CMG acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, has prorogued the House of Assembly effective Friday, December 30 until such a time a new session is appointed.

The 2023 Budget was passed at the Ninth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly to the tune of $412,971,110. This will comprise of $340,872,400 for recurrent expenditure; $49,428,600 for capital expenditure; $7,148,810 in contribution to various statutory funds; and $15,521,300 towards repayment of the principal on our debt.

Pictured are Members of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP) Mr. Stephon Mactavious and Ms. Donyelle Hodge and Chairman of the VIYP Honourable Sharie B. de Castro attending the formal opening of the 11^th Commonwealth Youth Parliament today 21 November, 2022.

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP) Honourable Sharie B. de Castro will lead a two member team to the 11th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) to be held in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from November 20 to 24.

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, I made an announcement pertaining to the change in some of the requirements for foreign based charter vessels.

On the invitation of the United Kingdom  Speaker in the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, young persons from across the Overseas Territories were invited to attend a special segment of the UK Youth Parliament sitting on November 4^th, 2022.