Tuesday, November 24 – His Excellency the Governor Mr. David Pearey today outlined the Government’s 2010 legislative programme when he presented the Speech from the Throne on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen during the first sitting of the third session of the first House of Assembly (HOA) of the Virgin Islands.
During his 23-minute speech, the Governor reiterated that the legislative programme is “intended to improve the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders and secure the long-term health and stability of the Territory.”
He announced that the Government will further strengthen the financial services sector by introducing a new Securities and Investment Bill to address market abuse by making insider trading and market manipulation, criminal offences. The Anti-Money Laundering Counter Terrorist Financing Regime will be amended significantly. The Governor added that Government will bring legislation in support of a Deposit Insurance System which will provide stability within the banking system in the event of bank failure, whereby individual deposits would be protected, up to a set coverage limit.
The Governor also said Government is committed to providing a supportive environment for small businesses and in an effort to strengthen the local economy, in 2010, will bring to the House legislation on fair competition, foreign direct investments, franchising, anti-dumping and consumer protection.
Regarding the Territory’s infrastructure, the Governor announced a comprehensive review of the Telecommunications Act 2006 and draft Telecommunications Regulations which will complement the review.
In the area of Health and Social Services, the Governor reported that recommendations will be submitted in support of a social legislation package on the protection of children and domestic violence, inclusive of legislation on Children (Care and Adoption), Child Justice, Status of Children and Domestic Violence.
The Governor also announced that following an assessment of the Territory’s mental health system, and a review of a draft policy brief in consultation with the Pan American Health Organisation, the Government will introduce a new Mental Health Act. Additionally, legislation to introduce a National Health Insurance System will be introduced to provide health insurance to the people of the Territory.
During the coming year, Government will introduce legislation that will include guidelines which will govern the Territory's cultural elements. “The end result will guarantee the identification and preservation of aspects of our culture such as language, music, history, art, drama, literature, food, architecture, among many others,” the Governor said. The third session will also see legislation to strengthen the Education Act 2004 and the 2006 Code of Conduct, and the introduction of a youth and sports policy for the Virgin Islands.
The Governor also said the Physical Planning Act, 2004 will be the focus of a review. “In view of the international focus on climate change and the environment, it is timely that the Government has already prepared draft legislation following a review of the existing environmental laws and the Government will introduce a Bill on Environmental management,” the Governor said.
Government will strengthen its immigration legislation by amending both the Immigration Ordinance and Regulations as it relates to fees for Certificates of Residence, Belonger Status, and the issuance and renewal of Entry Permits. An amendment will be made to increase the general penalty in Section 53 of the Immigration Ordinance from $1,000.
In 2010 the laws relating to owners/operators of passenger vessels documenting passengers commuting between ports and harbours in the Territory will also be revised.
The Governor outlined approximately 40 pieces of legislation inclusive of amendments in today’s Speech from the Throne. It is prepared by the government on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in whom the executive authority is vested and who is also part of the legislature. It is the vehicle used by the elected Government to set out its legislative programme for the ensuing year. The last Speech from the Throne was delivered by Governor Pearey in the House on November 13, 2008.
British Virgin Islands News