ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, December 9th, 2011 – His Excellency the Governor Mr. Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO yesterday delivered the Speech from the Throne outlining Government’s 2011-2012 legislative programme aimed at improving the standard of living for all the people in the Virgin Islands.
The speech was delivered at the First Sitting of the First Session of the Second House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex and marked the opening of the session. In addition to the Speech from the Throne, Members of the House of Assembly were sworn-in to office.
His Excellency the Governor announced that Government will focus on seven broad areas for the next four years. They are: Stimulating/Fixing the Economy; Improving the Standard of Living; Improving Overall Social Services Programmes and Healthcare; Strengthening the Educational Sector; Protecting our Boarders and Enhancing Law, Order and Public Safety; Public Sector Reform, Communications and Infrastructure, and Re-establishing/Strengthening Regional and International Relations.
In the area of the economy, the Governor announced Government’s plans to review the existing customs tariff regime with a view to keeping more money in the pockets of residents. Additionally, Government will undertake a major strategic overhaul of tourism at all levels.
Revisions of Acts such as the Encouragement of New Industries, Pioneer Status, Hotel Aid and the Commercial Recreational Vessels will aid in repositioning the sector to be competitive in the global marketplace.
In the area of improving the standard of living, Government is committed to finding innovative ways to reduce the cost of living for Virgin Islanders. Government will focus on utilising solar technology for street lights, public buildings and facilities, which will help to reduce demand on the grid and lower long-term costs for electricity.
The Governor announced that, “A comprehensive assessment of the jobs industry will be completed to understand the employment needs and opportunities, which are available in this Territory.” Also, Government will move forward to giving priority consideration to a review of the high cost of living in the Territory and the need for competitive laws.
Government will also explore the feasibility of enabling the introduction of unemployment insurance benefits to workers, particularly those in the hospitality industry, who are unemployed for extended periods during the off-season.
Turning to Social Programmes and the Health Care, the Governor said, “Government will move swiftly to amend the BVI Health Services Authority Act with a view to introducing measures to improve the governance and management of the Health Services.”
Additionally, Government is committed to completing the establishment of the National Insurance System as a mechanism for facilitating equitable access to quality health care services for all the people of the Virgin Islands.
Legislations governing mental health, port health, quarantine, the importation and exportation of human remains, water and sewerage from a health perspective and the disabled will be brought to the House over the next four years.
In the area of education and the youth, a national youth policy and a national sports policy will be developed. Additionally, a technical/vocational education and training policy and regulations will be introduced during this session.
The Governor announced that in the area of law enforcement and public safety, The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Act will be introduced as well as a Civil Forfeiture Act to allow for the seizure of proceeds of crime through civil means.
The Police (Amendment) Act will also be introduced. In the area of the Environment, an Environmental Management and Conservation of Biodiversity Bill will be brought before the House, which will be responsible for the effective management of the environment and the natural resources of the Territory.
During the coming year, Government will develop and introduce a road classification system to ensure the quality of the road network is progressively improved. The Physical Planning Act will be strengthened and a draft street naming and addressing policy will be brought to the House.
The Governor announced that Government will continue to ensure those healthy relationships between the Virgin Islands and the rest of the world are developed. The Speech from the Throne is prepared by the government on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
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