Roadtown, Tortola - I have heard recent statements in the media by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition and his call for the Government to proceed with the Beef Island Project.

I am also aware that comments have been made on the matter on online blogs and radio shows.

When the present Government took office in August 2007, there was already a case ongoing in the High Court in relation to the Beef Island Project. The case was brought by the Virgin Islands Environmental Council, a private group, against the former Chief Minister. The case is still before the court, and I understand that the trial of the case is fixed for April 27, 2009 for three days.

It is a long-standing and well-established principle that when a case is before the courts, public comments should not be made about it, nor actions taken on it. This could be a contempt of the court and may prejudice the matter before the court.

The Government which I lead believes that it is important to uphold that well-established principle. It is for that reason, that no member of the Government  including the Deputy Premier in whose district Beef Island falls, has so far not commented publicly on the project, nor taken any action on it.

I wish to assure the people of the Territory that Government continues to work in their best interest, despite the challenging economic times that we face.

We believe in development, and sustainable development of this Territory, and will continue to work for that, while we uphold our legal system.

Thank you.