GOVERNMENT’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA TO BE OUTLINED DURING SPEECH FROM THE THRONE TODAY

The Speech from the Throne outlining Government’s Legislative Agenda will be delivered by Governor Augustus Jaspert during the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HOA) today, November 5.

According to Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie, “The Speech from the Throne is prepared within the Premier’s Office in consultation with Ministries.

Premier Fahie said that the Speech is then deliberated and approved by the elected Government of the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, the Speech is delivered to the Governor.

During the First Sitting of the HOA, the Premier and Minister of Finance, then moves a motion to invite the Governor to read the Speech from the Throne and that he is pleased to say that they are ready for November 5.

Premier Fahie said that the Governor is in receipt of the Speech from the Throne approved by the Elected Government of the Virgin Islands, adding that in the upcoming Session of the HOA, his Government will introduce and amend different pieces of legislation under the theme: Driving BVI Innovation Through Legislation.”

The Premier added that his Government vision continues to be focused on transforming the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and local and foreign investment by 2025.

He said that in order to drive BVI innovation through legislation, the Government will deliberate each piece of legislation within the context of building a stable diverse and competitive economy through trade, industries and the people of the Virgin Islands

Premier Fahie further explained that due to COVID-19, the Government had to readjust its plans during the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly.

He said that as a result, some pieces of legislation were not brought forward in 2020 in the timing projected. They will be brought forward starting from this upcoming Session along with other new ones.

The Sitting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola. It will be live House of Assembly VI YouTube page; House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands Facebook page; as well as on Government’s Facebook page @bvigovernment.