2006 State of the Territory Address
Address by Chief Minister Dr. The Honourable D.
Orlando Smith, OBE
3rd ANNUAL STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS
Central Administration Complex
Wednesday, 21 June 2005
5:00pm
Madam Chairperson
Your Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Pearey
Members of the Judiciary
The Speaker
Honourable Members on the platform
Leader of the Opposition
Ladies and gentlemen
My fellow citizens and residents of the BVI:
We gather today, as in years past, to reflect on the state of our Territory. We come together as a community at a moment of opportunity and of challenge – a time of promise and of consequence.
In just over one week we will celebrate Territory Day. Territory Day celebrates the decision in 1956 to establish the BVI as an autonomous Territory – beginning a process that continues to this day of empowering the people and the local Government of the British Virgin Islands.
We celebrate Territory Day every July 1st -- but this year the holiday will be particularly meaningful because we are celebrating exactly 50 years since the birth of our Territory as a separate political entity….50 years.
All those, like me, who were born before the Territory was formally established can testify that it has been a truly remarkable half century. And now we stand here today in the year 2006 looking back on all that has been accomplished and know that it is our solemn duty to act as faithful stewards of these islands and to do all in our power to advance our shared goals.
We come to this great task from a position of fundamental strength. For the first time in years, our Territory’s financial house is well in order – we have gone from budget deficits to budget surpluses. The name of the BVI is respected and held in the highest regard throughout the region and around the world.
For all this, we have cause to give great thanks. We thank our public servants whose dedication, hard work and skills are serving our people well.
I would like to give my own personal thanks to my fellow Ministers and Members of Government, who have committed themselves to service to their Territory; we give thanks to our people whose love of our Territory, strong sense of community and abiding faith are the bedrock of all our success, and above all else, we give thanks and praise to God for his many blessings and for his enduring protection and care over us.
It is with humble gratitude to Him and in appreciation to all those who made this day possible that I come before you to report that in the BVI of 2006 our economy is growing. Our resources are being put to work for our people; and the State of our Territory is Strong.
Yet even as we celebrate these successes we must not lose sight of our duty to expand our thinking beyond our immediate concerns. We must lift our eyes to a further horizon and anticipate the needs of the future.
Ladies and gentlemen, today, I would like to break with tradition in this State of the Territory Address. Today, I would like to use this opportunity to speak with you not just about the year that has passed and the year that lies ahead. But I would also like to use this platform to ask us all to raise our sights further into the future and ask ourselves: what kind of BVI do we want to build in the year 2010 and beyond? And what must we do today to get there?
Ladies and Gentlemen: answering these questions has been the primary focus of this Government since the day we took office. It is our firm belief that the sworn duty of Government is to lay the groundwork today so that we may thrive and prosper tomorrow.
As we are reminded in a passage from scripture much beloved by our first Chief Minister the late Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt: “Where there is no vision – the people perish.”
With this guidance and with a deep sense of national purpose, our Government established and has been guided by a clear vision of meeting two distinct but deeply connected objectives: First, to grow our economy so that we can expand opportunity,
and second, to strengthen the social infrastructure and deliver better service for our people.
These two goals of economic growth and improving social services have been this Government’s own “Twin Pillars.” Because it is our enduring belief that only by achieving both goals can we position the BVI for success in 2010 and beyond.
Let me start with our economy.
Today, our economy is growing quickly – in fact, more quickly than at any time in our Territory’s 50-year history. In 2005 our Gross Domestic Product rose over 11%. Today, per capita income stands at over $37,000 and continues to rise, putting us at the forefront of the entire Eastern Caribbean.
As we take justifiable satisfaction with this growth, we are also looking to the future to anticipate the challenges that await us. No challenge is greater than the reality that the BVI today is part of an ever more connected global marketplace. That means we have access to customers and markets a world away. But it also means that we must compete with every country on earth.
In this highly connected and highly competitive global marketplace, we must constantly push ourselves to strive for excellence. We cannot allow ourselves to rest on past successes or content ourselves with our current well-being.
If we hope to compete and win in the global market of 2010 and beyond, then we must find new ways to grow those areas in which we already excel, while at the same time making a serious and sustained commitment to expanding our economic base.
Ladies and Gentlemen: We know that in 2010 and into the foreseeable future, our economic strength will continue to depend on services that we provide competitively, particularly tourism and financial services.
Standing up to the competition we will face in these sectors requires staying one step ahead of the crowd. That is why, under the leadership of the Tourist Board, we undertook a major overhaul of our international tourism marketing efforts. We invested in tourism facilities including the transformation of Brandywine Beach into a place where our families now gather for picnics and swimming.
In the coming year a new restaurant and related facilities will be opened, making Brandywine Beach an attractive destination for our cruise ship visitors, as well.
In addition, since taking office we have opened the Visitor Centre at Gun Creek.
We amended the Hotels Aid Act to provide increased support for small, locally-owned properties, and we launched the Tourism Industry Service Standard programme that continues to provide professional training to hundreds of workers from our Customs Officials to our hotel and restaurant staff.
As part of this programme, we have honoured a number of workers in the industry who have distinguished themselves by achieving excellence in service. Some of those award winners are here with us today, and I would like to recognise them as they stand: Devon Barker from North Sound Express and Carol Turnbull from BVI Courtesy.
Thanks to hardworking men and women like these, our tourism industry can and will remain strong. But we also recognise that we cannot afford to become complacent.
We must bring to the table big ideas for making our Territory an ever more competitive and attractive destination. One important step is to carefully consider new developments. Already, work is underway to establish a new world-class resort on Scrub Island. Construction will soon begin on a new resort and golf course on Beef Island. And other potential developments are being negotiated.
These developments will mean contracts for local contractors, business opportunities for locally-owned firms and jobs for local workers. And they will also help ensure that in 2010 and beyond, our tourism sector will continue to draw the high-end travelers who make our industry thrive. In the same vein, we must also look to 2010 and beyond and consider the future of our other great economic pillar: financial services.
Today, our Financial Services industry is growing from strength to strength.
The BVI is first in the world for company registration with some 57,000 new companies registered in 2005. We are the world’s fourth leading Captive Insurance domicile, and we are now the world’s second leading domicile for Hedge Funds with more than 2,000 funds operating from within the Territory.
On the marketing and promotions front, our road show programme has visited Geneva, Zurich, Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, where we were the first off-shore jurisdiction to ever host such an event. Thanks to the combined efforts of the BVI International Finance Centre, the Financial Services Commission and our private sector, we can confidently say that the outlook remains bright.
Yet, here too, we cannot and we must not rest on our laurels. We must ensure that our local people have more opportunities to connect with the industry. Toward that end, financial services representatives now regularly visit our schools to stimulate interest among our young people for careers in the sector.
I have directed the Financial Services Commission to produce a new text book on the industry that can be included in our High School curriculum. Already, we are seeing some initial successes from these efforts. We are pleased to note that right now dozens of BVIslanders are pursuing degrees in law and business, which will allow them to return home and take up leadership in this field.
As we work to encourage more BVIslanders to enter the sector, we are also working to ensure that our Territory’s name continues to stand tall in the global arena. In this effort, the International Finance Centre is putting in place a new marketing and promotion programme. The Regulator is working to ensure that our legislation continues to meet international standards, and working with the Financial Investigation Agency, the Regulator continues to vigilantly protect the integrity of our jurisdiction.
But when it comes to financial services, what we do here in the BVI is only part of the story. As we know from past experience, the greatest threats come from the actions of foreign Governments and international institutions.
That is why we established the new International Affairs Secretariat. This new institution has been specifically designed to build relationships with leaders around the world, represent the BVI in international forums, and provide Government with advance intelligence on international developments so that we can be warned when danger looms and can take action to defend our interests.
Already, we are seeing the first fruits of this effort.
Over this past month a delegation of MP’s from the United Kingdom visited our shores at the urging of our London Office. Upon return to the UK, these friends of the BVI put forward a motion in Parliament that quote: “Recognises the right of… [the] territory to determine its own future and to…increase the powers of [its] domestic government.
This motion strengthens our hand in our ongoing Constitutional talks. And our relationship with these Parliamentary leaders will go a long way toward protecting the full range of interests of the BVI. And so we remain confident that we are well positioned to ensure the continued strength and growth of our Twin Pillars.
But as we look to 2010, we must also think not just about the optimistic scenarios, but also the potential challenges, as well. What if a global recession limits investment in financial services? What if another major terrorist attack causes tourism to decline? What if forces beyond our control require us to seek other sources of revenue?
I know we have the resilience and strength of character to weather any storm. But as I stand here today as the elected leader of this Territory, I know we must think about all possibilities and prepare for any eventuality.
At the individual level, that means calling on all local businesses to take the time to create a Business Contingency Plan that will allow them to continue to function in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
On the Territorial level, preparing for every eventuality means working to create an ever more stable and diversified economic foundation. Already, we are taking important steps in this direction.
We have lowered taxes so families have more disposable income to spend with our local merchants; We are providing much needed support for local farmers and fisherman so that our traditional occupations can play a vital role in our modern economy;
And in the coming months, we will bring before the Legislative Council a far-reaching trade policy that will promote the further economic growth of our Territory through expanded competition, support for local industry and improved consumer protection.
As part of this policy, the recently established Trade and Consumer Affairs Unit will be charged with protecting consumers from such practices as the sale of low-quality products, misleading advertising and inappropriate labeling. Beyond the establishment of this important new policy framework, we are also encouraging local people to start their own small businesses.
Over this past year, we launched the Youth Enterprise Development Programme, which gives our young people training, counseling and assistance in small business development. We are preparing these young people to become the economic leaders of tomorrow by showing them how to turn their dreams into realities and their inspiration into profits.
In order to further stimulate the creation of independent small businesses in the BVI, in the coming months we will create a Small Business Guarantee. This Guarantee is designed to solve a problem faced by many would-be entrepreneurs who find that if they do not have collateral, they cannot get the bank loans they need. With the Small Business Guarantee, any BVIslander who has a reasonable plan for starting a business will be able to secure a loan with Government backing.
This Guarantee is being created in consultation with the local banks who have been most supportive. And it is a strong expression of our shared confidence that with the right tools and the right conditions, BVIslanders can build successful enterprises and in doing so, help drive our economy forward.
But even as we look ahead to the long-term impacts of these efforts, let us frankly admit that today, our economy is too dependant on the Twin Pillars. If either of these industries were to suffer a serious setback then the consequences for our Territory would be severe.
This situation cannot persist. There are few things harder than to prepare for famine at a time of plenty. But wise nations know that good times rarely last forever – and common sense tells us that the time to act is now.
That is why today I am announcing that over the coming year, I will be launching an initiative on the Future of the BVI Economy.
This programme will bring together community leaders and international experts to brainstorm creative solutions to the challenges we will face. I want to explore strategies for creating a more stable flow of visitors by tapping into new markets like medical tourism, sports tourism and eco-tourism in unique ecosystems such as Anegada.
We will examine how to create jobs in high-paying professional service industries other than financial services. In particular, I want to explore the viability of attracting multinational corporations to establish customer service centres, high-tech research facilities and other value-added functions here in the BVI.
By focusing now on the Future of the BVI Economy, I am confident that we can stimulate new investment. And in doing so, we can ensure that if the worst comes to pass, we will be prepared, and our people will be protected. Finding new sources of revenue will require creativity. But there are some basic conditions that we know will be absolutely necessary.
Most importantly our Territory’s infrastructure must be world-class. Today, electrical supply is a serious problem. Engines ordered in 1999 proved unreliable, leading to frequent power outages.
In order to remedy this situation, Government authorised the BVI Electricity Corporation to purchase a set of four new engines – the first two are expected to be on-line by this fall.
We are moving forward with improvements to the water and sewerage system, including the installation of over 3,500 feet of sewers and house connections in the East End/Long Look area alone. The Government has also just approved the purchase of a new sewage treatment plant for East End/Long Look. And further improvements are being made to the sewer system in Road Town and throughout the Territory.
The desalination plant on Anegada is 50% complete and will soon be providing water for the community. And we will be moving forward with comprehensive legislation to govern the water and sewerage systems. In addition to providing the basic utilities of water and electricity, a strong BVI in the future will require a modern transportation system on sea, air and land.
Toward that end, we are engaging in major road improvement projects from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. This includes construction of an alternate road from MacNamara to Joe’s Hill; surfacing for currently unpaved roads on Anegada; and the completion of repair work across the Territory stemming back to the rains of three years ago.
Over this past year, Government completed the purchase of the airport on Virgin Gorda which is now operating under a conditional license. Work is underway on a sea plane facility at Gun Creek, which will be complete by year’s end.
We have completed work on a comprehensive development plan for all the ports in the Territory starting with Virgin Gorda where we are constructing a new dock that will allow us to separate commercial vessels from passenger vessels. Finally, and perhaps most importantly in this ever more connected world, we are bringing our telecommunications system into the 21st century.
Ladies and Gentlemen: It was with great pleasure that LEGCO recently voted into law the Telecommunications Act of 2006. This vital new policy will open the door to competition and consumer choice. Competition will lead companies to invest in the latest technologies, bring prices down to market levels and provide better service for customers.
I realise that there were concerns about how this legislation was created. Let me address this issue once and for all.
This legislation did take time to complete. The reason was simple: telecom reform is a complex and difficult matter. There are many legal, technical and economic factors to consider. That may be the reason why no previous Government was willing to take on the challenge.
We did not flee in the face of complexity. We took the challenge head-on. And we were determined to get this legislation right the first time rather than rushing into a decision that we would someday regret.
In crafting this policy, we sought neither to enrich nor to harm any existing telecom provider. The BVI is the only Territory in the entire Caribbean to have a telecommunications company that is owned by our own people. It is a unique privilege and one that we must not treat with indifference.
The framework we put in place stimulates competition, ensures consumers are protected, and allows our current companies to survive. That is the right policy for the BVI of today. And that is the right policy to ensure the strength of the BVI in 2010 and beyond.
Ladies and Gentlemen: our vision for strengthening our Territory’s infrastructure is not just about functionality – it is also about preserving and increasing the beauty of our home, as well. Toward that end, we have launched a major beautification project for Road Town. We are building parks and recreational grounds at Palm Grove, East End and Queen Elizabeth Park, and we are engaged in ongoing public education campaigns aimed at encouraging all of us to take responsibility for keeping our Territory beautiful.
Ladies and Gentlemen: by strengthening our infrastructure, expanding our economic base and ensuring the continued competitiveness of our Twin Pillars, we are putting in place a strategy that will lead to economic growth well into the future.
But even as we focus attention and energy on this effort, it is important to constantly remind ourselves that growing the economy is not an end unto itself. We in the BVI do not seek wealth for its own sake.
We seek to grow our economy because it allows us to better provide for all our people’s needs. That is the true measure of our Territory’s success – not how much money we generate – but how good the quality of life is for all our citizens and residents.
That means we must recognise that while a growing economy is a fundamentally good thing for the BVI, it also presents new challenges. In growing our economy we are called to strike a careful balance.
We must continue to grow our economy because only by doing so can we provide the quality of life our people deserve. But we must always seek to do so in a manner that protects and promotes a clean environment, a just society and a strong and unified community.
Striking this delicate balance is not always easy – but it is critical to our Territory’s future strength. And that starts with addressing the reality of our fast-growing population.
From 1991 through 2001 our population grew by 38% driven by immigration from around the region and around the world. Immigration to our Territory is beneficial and necessary. But making sure this growth benefits the BVI requires a controlled process that is orderly, dignified and fair.
In order to meet this challenge, we proposed and passed the first comprehensive Immigration reform in a generation. And in the coming year, we hope to finalize and implement a new and more fair Labour Code, as well.
Taken together, these two Acts will form a new legal framework, under which immigration will continue according to clear and universally understood rules thus ensuring that the needs of our economy are met and the legitimate rights of all are preserved.
We also recognise that economic growth doesn’t just change our population – it impacts our environment, as well. Every act of human development leaves an environmental footprint. It is our duty to ensure that while necessary development continues, it is done in a responsible and careful manner.
We seek to strike this balance not just because neglecting our environment will harm our economy and public health – but also because it would be an affront to our basic morality. The words of the scripture are clear: “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” We are commanded in His name to do all in our power to protect our waters, skies and land. With that in mind, we are closely monitoring our coral reefs to prevent bleaching caused by global warming;
We are working with counterparts from around the region to protect endangered species like the Leatherback turtle. We are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to scientifically map our shores so we can detect any change in the health of our marine eco-systems. And as we celebrate Environment Month, we are engaged in an extensive public education campaign to show people how they can contribute to a cleaner environment.
Ladies and Gentlemen: by taking these steps we are ensuring that economic growth continues and that it is done in a responsible manner. That is a key challenge we face – and one which we must address – because our growing economy is necessary to delivering on the second part of this Government’s vision: strengthening our social infrastructure.
Creating a social infrastructure that meets our people’s basic needs starts with building a world-class healthcare system.
Over this past year, we completed the new Hospital Annex and it is our intention to have it open and operational by year’s end. We installed our first ever CAT Scan machine thanks to the support of the Social Security Board. We have completed work on a new helipad that will be part of a network connecting all the Sister Islands with speedy access to the hospital and speedy access from the hospital to overseas facilities when necessary;
And just yesterday we began reviewing submissions for the contract to build the new Hospital with the expectation of commencing construction shortly.
To ensure that quality care is truly available to all, we have begun work with a team of experts from the University of the West Indies to build a National Health Insurance Programme that will be tailored to meet the needs of the BVI. The establishment of a National Health Insurance Programme will be a significant milestone in our Territory’s development.
This historic project will mean that all citizens and residents of our Territory will have access to quality care regardless of income. Never again, will a grandmother have to worry that illness could wipe out a lifetime of savings. Never again will a parent have to think twice about getting care for their children for fear that they cannot afford it. Never again will a family have to choose between paying for medicines and paying for other necessities.
Taken together, our strategy for the healthcare system will mean peace of mind for our people. Peace of mind that if you have an accident on Anegada you can receive emergency care. Peace of mind that if you need to visit the hospital, the space and the staffing will be there to receive you. Peace of mind that illness and disease will not mean financial ruin for your family.
It is in this same spirit of bringing peace of mind to our people that we are working vigorously to meet all our other critical social needs. That starts with our senior citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Our seniors are among our most cherished BVI treasures. After a lifetime of contribution and service, it is nothing less than a moral obligation upon our entire community to ensure that they need not worry about receiving the dignified care they deserve in the twilight years of their lives.
Toward that end, over this past year we completed work on the new Senior Citizens Centre in Road Town and we are continuing work on the Centre in Cane Garden Bay which we hope to complete by mid-2007.
In order to provide greater peace of mind for working people who are looking ahead to their retirement, over the coming year we will begin work on a mobile Pension scheme.
Under this plan if you move from one job to another you will be able to take your pension with you. As a result, working people of the BVI can feel more confident that when they reach their golden years they will be able to enjoy true financial security. We also recognise that part of providing true peace of mind for our people means providing a strong social safety net.
That is why we are increasing support for our most vulnerable citizens, including direct financial assistance. This assistance is not a hand out – it is a hand up to help people get through their most challenging moments so they can return to the work force and provide for themselves and their families. Finally, we are working to ensure the most fundamental peace of mind there is: personal safety and security.
We are now fully engaged in a continuous and uncompromising fight to eradicate violent crime from our Territory. We all continue to mourn the tragic loss of life we witnessed over this past year. Our thoughts and our prayers remain with the families of the victims. Honouring their memory means doing all we can as a Government, as a community and as a people to put the criminals to route.
Over this past year, Government put in place a 7-point plan for improved police protection for the community. I am pleased to note that good progress has been made on this front leading to a modest increase in arrests and decrease in violent crime.
But the road to victory is long. I once again call on all citizens and residents of the BVI to take up this cause. If you see a young man falling out of line – take it upon yourself to put him back on the straight path. If you have knowledge of a crime – take it upon yourself to report it to the police.
Only by standing strong and by standing together can we send a message loud and clear that guns have no place in the BVI; drugs have no place in the BVI; and crime has no place in the BVI. And when we send that message then we can restore the safety we once knew in our Territory – and we can return the peace of mind every one of us deserves.
Ladies and Gentlemen: I would like to now turn your attention to the other great social and economic challenge we face and that is equipping our people with the skills and knowledge they will need to compete and win in a global market.
Our goal is clear: in order to meet the challenges of 2010 and beyond we will establish here in the BVI a world-class educational system that produces young people who have the skills, the knowledge and the self-confidence to make the most of their God-given abilities and who can contribute to the long-term strength of the BVI.
Toward that goal, we are upgrading our schools at every level from our primary schools to the College. We are in the final stages of the National Curriculum Development project which is ensuring that the material our students are learning is appropriate for the challenges they will face. Our school computerization programme is providing 10 new computers to every school in the Territory. We are providing extensive training opportunities for all of our teachers. We are building the new High School – a 10 acre plot of land has been selected at Paraquita Bay and construction will begin this fall.
We are encouraging more young BVIslanders to aspire to higher degrees by increasing our scholarship grants by 50% – and it is with great satisfaction that we note that today more BVIslanders are studying in Universities around the world than at any other point in our history. Perhaps most impressively, we are witnessing the remarkable evolution of the College into a truly world-class institution of higher learning that is meeting the specific needs of the BVI.
Just two weeks ago, we welcomed Dr. Michael O’Neal as the new President of the College. In his wonderful inaugural speech, Dr. O’Neal reminded us of the incredible achievements of the past years. Since its establishment in 1990, the College has grown every year of its existence – just recently graduating its largest class ever;
The College has established innovative partnerships with Universities and Colleges throughout the United States, the UK and the region. Our students are leaving the College well prepared to succeed in the workforce, or to go on to higher degrees abroad. And most recently, the College has expanded its offering beyond traditional academic courses with the new Technical and Vocational Programme.
In addition, the College is now also offering training for people interested in becoming sea captains in order to operate commercial ferry vessels. In all these ways, the College is not simply thriving as a place of learning. It has become a truly vital Centre of Excellence for promoting the Territory’s interest.
It is in recognition of this achievement that Government decided that starting this coming September tuition will be free for all BVIslanders accepted to the College. This historic step means that now even more of our people will have the opportunity to develop their God-given abilities and realise their fullest potential. Nothing is more important for the future of our Territory in 2010 and beyond. And our commitment to developing our people goes beyond the classroom.
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports continues to do outstanding work, providing after-school programmes and leadership activities. We are encouraging our young people to self-expression through music and the arts. And we are nurturing our young athletes.
Just recently, we opened the BVI’s first public tennis court in Long Look. We will soon find a location and begin construction on a new cricket grounds. And we are nearing completion of the AO Shirley Recreation Grounds and are in the process of getting these grounds certified by the international Track and Field governing body in order to allow the BVI, for the first time in our history, to host international track events.
As we celebrate the progress of BVI Athletics, I would like to take a moment to recognise, as they stand, our young track and field team: Omar Jones; Sanya Penn; Ashley Kelly; Shanice Hazel; Karene King; Bianca Dougan, Britney Wattley and Chantel Malone who just recently became the first BVI athlete to win 5 medals at the CARIFTA Games. I would also like to recognise, as they too stand, the hard working coaches Winston Potter, Dag Samuels, Willis Todman, Karl Scatliffe and Angeleta Bernard.
These outstanding student-athletes are a clear demonstration that when we put the framework in place, our young people will blossom and thrive intellectually, physically and spiritually. These young people give us full confidence that they are rising to the moment. We are inspired by their talent and dedication. And we look forward with enormous excitement to witnessing all they will accomplish in the years that lie ahead.
Ladies and gentlemen: as we approach this 50th anniversary of our Territory, and as we look ahead to the BVI of 2010 and beyond, we are confident that the pieces are in place to grow our economy, provide peace of mind for our people, and open the doors of opportunity for our youth.
But let me also frankly admit that while we are confident that the strategy is right, there are also too many instances where it simply is taking too long for these strategies to be implemented.
In too many cases Government institutions are not as fast-moving and responsive as they can be and as they should be. Too often tasks that could be completed in 6 hours, wind up taking 6 weeks. There are many reasons why this may be. Part of it is unnecessary procedural hurdles and red-tape. Part of it is a need for improved systems and technology. Part of it is the simple inertia that can take hold in any big organization over time.
But whatever the reasons, the imperative is clear: the people of the BVI expect us to work faster. And that is what we must do. Let me say clearly: civil servants who show up each day and give their all deserve the praise and gratitude of our fellow citizens.
But we must do better. As public servants we are employed by the people of this Territory. They are our bosses. Their taxes pay our livelihood. And it is to them that we must hold ourselves accountable. That means being responsive when called upon, courteous when providing service, and efficient when executing a task.
It is in that spirit that today I am calling for a new Culture of Productivity to take hold for all those who draw their paychecks from the public treasury. Creating a Culture of Productivity means pushing ourselves to continuous improvement.
Each day, I want us to do our jobs just a little better than the day before; I want us to work faster and more efficiently; I want us to work better as a team; and I want us to constantly seek new skills and training. In meeting this challenge, I hope we will all be motivated not just by a sense of professional accomplishment – but also by a sense of national pride.
I want to talk a moment about this idea of national pride.
For in a very real sense, beyond building our economy and improving social service – increasing our national pride here in the BVI is truly the Third Pillar of this Government’s vision for our Territory. In my heart and soul, I believe that in order for our Territory to prosper and thrive in the future, we must cultivate a spirit of common purpose and patriotism here in the BVI.
This pride is not about entitlement, or about being better than any other nation. It is about being self-aware. It is about knowing our history and honouring the sacrifices of our ancestors. It is about valuing our unique culture and preserving it in the modern world. It is about cherishing our sacred traditions and passing them on to our children. And it is about uplifting our community so that the success of one is properly understood as the success of all.
This Government is working very hard to do our part to build this sense of BVI Pride.
We are establishing museums and cultural centres to provide our people and visitors from around the world the opportunity to learn about our past.
We are representing the Territory in international and regional forums. And, most importantly, we are working to amend our Constitution through talks with the UK Government. As I have said before, this historic process is the most important action this administration will undertake.
Our amended Constitution will serve not only as the highest law in the land – but will also be a powerful symbol of our Territory’s continued growth and development, establishing a more appropriate balance of authority between the UK and our local Government.
In these talks we in Government are driven by our own personal sense of pride in the BVI. We are deeply committed to building a sense of purpose and common resolve for our people to rally around.
It is precisely because of this core belief that I find it so troubling – and frankly so hurtful – when we hear the whispered voices of those who accuse this Government of being influenced by so-called “Outside Interests.”
Ladies and Gentlemen: standing here today before this assembled audience and before our entire community let me say with 100% clarity: this Government never has and never will be influenced by any interest other than the public interest.
The fact is that the future of the BVI demands that we work with the outside world. So I make no apologies for working with experts from abroad. I make no apologies for seeking investment from beyond our shores. And I make no apologies for working to grow our economy by forging relationships around the world.
I make no apologies because these are the right things to do for our people. Anyone who suggest otherwise are either being very foolish – or very dishonest.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Every one of you knows me. You know who I am. You know where I come from. I am a son of this soil and so are all the Members of Government.
We are proud BVIslanders. And being a proud BVIslander in the 21st century does not mean shunning the outside world. It means being strong enough and proud enough to take advantage of the opportunities the outside world presents to us. Knowing that we can do so while always and forever putting the interests of our people and our Territory first.
That is what I firmly believe – and that is what this Government has done. But make no mistake: building national pride is not just about Government. Just recently we all witnessed with great pride and joy the unprecedented success of our very own Tahesia Harrigan who finished a remarkable 5th place at the Commonwealth Games – the best performance any BVI athlete has ever delivered.
This outstanding achievement is a shining example of the heights we are capable of reaching here in the BVI when we set our sights to the heavens, and refuse to accept any limitations on what we can accomplish.
Let that be our mantra as we look to 2010 and beyond. If a young BVIslander can run with the best in the world. If our financial services sectors can beat their competition from around the world; if our young students can learn and excel at the best academic institutions throughout the world, then I submit to you that there is nothing we cannot achieve here in the BVI.
And so I say: let us aim high.
Let us resolve that in the 2012 Olympic Games we will send an athlete to London who will bring home a medal to the BVI.
Let us resolve by 2010 we will build here an economic base that goes beyond tourism and financial services to include thriving small businesses owned by local people.
Let us resolve that by 2010, we will have in place a world class healthcare system in which the best care isn’t a privilege of the few, but a right for all.
Let us resolve that in 2010 and beyond we will welcome the innovations of the outside world, while also preserving our values and our sense of community.
Let us firmly resolve that today, tomorrow and forever we will work toward a BVI where every young person among us has the opportunity to reach the fullest expression of their God-given talent.
Ladies and gentlemen, if we are strong in our resolve and deliver on our promise then I have no doubt that the BVI of 2010 and beyond will do nothing less than prove to the world that even a small Territory can be great.
By working together we can and we will build a BVI even more hopeful and prosperous than today. So let us look ahead to the future and feel no fear. Let us look ahead to 2010 and know: if we dream it – then it can be so.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God forever bless the British Virgin Islands.
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