The Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) which began on January 7, 2025, will focus on the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). Photo: YouTube

Governor Daniel Pruce delivered the Speech from the Throne outlining the legislative agenda of the Virgin Islands Party led government for 2025. Photo: YouTube

The Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) began on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo: VINO/File

The speech, themed ‘Legislative Blocks of Success; Building a Sustainable Nation’, sought to shed light on the legislative agenda for 2025. Among the HoA’s main priorities during this new sitting is the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).

This, according to Governor Pruce, “Signifies the government’s commitment to the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) as the development, fiscal, and legislative blueprint for our strategy to building a sustainable nation.”

The structure of the NSDP therefore focuses on six national goals, and Governor Pruce said several bills and amendments to existing legislation will be brought before the HoA for consideration during this new session. 

NSDP Goal 1: Environment

“Effective and responsible management of the natural environment, lands and marine resources of these Virgin Islands is extremely critical to the sustainable development of the Territory,” Governor Prue said.

Several items of legislation are proposed which will balance the need to protect and preserve our natural resources whilst also using them for economic development.

NSDP Goal 2: The Economy

“Financial Services is one of the Virgin Islands’ main economic engines and requires ongoing and diligent legislative action to maintain compliance and competitiveness given the requirements of that industry,” Governor Pruce said.

He added that the Virgin Islands boasts one of the most robust legislative and regulatory frameworks in the Global Financial Services Industry.

“In 2025 the government will continue to strengthen its financial services legislative framework,’ he revealed.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Governor Pruce added, is the engine of our economy and the leading generator of the VI's gross domestic product.

Therefore, in 2025 the government will provide legislative infrastructure “to make tourism a stronger economic driver by introducing a Ministry of Tourism Bill to support our newly established Ministry of Tourism function,” Governor Pruce stated.

NSDP Goal 3: Infrastructure

According to the Governor, the Ministry of Communications and Works will bring proposals to pilot a number of initiatives aimed at improving the management of public infrastructure and the delivery of services it is responsible for.

NSDP Goal 4: Education & Learning

Education, Governor Pruce said is important to nation-building as it can empower the people of the Virgin Islands.

He explained that to “remain steady and on course, it is necessary to continuously refit, reimagine and reinforce this vessel to ensure it is equipped to weather the winds of change and deliver every Virgin Islander to a brighter future and build”.

During this session the government will continue building “full STEAM ahead” with its mission to “reimagine education and build a system that empowers all students irrespective of their academic, physical or cognitive abilities”, Governor Pruce stated.

NSDP Goal 5: Health & Wellness

Health and wellness of a country’s citizens are critical to its sustainable development and are also good indicators of effective government, Governor Pruce said while introducing the fifth NSDP Goal.

“It is therefore incumbent on governments to enact laws and policies that promote good health and a healthy environment and promote the wellbeing of its citizens,” he added.

NSDP Goal 6: Good governance & leadership

Government, Governor Pruce reported, is committed to delivering the highest standard of good governance to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“This includes not just transparency and accountability but efficiency of service and honouring the social contract. It is planned that the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2025 will be presented to this honourable House for consideration after completion of negotiations with the United Kingdom government planned for this year,” he stated.

Meantime, Governor Pruce said he looks forward to continuing to fulfill his duties “under the Constitution regarding the elected government and legislative agenda in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and their good governance”.