According to the Order Paper, released today Wednesday, December 30, 2020, there will be several items on the agenda, among them, the Imposition of the No. 40 Curfew Order.

It is noteworthy to inform that the ongoing curfew, which takes effect from 2:01 am to 4:59 am daily comes to an end on Thursday and with only three active reported imported cases of COVID-19 on Tortola, seven on Virgin Gorda and two on boats, it is left to be seen if the curfew will be lifted altogether for the New Year’s celebration and beyond.

Landmark bills include the historic Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act 2020 which will pave the way for pari-mutuel wagering, lotteries and casinos to be established in the territory. It was given assent by outgoing Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert in August of 2020.

Legislative agenda continues

Meanwhile, on the government’s legislative agenda, there will be introductions and first readings of a few Bills.

Premier and Leader of Government Business, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) will be introducing the Bill Virgin Islands Investment Act, 2020 and the Business Licensing Act, 2020. Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) will also be introducing the Bill COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) (No.3) Act 2020.

There will be second and third readings for the Disaster Management Act 2019, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Virgin Islands) (Amendment) Act, 2020, as well as the aforementioned COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) (No.3) Act 2020.

The second notable Bill to be passed in the HoA was the VI Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act 2020, would allow the territory to tap into the medicinal marijuana industry.

Last sitting for 2020

Over the 2020 year, the Fahie-led regime had been on an aggressive legislative agenda while navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and passing a number of key Bills.

Landmark Bills include the historic Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act 2020 which will pave the way for pari-mutuel wagering, lotteries and casinos to be established in the territory. It was given assent by outgoing Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert in August of 2020.

And the second notable Bill to be passed in the HoA was the VI Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act 2020, would allow the territory to tap into the medicinal marijuana industry.

This Bill, however, is yet to be assented to and is currently under review by the U.K.

Reports to be tabled

At tomorrow's final 2020 sitting, there will also be annual reports from 2018 and 2019 from various departments of government including from the Magistracy, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, the Office of the Deputy Governor, Civil Registry and Passport Office brought to the table.

Other yearly reports to be laid down include reports from the Social Security Board for the year 2016 and the H.L. Stoutt Community College for the years 2014 -2015 and 2016-2017.