In his New Year’s message to the territory today, January 1, 2023, Hon Malone also believes it is a year that the VI will be delivered from the United Kingdom (UK) Order in Council in reserve that hangs over the territory like the ‘Sword of Damocles’.

The Order in Council gives the unelected governor, a UK national, the power to suspend the Virgin Islands' constitution and impose direct rule, an action that has been rejected by the majority of the Virgin Islands, the United Nations (UN), CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and US Virgin Islands Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr.

The former Health Minister, Hon Malone, also dedicated 2023 to the dearly departed, Virgin Islands stalwarts and to the fervent works of nationals and non-nationals who have succeeded in developing and administrating the territory.

‘God is able’

He said their successes have attracted immigrants from island nations and from countries near and far throughout the world.

“We welcome everyone to the Virgin Islands as we transition to the greatness of our abilities. God is able and will see us through our periods of successes and missteps.”

He added: “God has seen us through floods, hurricanes, the global pandemic, a commission of inquiry and will deliver us from an Order in Council.”

The Opposition Member stated that as the Virgin Islands people participate in the review of the VI Constitution and as they ready themselves for the elections of 2023, “rest assured that together we can and, together we must.

“We must develop an agenda that fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our people far beyond our years,” Hon Malone stated.

The public has until January 31, 2023, to submit comments to the Constitutional Review Commission.