Junior Minister of Tourism, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) has reaffirmed her commitment to the Sister Islands in championing their cause as was promised in her 2019 elections campaign under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Hon Flax-Charles gave the commitment during her first address to the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), following her historic swearing-in as a Member of the Fourth HoA on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, effectively making her the first female Legislator from Virgin Gorga (VG). Photo: Facebook

“Forty-five years ago… saw my parents Norma and Andy Flax open Fischers Cove Beach Hotel… It has seen the ravages that come with operating a small business. My brothers and sisters and I saw first-hand the struggles for the success of a small business but it allowed us to become a family steeped in tourism and entrepreneurship and community activity and involvement,” Hon Flax-Charles implored. Photo: Internet Source

Hon Flax-Charles gave the commitment during her first address to the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), following her historic swearing-in as a Member of the Fourth HoA on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, officially making her the first female Legislator from Virgin Gorga (VG).

Perseverance

“Mr Speaker, I come from a family who knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds,” she told those gathered at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, in highlighting the struggles she faced from an early age.

“Forty-five years ago… saw my parents Norma and Andy Flax open Fischers Cove Beach Hotel…  It has seen the ravages that come with operating a small business.  My brothers and sisters and I saw first-hand the struggles for the success of a small business but it allowed us to become a family steeped in tourism and entrepreneurship and community activity and involvement,” she implored.

According to Hon Flax-Charles, because of that experience from a young age, she will champion the cause of the Sister Islands, “but I wish to state emphatically that all districts will receive my full attention… we are one BVI,” she said.

“It goes without saying that these are challenging times for our BVI. We are facing domestic challenges as well as international ones brought on by a changing world order as well as increased competition…  Rest assured that I will do my part, led by our Premier Hon Fahie, to face these challenges,” she further committed.

Constitutional Review

In calling for a constitutional review, Hon Flax-Charles said the last review was in 2007 and a new review is needed for a clearer understanding of how the relationship in practicality, should work between the United Kingdom (UK) and the VI.

Ms Flax-Charles further implored that to confront the challenging question of where the territory goes with this relationship, ‘dialogue is important’. 

“I intend to be a strong advocate for committees on a whole within our House of Assembly and will support my government’s commitment to town councils for all districts.”

Hon Flax-Charles says the VIP government intends to ensure that the people of the Territory are a part of the decision to determine their future and that she is committed to using the HoA as a platform to advance the causes of women and children, making sure that their voices are all part of the law-making process.