His Excellency Governor David Pearey announced during his Speech from the Throne that a legislation to enable the introduction of a National Health Insurance System to provide health insurance to the people of the Territory will be brought before the House next year.

The Governor also disclosed that the team from the University of the West Indies is expected to return to the Territory in January 2010 to commence implementation of the system.

Further, Governor Pearey stated that the Government is fully aware of the exposure of the Territory´s ports to health threats and has already taken steps to lessen such impact. To this end, Government will bring before the House legislation to support the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.

"In this Third Session, amendments to the Infectious Diseases Notification Act (Cap. 180) will be brought to the House. The revised Act will facilitate action in responding to public health risks and emergencies such as communicable disease epidemics, and will update the list of notifiable diseases."

Also in its effort to remain committed to increasing the standard of healthcare for all Virgin Islanders and visitors to the Territory, Government will review the Private Hospital Ordinance (Cap. 193) to bring it in line with modern practices and relevant international standards.

Meanwhile, the Governor also announced measures to strengthen the social services sector, hence an internal consultation process has been completed and recommendations will be submitted toward a social legislation package on the protection of children and domestic violence.

The Government intends to present legislation on Children (Care and Adoption), Child Justice, Status of Children, and Domestic Violence.

The Governor also stated that a draft Disability policy and legislative brief are expected to be completed soon.

Further public consultations will commence thereafter with an aim to introduce legislation on disabilities and provisions for the disabled.