As many ushered in the New Year wishing for a fruitful year, one family was mourning the loss of their loved one.

Inmate and former constable Patrice Grant who was serving a prison sentence for shooting the former commissioner of Police Barry Webb was found hanging in his Balsam Ghut’s cell on New Year’s Eve.

Even though his death is treated as a suicide, an investigation into his death is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, horse owner Brian Scatiffe is recovering at home from stab wounds he received during an altercation on Boxing Day at Little ‘A’ Track. The passing of businessman Dennis Alphonso has also left the Territory in mourning as he has contributed significantly, to both the business and BVI community since he migrated here from his homeland Guyana, several years ago.

The Fourth Sitting of the First House of Assembly was held on December 27 where the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act 2007 was passed. The act stipulates that every member of the House must disclose any personal interests they may have in any businesses or organisations and is expected to bring more transparency and probity.

Several sums of monies were also approved for withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund to cover recurrent expenses, fund capital projects, Pension project and other Funds among other things.

Premier Ralph T. O’Neal said the Government will control spending in the New Year, an assurance that was necessary as the recurrent expenditure of the Territory has increased significantly and has been a call for concern.

As the year progresses, we hope to see actions being taken to reduce the recurrent expenditure of the Territory such as measures to reduce the high telephone, water and electricity cost that represented a significant amount in the recent approved Schedule of Additional Provisioning (SAP).

For 2008, we should be working to have a reduced crime rate and one that sees fruition in the unsolved murders in the Territory.

The 2008 High Court Criminal Assizes will open in February, where several cases, some of which are pending decisions will be heard.

Farmers Week 2008 will also kick off in early February, the limelight will shine on the agriculture sector, highlighting the status of the industry and where it is heading.

With efforts being made to bring better governance to the Territory and with hopes of better things ahead – we can only hope for the best in 2008.

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