The British Virgin Islands has sought United Nations (UN) support for the climate resilience of its airports and seaports at a regional workshop in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The workshop organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was held from December 5 – 7 under the theme 'Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for Coastal Transport Infrastructure in the Caribbean.'

Managing Director of the BVI Aiport Authority, Denniston Fraser attended the meeting on behalf of the Territory, joined by BVI London Office Director, Benito Wheatley.

Speaking on the workshop, Mr. Fraser said, "The workshop underscored the climate risks to the region's airports and seaports and other transportation infrastructure, which we in the BVI must take into account as we rebuild after Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the earlier tropical wave that caused flash floods. We have indicated to UNCTAD that the BVI would welcome a climate resilience audit of our critical transportation infrastructure so we are clear on the risks and can mitigate them."

He also added, "A new network of airport and seaport officials from the Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda was also established to share knowledge and experience."

The BVI delegation also engaged regional partners on support for the Territory's recovery.

"We held constructive discussions in the margins of the meeting with ECLAC as government seeks to secure further technical assistance to support recovery initiatives, as well as with the ACP and CDB on access to climate finance needed to restore the environment which has been damaged in various areas,” said Benito Wheatley.

The BVI Government continues to engage the UN and other international and regional partners to support the Territory's recovery after Hurricanes Irma and Maria