Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change are addressing the public’s concerns about the presence of some marine creatures resembling jellyfish within the Territory’s waters.

Government officials from several departments were trained in a two day workshop to preview the underwater survey processes that were used to create the updated Coastal Resources Atlas.

The Joint Ministerial Council Meeting in London in May addressed a number of issues of key importance for both the Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom Government. 

I extend a warm Virgin Islands welcome to the visiting teams from the United Kingdom (UK), including the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has pledged his support to the members of the re-established Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board.

A pleasant good morning to you all.  I’m extremely pleased that we are gathered today to mark the re-establishment of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board. I’d like to recognize the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Natural Resources and the Financial Secretary as ex officio members of the Board. I also recognize and warmly greet the non-Government members of the Board, including the Chairman Mr. Edward Childs, Deputy Chairperson Mr. John Klein, Dr. Shannon Gore and Mr. Ronnie Lettsome.  

Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley is featured as he congratulated members of the Second Board of Trustees of the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, as they received their instruments of appointment.

I acknowledge the protocol already established

My main focus here this morning is to say a brief word of welcome, particularly to you the members of the Climate Change Trust Fund Board for offering yourselves to serve this our beloved territory in this capacity.

Greetings to all who call The Virgin Islands home! Today, June 5, in honour of World Environment Day, I’d like to level with you about a serious addiction that is plaguing The Virgin Islands, affecting not just our environment but our health as a people. It’s our addiction to plastics. Just how bad is it?

Statement by the Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour

Third Sitting of the Fifth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly