Many of us may be breathing a little easier now that the Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially ended.

We are indeed blessed today as we can say that we have come through yet another Atlantic Hurricane Season safely and with very few effects on our shores. I think the entire Virgin Islands can feel immensely grateful that storms or hurricanes did not place any additional burdens upon us during what has already been a burdensome year.

The beach at St. Thomas Bay in Valley, Virgin Gorda extending from Fort Point to Collision Point is closed to recreational use due to results of water quality testing.

The Environmental Health Division’s Vector Teams will begin fogging operations this week to address the high level of mosquito infestation and increase in dengue cases reported in the British Virgin Islands.

Mr. Speaker, the Caribbean Region is about to enter another hurricane season and I would encourage everyone to accelerate their preparations as we anticipate an active season. I certainly recognise the challenges that emerge in our preparations as we continue to grapple with the pandemic and its social and economic impacts.  We must always remain vigilant and prepared. 

Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to address this Honourable House with a very important issue in our environment which is critical for the protection of our Territory in more ways than one; that of the protection of our coral reefs.

The Virgin Islands joins with many countries throughout the world in the observance of World Environment Day.  Started in 1974, World Environment Day represents a call to action to conserve the natural, precious assets that comprise the animals, plants and other species which share this earth with humans.

The Environmental Health Division will begin fogging operations in the East End, Long Look and Greenland areas of Tortola on April 28.

The Territory’s ability to track the health of plants, the presence of invasive species and other key environmental indicators will be improved as a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration and the UK firm Environment Systems Ltd.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Dr. Marcia Potter has said that the time has come for the region to agree to cooperate to address the most recent threat of the Sargassum Seaweed.