The public is reminded that appointments must be made before conducting business with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration. 

Environmental organisations in the British Virgin Islands are invited to submit bids for the Darwin Plus Funding scheme.

The public is notified that beaches are open from 5:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m effective today, August 26 due to the Imposition of Curfew Order (No. 28), 2020.

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley has stated that his ministry is working diligently to create and implement the framework necessary for key aspects of the Territory’s resources to be protected and sustainably managed.

Mr. Speaker, our tourism sector relies on the presence of pristine waters which sustains our ability to recreate and to provide fish, which forms part of our food security framework. Crystal clear waters allow for our reefs to thrive, as countless residents and visitors enjoy the same. However, Mr. Speaker, our coastal waters, more than ever, requires continued attention and focus. The prevalence of various diseases impacting reefs, storm water runoff which may carry large amounts of sediment from the land and the discharge of pollutants into the waters threaten the survivability of reefs and other marine ecosystems that support our livelihoods and lives. Sometimes, individuals may feel helpless in their ability to positively contribute to the protection of our coastal resources.

The Government of the Virgin Island is partnering with the United Kingdom (UK) charity, the Marine Conservation Society and the University of Exeter who is committed to boosting turtle conservation in Montserrat and the Virgin Islands.

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley has issued a call for community and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to do their part to fight against the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).

The Virgin Islands consists of some 60 islands, cays and rocks that amount to an average land mass/area of 153 square kilometers. By contrast, the Virgin Islands has the rights and responsibilities to approximately over 84,000 square kilometers of ocean space. This amounts to approximately 550 times more ocean real estate than that of the land.

Beach officers who will form part of the Beach Monitoring Task Force were brought up to speed on the new health and safety protocols that will be in effect on beaches across the Territory.

The public is notified that beaches will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily, commencing on Sunday, May 10. This announcement was made by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie on the COVID-19 Update livestream on Friday, May 8.