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.

The public is reminded that all the Territory’s beaches will remain closed. 

Mr. Speaker, I had the distinct pleasure to be escorted along the mangroves at Hans Creek, Beef Island earlier this week by a group of enthusiastic conservationists and lovers of the nature in the Virgin Islands.

The youngsters of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) received hands-on training in mangrove cultivation last week when they assisted with the planting of seedlings that have been growing at the Jost Van Dyke nursery.

Mangrove conservationists from across the Virgin Islands met yesterday January 30 with their international counterparts to share strategies and lessons learnt on how to carry forward mangrove restoration works in the Territory.