Press Release

Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
Constitutionally Established Departments
House of Assembly
Release Date:
Monday, 13 July 2020 - 4:26pm

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.

Honourable Vincent Wheatley in a statement during the 12th Sitting of the 2nd Session of the 4th House of Assembly explained that a number of actions are being taken in regards to environmental protection, ranging from the closure of Gorda Peak to the ban on Tributyltin (TBT), and some Sun Tan lotions that contain chemicals that are detrimental to marine life.

Honourable Wheatley said the monitoring and protection of natural resources is taking place above and below sea level including the current fight against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) which is affecting coral reefs, and the banning of raw sewage being dumped in the waters of the Territory, for which legislation is also underway.

He added, “These measures are designed to ensure that ours and future generations may inherit a clean and healthy environment. Our waters are key to our survival and the imposition of a ban on harmful chemicals and the discharge of sewage will go a long way to maintaining the integrity of our natural resources and our continued well-being.”

The Honourable Minister’s full statements can be accessed on the Government’s website at www.bvi.gov.vg in the speeches and statements section of the media centre or by clicking on the links below.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour continues to effectively manage and administer the natural resources of the Territory in a manner that ensures long term sustainability.

NOTES:

Links to statements:

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/statement-honourable-vincent-o-wheatley-closure-gorda-peak

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/statement-honourable-vincent-wheatley-bans-tbts-sun-tan-lotions-and-sewage-dumping

Photo 1: Official photo of Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley.(Photo credit: GIS)

Author

Paul Bridgewater

Information Officer I (Ag.)
Department of Information and Public Relations
Telephone:468-3333
Email: Pbridgewater@gov.vg