Remarks by Honorable Julian Fraser

Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change

Government of the Virgin Islands

as Outgoing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability

12^th Meeting: 29^th April 2025 – Antigua & Barbuda

Greetings from the people of The Virgin Islands. I’d like to sincerely thank the OECS Commission for organising this Panel and providing the opportunity to showcase The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund as a Sustainable Island Solution for accessing international climate finance.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has expressed concern about the recent tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on countries worldwide, including a 10% tariff on the Virgin Islands. 

The Government of the Virgin Islands was represented at the Fourth Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Affairs Council in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson.

Welcome to the Members of the Press Corps to this press conference. My Government’s regular updates to you reflects our ongoing commitment to public engagement, transparency and democratic accountability.

 The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, will be absent from the Territory on official duty, from Tuesday, 18^th March 2025, until Thursday, 20^th March 2025. 

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley is away from the Territory from March 4 to 6 attending the Third Annual Council of Ministers for Immigration meeting in Grenada.

The public is reminded to register for the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s upcoming “Working Towards Exemplary Workplace Ethics” workshop on Thursday, February 27.

Representatives from multiple organisations including National Parks Trust, Members of the Ministry of Environment Natural Resources and Climate Change, Unite BVI and others are featured as they gathered last week to exchange information and collaborate on ideas.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has secured a grant from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) supported by Direct Relief.