Madam Speaker, please permit me a few moments to address the very complex issue of the high cost of insurance which our country is facing. The rising costs of homeowner insurance policies is a multifaceted challenge influenced by a combination of local and global factors. It is important to recognise that this issue is not isolated to the British Virgin Islands but is part of a broader global challenge.

Premier and Minister responsible for Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley has called for nations which are contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions to be as ambitious as possible in meeting targets to reverse the ill effects of climate change.

The influx of the sargassum seaweed is once again causing concern for members of the Virgin Islands community, namely those working in the tourism industry, fisherfolks and the frequent beach visitors.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Social Protection Policy and Action Plan for the Virgin Islands has been finalised following a workshop with key stakeholders.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change are addressing the public’s concerns about the presence of some marine creatures resembling jellyfish within the Territory’s waters.

Government officials from several departments were trained in a two day workshop to preview the underwater survey processes that were used to create the updated Coastal Resources Atlas.

The Joint Ministerial Council Meeting in London in May addressed a number of issues of key importance for both the Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom Government. 

I extend a warm Virgin Islands welcome to the visiting teams from the United Kingdom (UK), including the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has pledged his support to the members of the re-established Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board.

A pleasant good morning to you all.  I’m extremely pleased that we are gathered today to mark the re-establishment of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board. I’d like to recognize the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Natural Resources and the Financial Secretary as ex officio members of the Board. I also recognize and warmly greet the non-Government members of the Board, including the Chairman Mr. Edward Childs, Deputy Chairperson Mr. John Klein, Dr. Shannon Gore and Mr. Ronnie Lettsome.