Local News
Sargassum Seaweed Raises Concerns in the Virgin Islands; Government Takes Steps to Mitigate Impact
The presence of sargassum seaweed has once again become a cause for concern among members of the Virgin Islands community, particularly those involved in the tourism industry, fishing, and regular beachgoers.
Mervin Hastings, Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, stated that the Government of the Virgin Islands is actively working to mitigate the sargassum issue. This includes organizing clean-up initiatives, conducting trainings and workshops with stakeholders, and raising public awareness about the problem.
Hastings emphasized that the topic of sargassum is not only a local or regional concern but also a global issue that costs governments millions of dollars to address. He stressed the importance of educating the community and collaborating with regional and international counterparts to find a solution.
Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer II, Argel Horton, explained that the sargassum affecting the territory originates from the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. This belt stretches across 500 miles between Africa and South America. Horton noted that sargassum multiplies rapidly in warm waters, and with the ongoing heat impacting the region, the blooms will continue to affect the territory.
According to satellite tracking, the influx of sargassum will persist, although the volume is expected to be moderate until October 2023. Horton acknowledged that sargassum poses a challenge for the local government but expressed optimism that creative solutions can be found.
Horton highlighted that other Caribbean countries have successfully utilized sargassum to produce various products, such as fertilizers, beauty products, and biofuel. She expressed confidence in the ability of the people to brainstorm and transform sargassum into a valuable commodity.
Earlier this year, representatives from multiple organizations, including the BVI Tourist Board, National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, Unite BVI, and BVI Ports Authority, participated in a two-day training workshop on sargassum management. The workshop, facilitated by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and the University of the West Indies Centre for Resources Management and Environmental Studies (UWI-CERMES), aimed to enhance understanding of sargassum’s science, origins, ecological value, adaptive management principles, monitoring techniques, and clean-up and rehabilitation approaches.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is committed to promoting sound stewardship of natural resources by implementing a robust legal framework that encourages environmentally friendly best management practices.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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