Local News
Ministry of Environment Takes Action to Ensure Land Distribution on Anegada
The Ministry of Environment Natural Resources and Climate Change took a significant step towards finalizing the distribution of lands to qualified individuals on the island of Anegada. Led by Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, an eight-member team embarked on a mission to address this longstanding issue.
During their visit last week, Mr. Smith-Berkeley and his team held a productive meeting with members of the Anegada Lands committee. Expressing optimism, Mr. Smith-Berkeley stated, “We are hopeful that by the end of this calendar year, in collaboration with Anegada residents, they will be able to obtain deeds to their lands.” This statement reflects the commitment of the ministry to fulfill the urgent needs of local Anegadians and ensure that they receive the rightful ownership of their properties.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, the delegation, along with committee members, conducted site visits to areas of concern on Anegada. These visits allowed them to assess the state of road infrastructure, water supply, and electricity in the subdivisions. This information will be crucial in developing plans to improve the overall living conditions and accessibility on the island.
Mrs. Heather Skelton, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, with a focus on Crown lands, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made through collaborative efforts. She acknowledged that land ownership has been a persistent issue and emphasized the significance of the progress achieved. Mrs. Skelton stated, “We are not only making strides in terms of land title for Anegadians but also in developing public infrastructure to support the subdivisions.” This holistic approach aims to provide Anegadians with a better quality of life and ensure their wellbeing.
Anegada remains a priority area for the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change for the remainder of the calendar year. Looking ahead to 2024, the ministry plans to equally focus on improving road infrastructure in other government subdivisions, such as Spooners and Nibbs Estates, as well as the sister island of Virgin Gorda. This concerted effort aims to enhance accessibility to lands for all Virgin Islanders.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of the lands of the Virgin Islands and its natural resources. With the implementation of a robust legal framework that promotes environmentally-friendly best management practices, the ministry envisions a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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