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.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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