Local News
VI Delegation Led by Premier Wheatley Attends COP28 to Advocate Climate Action
Premier and Minister responsible for Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, is spearheading a three-member delegation representing the Virgin Islands at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai.
COP, an annual gathering, provides a platform for nations party to the UNFCCC to collaboratively assess and agree on measures to mitigate climate change and support the most vulnerable countries, particularly small island developing states, in adapting to its impacts.
Accompanying Premier Wheatley are Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley; Climate Change officer in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Ms. Angela Burnett Penn; and the Acting United Kingdom/European Union Representative, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw.
The delegation will join representatives from other overseas territories and countries worldwide in discussions from November 30 to December 12. The outcomes of this year’s COP are crucial in determining whether the global community can achieve the critical target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold recognized as the limit for the survival of small islands.
A primary focus for the Virgin Islands delegation is advocating for formal recognition of the VI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) under the Convention. This recognition is seen as pivotal for accessing international climate finance to bolster local initiatives for climate resilience and the transition to renewable energy.
Premier Wheatley, alongside counterparts from other British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, will take a lead role in a side event hosted by the Virgin Islands at COP28 through the CARICOM pavilion in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission. The event will explore the case for OTs accessing international climate finance within the context of being members/associate members of the OECS and CARICOM.
The VI delegation will also engage in bilateral meetings, attend side events, and showcase multimedia products aimed at attracting international donors to the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund. Additionally, the team will seek investments in renewable energy initiatives and explore opportunities for the Territory to participate in the international carbon credits market.
The Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean are already grappling with the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, heat waves, coral bleaching, stronger hurricanes, floods, droughts, sargassum blooms, and coastal erosion. Adapting to these changes requires significant investments in environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the Government of the Virgin Islands is actively working to enhance the Territory’s resilience and reduce its carbon footprint. Initiatives include updating and implementing the Virgin Islands Climate Change Adaptation Policy and striving to replace 30% of the national electricity supply with renewable energy.
Premier Wheatley, in an earlier interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), emphasized the need for nations contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions to be ambitious in meeting targets to counteract the adverse effects of climate change. He underscored the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.
The Government also remains committed to operationalizing The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, established as an independent entity in March 2015. The Fund is mandated to raise, manage, and disburse donor funds to support climate change adaptation and mitigation in line with the Climate Change Policy.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
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