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Premier Wheatley Urges Urgent Action on Climate Change in Press Conference
Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Dr. Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, stressed the critical urgency of addressing climate change and securing vital funding for the Virgin Islands.
In a press conference held on Friday, 8th December, Premier Wheatley asserted that climate change stands as the single greatest threat to the survival and development of small islands like the Virgin Islands. He emphasized that, as small entities contributing minimally to the problem, these islands are experiencing the most severe impacts on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“Gone are the days when there is a debate about whether climate change is real. We are now living the reality of climate change,” Premier Wheatley declared, highlighting the imminent dangers of exceeding global warming thresholds within the next decade.
Drawing attention to the tangible impacts on the Virgin Islands, Premier Wheatley outlined the potential consequences, from disappearing coral reefs and persistent sargassum landings to increased risks of vector-borne diseases and ‘runaway’ sea level rise threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. He underscored the economic toll, referencing the massive debt incurred after hurricanes like Irma and Maria.
Premier Wheatley stressed the need for adaptation measures to ensure resilience against the multifaceted impacts of climate change. However, he acknowledged the financial challenge, stating, “Adaptation is very costly, more than we can afford.”
Providing insights into recent duty travels, Premier Wheatley shared updates from the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). He highlighted the crucial role of small islands in climate negotiations, citing their historical leadership in advocating for major victories such as the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Addressing the disparity faced by the Virgin Islands and other UK Overseas Territories in accessing climate funds, Premier Wheatley reported on successful engagements at COP28 with the UK delegation. He expressed satisfaction in securing an agreement for the Territories to be engaged at the start of the cycle for the UK’s negotiating strategy for future COPs.
Moreover, Premier Wheatley revealed positive developments in discussions with Rt Hon Graham Stuart, UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero. The UK’s openness to a dedicated Climate Change Fund for its Territories and the agreement for a formal request process were seen as significant strides.
“We have a critical window to ensure our concerns make it into the global negotiations,” Premier Wheatley emphasized, urging collective efforts to build on existing initiatives and establish a robust framework for climate action in the Virgin Islands.
As the government continues its advocacy for international climate funds and a dedicated UK Climate Change Fund, Premier Wheatley invited media collaboration to spotlight the unique challenges faced by the Territories. He emphasized the importance of building on the foundation laid at COP28 to ensure the Virgin Islands is not left behind in the fight against climate change.
A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.
Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
Young Scientists Honored in British Virgin Islands for Groundbreaking Water Research
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers
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