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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.
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Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands wrapped up a significant five-day diplomatic visit to London, aimed at reinforcing ties with the UK Government. Accompanied by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, the delegation’s primary focus was on building a modern partnership rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, while addressing the pressing issues facing the British Overseas Territory.
A pivotal moment of the trip came during an in-person meeting with the new Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, where Premier Wheatley outlined the progress being made in the Virgin Islands, particularly regarding the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry. The talks, attended by Virgin Islands Governor Daniel Pruce, delved into the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Territory, with Wheatley expressing optimism about the future of cooperation. The Premier extended an invitation to Doughty to visit the Virgin Islands in November, which will coincide with the Minister’s first Joint Ministerial Council meeting.
The delegation’s presence in London also saw the Premier honored at a reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. This gathering brought together key players from both the political and financial sectors, highlighting the Territory’s strategic importance. “We are grateful for Sir Lindsay’s consistent support of the Overseas Territories,” Premier Wheatley remarked, underscoring the critical role these relationships play in bolstering the Virgin Islands on the global stage.
Despite the busy agenda, Premier Wheatley found time to meet with several MPs, including Adam Jogee MP and Baroness Vere, further cementing ties between the Virgin Islands and UK policymakers. These engagements, according to the Premier, will lay the groundwork for continued collaboration as Parliament reconvenes in October and the political season gears up with upcoming party conferences.
Climate change was a dominant theme of the Premier’s meetings, as he emphasized the existential threat the Virgin Islands faces due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent severe weather events. In talks with officials from the Department for Energy and Net Zero and Baroness Brown, Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Sub-Committee, Wheatley stressed the Territory’s need for greater support from the UK in accessing global climate funding. Baroness Brown assured the Premier of the UK Government’s commitment to assist in bolstering the Virgin Islands’ climate resilience efforts.
Additionally, the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector took center stage during a roundtable led by Premier Wheatley in collaboration with BVI Finance. Top executives from major London-based corporate service providers and law firms participated, as the Premier championed the Territory’s unique offerings and underscored its role as a premier financial services hub.
As the Virgin Islands prepares for Minister Doughty’s visit in November, Premier Wheatley is crafting a cultural itinerary to ensure the Minister gets an immersive experience of the Territory’s vibrant community and traditions.
The delegation included Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, Ayana Glasgow, Executive Director of International Business Regulations, Kedrick Malone, Governance Reform Delivery Manager, and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.
The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.
“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”
This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.
Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.
The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.
Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.
Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”
Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.
For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.
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.
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
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