Local News
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.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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