The Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was officially launched on February 11 at Maria’s by the Sea in Road Town, Tortola. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, marks a significant step in preserving the territory’s ecosystems amid increasing environmental threats.

Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, stressed the urgency of the project, stating, “Our environment is our identity, our lifeline, our greatest asset, and it is our duty to protect it for generations to come.” He outlined the challenges facing the Virgin Islands, including climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, highlighting the impact of sand mining on Anegada, which is leading to coastal erosion and habitat loss.

The Virgin Islands Rock Iguana, an endangered species found nowhere else on Earth, was identified as one of the critical species under threat. “If we continue on this path, we will lose more than just our natural beauty. We will lose the resources that sustain our people,” Dr. Smith-Berkeley warned.

The NBSAP aims to integrate biodiversity conservation into national planning, ensuring sustainable development while protecting the territory’s natural resources. The strategy aligns with the United Kingdom’s Biodiversity Strategy, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for its role in regional environmental sustainability efforts. He also expressed gratitude to PC Consultants Ltd. of Guyana, Dr. Shannon Gore of Coastal Management Systems, and the European Union’s BioSPACE Project for their contributions to the initiative.

Calling on the community to play an active role, Dr. Smith-Berkeley stated, “Conservation is not the responsibility of a single ministry or a handful of experts. It is a collective effort. It is a call to action for every one of us to protect what we have before it is too late.”

The NBSAP is expected to guide policies and actions that will ensure the Virgin Islands’ environment remains resilient and productive for future generations.

Shania Sampson, a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Kwakwani, Guyana, and owner of Triple S Creations, will represent Guyana at the Caribbean Baking Awards on February 21.

She will lead Team “Sweet Secrets” in the competition at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Sampson is known for her work in custom cakes, pastries, and confections through Triple S Creations. Her business has received nominations for Best Wedding Cake and Best Buttercream Cake in Guyana at the Caribbean Baking Awards.

The Caribbean Baking Awards will feature over 60 nominees from across the region, focusing on technique, creativity, and the use of authentic Caribbean ingredients. Competitors will present their skills in various categories judged by a panel of culinary professionals.

The upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards on 21 February 2025 will feature a distinguished panel of judges, including confirmed Saint Martin chef Kareem Brooks. Known for his expertise in Caribbean cuisine and extensive culinary background, Chef Brooks will assess competitors based on technique, creativity, and authenticity.

Chef Brooks is a private chef based in Saint Martin, has built a strong reputation in the Caribbean culinary scene, having worked in high-end restaurants and participated in various cooking competitions. He has been recognized for his ability to incorporate traditional Caribbean flavors into modern culinary practices. He has participated in several cooking competitions on the island, placing third in the Best Private Chef category.

Additionally, he has represented Saint Martin at international events, including a culinary demonstration at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in 2022.

The Caribbean Baking Awards will feature various events, including the Ultimate Bake-Off and a Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner. The judging panel for the 2025 competition includes Chef MacGarveyThompson, Chef Mike Bogans, Chef Tonya Malone-Smith and Chef Sandra Anderson.

The Caribbean Baking Awards, scheduled to take place at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, will showcase over 60 nominees from various Caribbean nations. The competition aims to highlight baking talent from across the region, with categories focusing on innovation, technical skill, and the use of authentic Caribbean ingredients.

The event continues to gain recognition as a premier baking event, and with Chef Kareem Brooks on the judging panel, competitors will be evaluated by a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Caribbean culinary arts.

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