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Updated Closed Seasons for Lobster, Conch and Whelk Announced
The Director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Theodore James, has announced new closed seasons for lobsters, conchs, and whelks. He is urging fishers and stakeholders to adhere to the updated regulations.
According to the new notice, aligned with Regulations 21(2)(d), 23(1)(b), and 24(1)(b) of the Fisheries Regulations, 2003, the revised closed seasons are:
- Lobster (Panulirus argus): 31 July to 31 October 2024
- Conch (Strombus gigas): 15 August to 31 October 2024
- Whelk (Cittarium pica): 15 August to 31 October 2024
James emphasised that it is a legal requirement under these regulations that no person shall fish for or remove lobster, conch, or whelk from the fishery waters during the designated closed seasons.
Regulation 26 of the Fisheries Regulations, 2003, traditionally set the closed season for lobster from 1 March to 30 June, and for conch and whelk from 1 June to 30 September. However, these dates have been specifically modified for 2024.
“By implementing closed seasons, we are safeguarding the future of our marine ecosystems and ensuring that generations to come can continue to benefit from the abundance of our seas. These regulations promote responsible fishing practices, prevent overfishing, and support long-term sustainability in our fisheries sector,” James stated.
He also noted that while the regulations initially restricted the sale and possession of lobster, conch, and whelk during closed seasons, amendments in 2011 refocused restrictions to fishers only. This change allows supermarkets, restaurants, and other food establishments to sell and possess these products in sustainable quantities to meet consumer demand.
James explained that the concept of closed seasons is crucial for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources. “Small island developing states, like ours, rely heavily on fisheries for food security and economic livelihoods. Closed seasons help protect spawning populations during their reproductive cycles, allowing them to replenish and maintain healthy stock levels,” he said.
The public is reminded of the importance of complying with the regulations to protect marine resources for current and future generations. For more information on the updated closed seasons and fisheries regulations, refer to the official Statutory Instrument 2024, Number 28, gazetted on 30 May 2024, or visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Facebook page.
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888sport Acca Pub! Teljesen ingyenes játékforrások, választékok és előrejelzések
Tartalom
Teljes, míg a kezdők csak az összteljesítményre fogadhatnak, a tapasztalt résztvevők is kipróbálhatják a komplex tapasztalataikat. Nem meglepő módon a futball a legnépszerűbb sportág az oldalon. Több mint 800 sportesemény közül választhatnak a játékosok, így a megfelelő tevékenységkategóriát kapnak. A sportágak teljes választéka magában foglalja a népszerű szakmákat, például a sporteseményeket, baseballt, jégkorongot, baseballt, ökölvívást és röplabdát. (more…)
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BVI and U.N. Commission Call for Stronger Caribbean–Latin America Cooperation on Development Goals
Benito Wheatley, the British Virgin Islands Special Envoy, and José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, urged closer cooperation between the Caribbean and Latin America to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals during a regional forum in Santiago, Chile.
The meeting took place during the 9th Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held April 13 to April 16 in Santiago.
Both officials noted that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals stands at 19 percent, with four years remaining before the 2030 deadline, underscoring the need for increased coordination and investment across the region.
Mr. Wheatley, speaking in his capacity as vice chair of the 40th session of the commission, commended the organization’s work on development challenges and policies aimed at advancing economic and social outcomes. He emphasized the need to strengthen technical cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in resilience, investment and technology, citing fiscal constraints driven by debt and responses to external shocks.
Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs reaffirmed the commission’s support for the sustainable development of the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, noting that small island developing states, while largely middle-income, remain vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks and require continued international support.
He also commended the British Virgin Islands for its role at the forum, including its leadership of a Caribbean panel moderated by Mr. Wheatley in his capacity as vice chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee. The panel focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States through South-South cooperation.
Mr. Wheatley reiterated the territory’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to advancing regional priorities, including climate resilience.
“Through our various leadership roles within U.N. ECLAC, the British Virgin Islands will continue to advocate for the Caribbean to ensure the subregion’s priorities, including climate resilience, are taken into account in the intergovernmental deliberations of the wider region on the 2030 Agenda,” he said, adding that greater collaboration between the Caribbean and Latin America would be necessary to advance the goals within the remaining timeframe.
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Penn Appointed Leader of the Opposition in Virgin Islands
His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, on Tuesday appointed Honourable Marlon A. Penn, Representative for the Eighth District, as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, formalizing a recommendation from Opposition members and the National Democratic Party.
Hon. Penn signed the Instrument of Appointment and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday morning.
The appointment follows a recommendation submitted to the Governor by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly, who, after consultation, identified Hon. Penn as the member commanding majority support within the Opposition, as required under the Constitution.
In a statement issued April 21, the National Democratic Party said the recommendation reflected the confidence of both Opposition members and the party in Hon. Penn’s leadership. “The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.
Hon. Penn was elected Political Leader of the National Democratic Party during the party’s national convention held April 18 at Maria’s by the Sea. The convention brought together 121 delegates from across the territory and resulted in the selection of a new leadership team ahead of the next general election.
During the convention, Hon. Penn secured 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes. Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull was elected deputy chairman with 64 votes, defeating Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes. Paul A. Hewlett was confirmed as president unopposed, and Andrea Walters was elected vice president, defeating Troy Christopher.
Other officers elected included Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as assistant secretary, Eldon Solomon as treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as assistant treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as chairperson of the Women’s Movement.
Following his election as Political Leader, Hon. Penn said the outcome marked a new phase for the party. “I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” he said.
Hon. Turnbull said the leadership team would prioritize unity and policy-focused initiatives. “Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said.
Hon. Penn has represented the Eighth District in the House of Assembly since 2011 and previously served as Minister for Health and Social Development. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2019 to 2022 following the general election that year.
Under the Virgin Islands Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.
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