The Virgin Islands will launch a Climate Change Trust Fund aimed at mobilizing international financing to support climate resilience initiatives and overcome barriers faced by Overseas Territories in accessing global climate funds.

The announcement was made on April 21 during a ministerial intervention at the Global Vision for Sustainable and Resilient Islands summit in Gran Canaria, Spain by Julian Fraser, Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.

The Trust Fund, which was scheduled to be formally launched later that day at the summit, is intended to provide sustained financial support for the territory’s climate agenda and is being positioned as a model for other small island economies.

“The Virgin Islands has set a bold vision for becoming the world’s first climate-smart island chain, but without breaking the barriers to accessing international climate finance… we can only have but so much wind in our sails,” Hon. Fraser said.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen financial and infrastructural resilience across the territory, which comprises more than 60 islands in the northeastern Caribbean.

Hon. Fraser outlined a framework built on five pillars: environmental protection, economic resilience, climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and community engagement.

Among the measures highlighted were a proposed Environment and Climate Change Bill, efforts to expand the blue economy, and the introduction of Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction Clinics to assist businesses in adapting to climate risks.

The government is also working to strengthen infrastructure standards based on lessons from the Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, which caused extensive damage across the territory.

In the energy sector, the Virgin Islands is targeting 60 percent renewable energy by 2030. The island of Anegada has already transitioned largely to solar power, serving as an example of the territory’s renewable energy ambitions.

Hon. Fraser also said the government is exploring partnerships with financial institutions to provide low-interest financing to help residents and businesses invest in climate-resilient improvements.

He said the territory’s approach reflects a broader effort to align economic development with climate resilience in small island economies.

A man who sustained a gunshot wound presented himself to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Sunday, April 26, and was treated and later discharged, authorities said.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force said the injury is linked to a shooting reported after 7 p.m. in the Vanterpool Estate area.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire and processed the scene, where evidence was recovered. No injured persons were initially found at the location, police said.

The man later sought medical attention on his own with what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477.

The BVI Riderz Cycling Club hosted its first junior BMX cycling race on April 26 at the Enis Scatliffe Pre-Primary School Ground in Road Town, Tortola, marking an effort to expand youth participation in cycling in the British Virgin Islands.

The event featured 10 races, including eight youth events, a senior exhibition race and a parents’ race. Organizers said the meet was designed to introduce BMX competition locally and provide a platform for young riders.

K’mani David won the under-11 boys’ road race in 1 minute 23.67 seconds, followed by Zayden McIntosh in 1:28.98 and Sabali Spence in 1:41.17. The 11–14 boys’ road race was closely contested, with Zadayne Campbell finishing first in 2:52.34, just ahead of Reon Bowens in 2:53.61, while Nikhoy Maduro-Findlay placed third in 4:45.01.

The 11–14 girls’ road race saw Shamaya Gumbs finish first in 2:50.28, narrowly ahead of Taxhanae Williams in 2:50.91. Za’Niya Connell placed third in 3:15.91. Tre’Vaun Smith won the mixed 15–18 division in 2:55.46, followed by Malia Connell in 2:59.60 and Azriel Smith in 4:18.17.

Sprint events produced similarly close finishes. K’mani David secured the under-11 boys’ sprint in 34.41 seconds, edging Zayden McIntosh in 34.82, while Dwayne Ferron finished third in 37.24. SheAnna Stevens won the 11–14 girls’ sprint in 45.82 seconds, ahead of Za’Niya Connell in 52.54 and Shamaya Gumbs in 58.61.

Reon Bowens claimed the 11–14 boys’ sprint in 40.32 seconds, followed by Nikhoy Maduro-Findlay in 43.68 and Zadayne Campbell in 44.81. Tre’Vaun Smith secured the 15–18 boys’ sprint in 31.86 seconds, finishing ahead of Azriel Smith in 33.63.

The parents’ race ended with Antonio Andrews and Calvin Smith recording identical times of 28.88 seconds, with Andrews awarded first place. Jermane Reid finished third in 35.38 seconds.

Gareth Thomas won the exhibition race in 2:22.29, narrowly ahead of Calvin Smith in 2:23.00, while Antonio Andrews placed third in 2:46.06.

Organizers said the event drew participation from families across the territory and is expected to become a recurring fixture aimed at developing youth cycling in the British Virgin Islands.