The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund was officially launched on April 21 in Gran Canaria, Spain, during the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, marking a significant step in the Territory’s efforts to finance climate resilience and renewable energy initiatives.

The launch, which introduced the fund to an international audience, included a keynote address by Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Honourable Julian Fraser RA, along with contributions from Climate Envoy Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Chief Executive Officer Chamberlain Emmanuel.

“There are moments in the history of every country that define and shape its future; the launch of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is one of those moments for The Virgin Islands,” Honourable Fraser said. “For years, a major finance gap has stood between The Virgin Islands devastated by Hurricane Irma and the vision for our climate-resilient future. The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is our answer to this divide.”

The Trust Fund, established under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Act, 2015, is designed to support projects aimed at climate adaptation and the transition to renewable energy. Its funding priorities are guided by the Virgin Islands Climate Change Policy, which spans sectors including energy, infrastructure, water, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, health and financial services.

Mr. Emmanuel said the international launch was intended to position the fund among global partners and investors.

“This international launch of the Trust Fund at GSIS in Gran Canaria is a significant milestone, giving us the visibility and traction we need with global institutions, the private sector, impact investors and others who share our vision,” he said.

During the event, a model of a traditional Virgin Islands sloop, built by Samuel Davies, was used to symbolize the transition of the Trust Fund from policy development to operational management. The ceremony also included the unveiling of the Trust Fund’s logo and updated website.

Officials said the fund is structured to support a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions and registered associations.

Mr. Childs said the Trust Fund would now focus on local engagement following its international debut.

“The Trust Fund is looking forward to a series of local engagements across The Virgin Islands, noting that the success of the Fund rests with the people of The Virgin Islands, the ultimate beneficiaries,” he said.

The establishment of the Trust Fund was supported by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, with development of its operational framework assisted by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission. Messages of support were also provided by regional and international organizations, including the CARICOM Secretariat and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as well as Governor Daniel Pruce.

More information about the Trust Fund is available at www.vicctf.org.

Photo credit: Moskito Island.

The British Virgin Islands has been named Best Luxury Destination in the Caribbean in Modern Luxury’s 2026 Travel Awards, according to an announcement on April 24 by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission and its Director of Tourism, Clive McCoy.

The recognition, presented by Modern Luxury, a United States-based luxury lifestyle media company, follows the territory’s designation as the publication’s Hottest Destination of the Year in 2025. Winners of the 2026 awards are scheduled to appear in the May 2026 print issue.

“We are proud to once again be recognized by Modern Luxury, this time as the Best Luxury Destination in the Caribbean,” Mr. McCoy said. “These awards speak to the consistency of our product and the authentic, high-quality experiences that define the BVI.”

The annual awards highlight destinations, properties and experiences in global travel, with a focus on high-end tourism. Officials said the latest recognition reflects the British Virgin Islands’ continued appeal to travelers seeking sailing, villa accommodations and resort experiences.

In 2025, the territory also received recognition when Oil Nut Bay’s Quintessa Villa was named Best Private Villa in the Caribbean by the same publication.

Tourism officials said the award adds to a series of recent acknowledgments from international outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Caribbean Journal and USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, which have ranked the destination and its tourism partners in various categories.

The British Virgin Islands, an archipelago of about 60 islands and cays in the northeastern Caribbean, has long marketed itself as a leading sailing destination and continues to promote its tourism offerings to international visitors.