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.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed agreements to begin the design phase for student dormitories at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a project aimed at expanding access to higher education for students across the territory.

The Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution, signed on Tuesday, April 14, between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency, mark the start of work toward developing on-campus housing at the Paraquita Bay campus.

Officials said the dormitories are expected to address longstanding challenges faced by students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, who often encounter higher costs and logistical difficulties due to travel and accommodation limitations.

“For many years, students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda have faced additional hurdles simply because of geography,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. “With the construction of these dormitories, we will remove one of the most persistent barriers to higher education for our own people.”

The project is intended to make it easier for students throughout the Virgin Islands to pursue tertiary and post-secondary education locally, reducing the need to relocate or manage extended commutes.

Officials said the development has long been part of the college’s master plan and represents a step toward strengthening the territory’s education system.

The dormitories are also expected to accommodate students from outside the territory, supporting broader efforts to expand educational opportunities and diversify the economy.

The Recovery and Development Agency is overseeing the project, with the design phase to be followed by construction.