Local News
Virgin Islands to Launch Climate Change Trust Fund to Unlock Global Financing
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.
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.
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.
Public schools across the Virgin Islands, including those on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, have received new softball equipment as part of an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports to strengthen physical education programmes and reintroduce the Territory’s national sport.
The equipment was distributed to Physical Education teachers representing primary and secondary schools and is intended to support the reintroduction and expansion of softball programmes across the Territory.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to reinvesting in softball at the developmental level.
“We really want to ensure that softball is firmly reintroduced in our schools so that we can once again have strong inter-primary and inter-secondary competitions,” Honourable de Castro said. “We want to reinvest in the sport at the developmental level so that we can nurture the talent needed to represent the Territory.”
Officials said the initiative includes both equipment and training, with teachers participating in sessions demonstrating proper use of the gear and approaches to strengthening softball instruction within physical education classes.
“In order for teachers to effectively instruct students, they must have the proper resources,” Honourable de Castro said. “This investment provides the tools they need, from gloves and bats to balls and bases, while also ensuring that teachers receive professional development.”
Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Debra Hodge said the distribution marks an important step in strengthening softball development in schools.
“By providing this equipment to our schools across the Territory, we are ensuring that students have the resources they need to practise, develop their skills and participate in the sport,” Ms. Hodge said.
Veteran Physical Education teacher Talia Nibbs, who teaches at Ivan Dawson Primary School and Leonora Delville Primary School, said the initiative will expand opportunities for students.
“With the equipment now available in our schools, PE teachers will be able to introduce more students to the sport and help them develop their skills,” Ms. Nibbs said.
The Ministry said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to promote youth development, physical activity and participation in sport across the Virgin Islands.
Virgin Islands to Launch Climate Change Trust Fund to Unlock Global Financing
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