Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. the Hone Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has pledged his support to the members of the newly re-established Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board. Photo: GIS

The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund was legally established in 2015 with the passage of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Act. Photo: GIS/File

The board has been reinstated to serve as a vehicle to mobilize, manage and strategically disburse large-scale international financing to support the implementation of local projects, programmes, research, and education initiatives and to respond to the issue of climate change.

The Premier said when he met with the environment team a few weeks ago, he indicated to them that the environment and climate change will be high on the Government’s agenda, "I assure you that you will have this Government’s full support and respect as you fulfill your mandate on the board,” he said according to a release from the Government Information Service (GIS).

The Premier further reminded members of the important role they play which will shape the Territory’s climate change adaptation story, “As members of the board, you have an important charge and you will lead the Trust Fund through the critical stage of its operation – moving the Trust Fund from an institution conceived in law to a functional entity ready and able to deliver for the people of The Virgin Islands.” 

VI fortunate to have group at the helm - Dr Wheatley 

Dr Wheatley also highlighted the level of commitment the Members of the Board have exhibited thus far, and stated that the Virgin Islands is fortunate to have such a committed group at the helm.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, stated that while the Territory’s carbon footprint is negligible when compared to other jurisdictions across the globe, small island nations and territories are caught in a cruel paradox as they are collectively responsible for less than one percent of the global carbon emissions, but will suffer the greatest effects.

The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund will be able to finance a wide variety of local projects and programmes such as environmental restoration projects to help restore critical natural ecosystems, projects to diversity and green the tourism industry, and more. 

Members of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund include Financial Secretary and Ex-Officio Member - Mr. Jeremiah Frett; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Ex-Officio

Others include Member - Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley; Chairman - Mr. Edward Childs; Deputy Chairman Mr. John Klein; Member representing a non-governmental organisation or community-based organisation - Dr. Shannon Gore; and Member representing a resident in the Territory who possesses relevant knowledge, expertise or experience - Mr. Ronnie Lettsome.