AMBITIOUS GREEN ENERGY GOALS COLLIDE WITH THE REALITIES OF FOSSIL FUEL RELIANCE IN SAINT LUCIA

On the heels of  COP29, Saint Lucia’s ambitious climate commitments are again in focus. The island has positioned itself as a regional leader in the fight against climate change, with its 2023-2030 National Energy Policy (NEP) setting an aggressive target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.  These bold aspirations come against the backdrop of a … Continued

2024 RECORD-SETTING ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON ENDS

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ended November 30. With 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes with five major hurricanes causing damage around the Atlantic and Caribbean; 2024 was the ninth consecutive above average hurricane season. Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn said that the destructive power of hurricanes means residents should remain prepared all … Continued

“THE MANATEE” MURAL TO BE UNVEILED IN HONOUR OF VI MARITIME HERITAGE

Director of Culture Dr. Katherine Smith has announced that the mural, “The Manatee” will be unveiled on Friday at the Bamboushay Lounge in honour the Virgin Islands’ maritime heritage. Dr. Smith said this year, the Culture and Tourism Month has focused on cultural tourism and the Bamboushay Lounge represents a business with a cultural product. … Continued

HODGE-SMITH TO LEAD $500K TERRITORY-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT

The Government of the Virgin Islands has addressed longstanding public concerns about the territory’s visual appeal and lack of aesthetic upkeep by empowering the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) with a $500,000 grant for a beautification project. The initiative will be led by Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, the Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4). In … Continued

BVI SHOWCASES WORLD-CLASS DIVING EXPERIENCES AT DEMA 2024

Renowned for its pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and artistic underwater attractions, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has long been celebrated as a premier diving destination in the Caribbean. This year, a dedicated team from the BVI is attending the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, to spotlight … Continued

“CLIMATE FINANCE IS NOT CHARITY”: SIMON STIELL URGES GLOBAL ACTION AT COP29 IN BAKU

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell delivered an impassioned call for unity and decisive action at the opening of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, emphasizing the urgency of achieving ambitious outcomes to combat the climate crisis. Stiell began by acknowledging the transition from the Emirati presidency to Azerbaijan’s President Babayev, … Continued

BVI VOTED #10 CARIBBEAN & ATLANTIC IN “THE BEST ISLANDS IN THE WORLD: 2024 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS”

The British Virgin Islands has again been recognized among the Caribbean’s most elite destinations, securing 10th place in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Islands in the Caribbean and Atlantic. The list, determined by 575,048 traveller votes cast for this year, reinforces the territory’s status as a destination celebrated by its visitors. … Continued

‘VIGILATE’ TO GUARD TERRITORIAL WATERS

The British Virgin Islands’ Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change officially launched a new motor vessel, “Vigilate,” on Friday, October 11, 2024, to bolster the monitoring and surveillance of territorial waters. The vessel, whose name means “be watchful,” was acquired through a $933,189 grant from the European Union’s Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine … Continued

GOV’T ENGAGES GLOBAL EXPERTS ON HIGH INSURANCE COSTS

The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively seeking solutions to address the territory’s high insurance costs, with recent efforts including discussions with global insurance leaders in the United Kingdom. Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, reported that during the recent official visit to the United … Continued