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 Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID).
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley reflected on the fitting name for the vessel at a time when he stressed that “business as usual is a recipe for our demise”.
The premier emphasized the vessel’s role in combating illegal fishing and enhancing surveillance of territorial waters.
The boat will support various environmental management practices, including expanding coral reef and beach monitoring, investigating marine pollution incidents, and extending support to the Sister Islands.
Wheatley expressed hope that the value of natural resources and the environment is no longer open to debate.
This initiative builds on previous EU support for environmental management activities in the BVI, demonstrating ongoing international cooperation in building resilience.