The Government of the Virgin Islands will host the Eleventh Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 11) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States from July 24-25, focusing on the theme “From Aspiration to Focused Action.”
As shared by Premier Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, the annual conference brings together environment and sustainability ministers from the Eastern Caribbean to address regional environmental challenges and resource management.
Originally scheduled for early July, the event was postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl on several Caribbean nations, including three member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
As Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, and chair of this year’s council, Dr Wheatley expressed sadness over the hurricane’s damage but said it reinforces the need for resilience-building in small island states.
The conference will tackle urgent issues such as climate change, sustainable energy, pollution, waste management, ocean governance, and fisheries. Attendees will include ministers and senior technical officers from throughout the OECS, participating both in person and virtually.
The premier emphasized the importance of moving beyond ambition to concrete actions for climate resilience and environmental sustainability, recognizing the critical role of the natural environment in the region’s heritage and economy.
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, received thanks for the organization’s continued support in fostering regional collaboration and providing technical and financial assistance to member islands.