Residents in the British Virgin Islands are reminded to take measures, wherever possible, to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce global warming.

The call came during a live radio town hall meeting on ZBVI 780 AM with members of the Government of the Virgin Islands, as they discussed the impacts of global warming on the Territory and the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool reiterated the importance of every country and person making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. He noted that his ministry has been putting forward ideas around renewable energy and how persons can play their part to reduce their contributions to global warming.  He added that individuals can use solar panels and water heaters in houses and in buildings.

Minister Vanterpool said, “Even in this time of disaster, persons are encouraged to bring in more solar activity and there are some groups proposing to help solarise houses with mobile solar panels. These types of initiatives will help persons reduce their need and dependence on fossil fuels."

The Minister of Communications and Works is encouraging everyone to do their part to reduce their carbon footprints and said every effort makes a difference. Minister Vanterpool added that it would help if persons change their water heater to a solar water heater. This he said will reduce the dependence on diesel fossil fuel.

During the discussions, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said that the BVI should join their voices with Dominica, and that all small island developing states (SIDS), particularly in the Caribbean, must band together to speak about the effects of global warming on the islands.

He added that everyone should do their part to ‘green the economy’ where possible, as it makes the island attractive for tourism.

Minister Walwyn further stated, “All things can tie in, and we can somehow benefit from this, even while doing our little part within our little country to make sure that we don’t emit too much carbon into the environment.”

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and members of the Government of the Virgin Islands appeared on the live radio Town Hall Meeting on Monday, September 25, on ZBVI 780AM where they provided an update on the Government’s rebuilding process, and addressed concerns from the community.

The public is invited to continue to email their questions on the recovery and rebuilding efforts to rebuildbvi@gmail.com where they will be answered during the next radio town hall meeting, which will be announced.