Standing Committee Members

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change invites applications for membership on the Standing Committee of the Crown Lands Advisory Board, which was established under the Crown Lands Management Act, 2024. The available positions are as follows:

1. six (6) persons – representing the island of Anegada;
2. six (6) persons – representing North Sound, Virgin Gorda;
3. six (6) persons – representing the island of Salt Island; and
4. six (6) persons – representing Nibbs Estate, Tortola.

Section 19 of the Crown Lands Management Act, 2024:

1. There is established by this Act such Standing Committees as may be required for the functions as specified under subsection (3). The Standing Committees shall be established in particular for the following islands and area(s):

(a) Anegada;

(b) Salt Island;

(c) North Sound, Virgin Gorda; and

(d) Nibbs Estate, Tortola.

Key Responsibilities:

The Standing Committees shall work collaboratively with the Crown Lands Advisory Board and the Ministry responsible for Crown Lands to oversee the fair and transparent distribution of Crown Lands of the respective islands. The Standing Committees shall be responsible for carrying out the following functions but not limited to:

(a) develop clear criteria for what constitutes an “ancestral land” including historical occupation, cultural significance, and continuous use;

(b) specify the types of documents required to support claims, such as historical occupation, oral histories and maps;

(c) access and review historical archives, land records, and maps to identify traditional land use and occupation;

(d)  collect oral histories from community elders and leaders to document ancestral claims; these narratives are crucial for validating historical occupation;

(e)  organize meetings with all stakeholders, including indigenous communities, government officials, and other interested parties, ensuring that all voices are heard;

(f) develop a system for prioritizing claims, possibly based on the strength of evidence considered, and the rationale for the recommendation; and

(g) prepare detailed reports for each claim, outlining the evaluation process, evidence

considered, and the rationale for the recommendation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. An Associate’s Degree;
2. Be trustworthy and confidential;
3. Be able to make sound, fair and equitable decisions;
4. Possess personal qualities of high integrity and resourcefulness;
5. Strong oral, written and research skills; and
6. The capacity to make timely decisions and implement decisive actions.

Eligibility

A person selected on the Board shall be:

1. A Virgin Islander;
2. A person deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands under section 2(2)(f) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, U.K.S.I. 2007 No. 1678 who has held his or her certificate for a period of 20 years or more;
3. A person deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands under section 2(2)(h) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, U.K.S.I. 2007 No. 1678; or
4. A person with ancestral connections to the sister islands (Anegada, Salt Island & North Sound, Virgin Gorda) through their family lineage.

Term of Service

Standing Committee Members are subject to the Protocol for the Appointment and removal of Statutory Board Members.

Remuneration:

Travel Allowance as deemed necessary by the Ministry.

To Apply         

Applicants should email their cover letter of interest and curriculum vitae/resume with supporting documents to Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change at menrcc@gov.vg by 20 March 2025.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Notes:

Applicants must reside in the British Virgin Islands.