His Excellency the Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce has said that the Government of the Virgin Islands has a robust legislative agenda which reflects its unwavering dedication to its constitutional responsibilities.

Governor Pruce while delivering his Speech from the Throne at the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly themed, “Legislative Blocks of Success:  Building a Sustainable Nation” said the legislative agenda will also advance the governance and development priorities of the Territory including environmental protection.

Governor Pruce addressed the proposed “Environment, Marine Estate and Coastal Zone Management Bill which seeks to address the Virgin Islands’ pressing environmental challenges while fostering sustainable development, by balancing environmental protection with economic growth.

The Governor said, “This Bill will ensure the preservation of Virgin Islands natural resources, for current and future generations.  It will establish a robust legal and institutional framework which will address environmental concerns, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, pollution control, waste management, hazardous substance regulation, and biodiversity conservation”.

Governor Pruce added that effective and responsible management of the environment, lands and marine resources of the Virgin Islands is extremely critical to the sustainable development of the Territory.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change is  responsible for overseeing and managing environmental issues, natural resources, and climate change policies within the Territory. Its primary goal is to ensure the sustainable use and protection of the environment while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The Speech from the Throne is delivered at the beginning of each new session of the House of Assembly by the Governor. It is prepared by the Government on behalf of His Majesty the King in whom the executive authority is vested and who is also part of the Legislature. It is the vehicle used by the elected Government to set out its legislative programme for the year.