Thank you, [Moderator]

A pleasant Good Afternoon to everyone

I would first like to thank ECLAC for the opportunity to participate in this important discussion and share the Virgin Islands’ perspective on the topic: Protection of the human rights of older persons in situations of social and environmental disasters.

The Department of Waste Management is conducting routine roadside bush-cutting from the Hope Hill area to East End in the vicinity of the East End Police Station.

The Environmental Health Division’s Vector Control Unit will be carrying out fogging on Tortola according to the following schedule:

The public is notified that the Environmental Health Division’s Vector Control Unit will be carrying out fogging on Tortola on the following dates:

Good morning members of the Press Corps, fellow Virgin Islanders and persons listening via radio and online.

I am happy to once again have press conference to keep the public updated on current matters. This morning I am pleased to be joined by Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, who will also make a statement. Today we will update on environment, agriculture and other matters.

The public is being notified that remedial works are currently being done in the vicinity of Slaney Point to clear Sargassum seaweed in the Mangrove Cay.

Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley has received the published 2020 ecosystem accounts that continues to provide evidence and support environmental and economic management for the Territory.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has pledged to focus on introducing different pieces of legislation to further strengthen the natural resources and tourism sectors of the economy.

Teachers and students of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS) have received copies of the Virgin Islands Environmental Atlas as the National Parks Trust moves to supply 200 copies to public and private schools across the Territory.

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley said the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has had a devastating impact on the Territory’s reefs and has been found at 33 dive sites.