Officers from across the Public Service are attending a workshop on commercial drone policies this week as part of a UK Government funded Darwin Plus Project titled, “Sustainable Sargassum Management”.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to provide this Honourable House with an update on the Whale Stranding event within our waters during the first week of July 2022

The 9th Meeting of the Council of Ministers, Environment Sustainability (COMES) was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines from 31st May to 2nd June 2022 at the Beach Combers Hotel Conference Rooms. Unfortunately, as it was my first month as Minister of Natural Resources & Labour I could not attend in person but had the opportunity to attend virtually and was honored to be present for my first meeting of this extent since receiving this ministerial portfolio.

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull has stated that residents and visitors of the Anegada community should refrain from visiting the conch mounts due to the recent disposal of Shortfin Pilot Whale carcasses that were in the area.

A pleasant good day to all the people of the Virgin Islands.  It is my pleasure to provide you, the public, with an update on the Whale Stranding event within our waters.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour has confirmed that the removal process has begun for the over 50 Shortfin pilot whales that have died on the island of Anegada.

Over 50 Shortfin pilot whales have died on the East End of Anegada and persons are urged not to attempt to move the stranded whales from the shore. The pod of whales was estimated to be some 150 observed in the area.

Today was the final day of the UN Ocean Conference and it presented the opportunity for the Virgin Islands to join the discussion at the Global Island Partnership (GILSPA) Presentation. The event was titled: "Weathering Governance Uncertainty of Large-Scale Conservation Projects – A Leader Perspective to the Dialogue”.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, and the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands are seeking to recruit three (3) new board members for the National Parks Trust Board of Directors.

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull pledged the commitment of Virgin Islands to do its part and work towards the sustainable development 2030 agenda as he gave his statement at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.