The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change has released its 2025 Mid-Year Review, showcasing significant advances in land management, environmental protection, climate resilience, and coastal restoration across the Virgin Islands.
The report captures what officials describe as a “dynamic period” of legislative reform, strategic planning, and wide-ranging stakeholder engagement.
Permanent Secretary Dr Ronald Smith-Berkley led the presentation on land reform, announcing full enforcement of the Crown Land Management Act, which took effect on January 31.
Dr. Smith-Berkley said the ministry has rolled out updated application forms and business plan templates to streamline access to crown land, supporting the Act’s implementation.
He added that a proposed Crown Land Advisory Board is awaiting Cabinet approval, while the Land Use and Rental Policy is undergoing review. Strategic acquisitions at Hannah Hill for water reservation and Sage Mountain for agricultural development are part of what he called “a renewed focus on resource sustainability.”
Revisions to seabed rent and crown land lease frameworks are also in progress to promote transparency and long-term planning.
Assistant Secretary Tessa Smith-Claxton reported that a new Biosecurity Policy is being developed to shield the territory from invasive species, backed by funding from the UK Darwin Plus Programme. A legislative Issues Paper is being drafted to guide future biosecurity legislation.
Smith-Claxton also confirmed that the ministry is upgrading its Climate Change Policy, with public consultations underway to align the framework with both local priorities and international best practices. A territory-wide survey is collecting feedback on the proposed Environment and Climate Change Bill, underscoring what officials call a commitment to “inclusive and transparent policymaking.”
Meanwhile, the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund established in 2009 is set to make its official international debut at an event in Belém, Brazil. The fund aims to finance climate-related projects, including support for private residents installing solar panels.
Minister Julian Fraser, along with the Permanent Secretary and Director of Environment, will represent the Virgin Islands at the launch.
Director of Climate Change Angela Burnett-Penn highlighted major progress under the Long Bay Beach Management Project, launched to restore areas damaged by Hurricane Irma.
Key actions include:
- Creation of structured parking areas
- Removal of invasive mien trees
- Planting of nearly 600 native trees, some commemorating historical figures
- Construction of six eco-friendly family units set to open in the upcoming season
The project serves as a pilot under the Virgin Islands Beach Policy (2020) and will inform broader beach management efforts across the territory.
Other coastal initiatives include development at Brandywine Bay and the ProMAs Project a collaboration with Green Bay that targets marine litter through circular economy strategies such as repurposing plastic waste.
Burnett-Penn noted that water quality monitoring has been strengthened under the RE Simbal initiative, which funded the purchase of a vessel to enhance data collection, especially around the sister islands. Staff are receiving additional training to boost monitoring capacity.
Addressing unprecedented Sargassum landings, Burnett-Penn outlined a multi-tiered response plan, including:
- Coordinated clean-ups in priority areas
- Cleanup triggers based on Sargassum volume
- Leaving small amounts in place to support beach ecosystems
Future approaches will include installing booms, acquiring specialized removal equipment, and deploying surf rakes to minimize sand loss. She emphasized the need for dedicated budgetary support to acquire this equipment.
Deputy Director of the Public Works Department Navarro Donovan said drainage improvements are underway along Brewers Bay Road East to reduce flooding risk in Brewers Bay, particularly near the Community Centre.
Closing the session, Deputy Premier and Minister Julian Fraser praised the ministry’s team but underscored the urgency of passing the Environment and Climate Change Bill. He voiced concern about unregulated hillside development, warning that sediment runoff from such construction often ends up in the ocean.
“With the proposed legislation, activities like these would require an Earth Change Permit,” Fraser said, adding that the bill will bring “stricter oversight and regulatory safeguards” to development across the Virgin Islands.