ROADNTOWN Tortola BVI, November 7th, 2012 - A BVI delegation will attend the Second Seniors Officials Meeting (SOM2) of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) in Freeport, Bahamas to present on the readiness of the Territory to host the CCI slated for May 2013.
The Caribbean Challenge Initiative is a regional campaign aimed at protecting the health of the Caribbean’s waters. The delegation, which will attend the meeting from November 8 to 9, includes the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley; as well as Assistant Secretary/Projects, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro; Assistant Secretary/External Affairs, Ms. Najan Christopher and the Director of Communications, Mrs. Arliene T. Penn.
Mr. Berkeley told the Department of Information and Public Relations that he was eager to continue the process of planning for such a huge event and that he was glad to see the level of participation coming from the other countries.
“Our environment is vital to our survival; naturally, physically and economically. We have to care for it and it is important that we do so in a sustainable manner. The aim for this Challenge is protection of our marine habitats and securing a consistent source of financing for this protection. We can do it, when we work together,” he added.
Along with the Virgin Islands Government, participating governments include: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
These Caribbean nations have committed to protecting at least 20 percent of their marine and coastal habitat by 2020. The countries have come together to develop sustainable financing for protected areas through the establishment of the Caribbean Biodiversity fund, which currently has funding commitments of over $40 million.
The Caribbean Challenge was initiated in May of 2008. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour endeavours to effectively manage and administer the natural resources of the Territory in a manner that ensures long-term sustainability.
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