Wednesday, December 2 – The Territory now has an official logo depicting the most likely climatic changes to impact the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Walden Benjamin, Visual Arts major of the BVI Technical and Vocational Institute, emerged victorious in the Climate Change Logo Competition hosted by the Conservation and Fisheries Department in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour.
Mr. Benjamin was successful out of 33 entries with his winning logo depicting hotter temperatures, stronger hurricanes, floods and droughts.
He was thankful for the opportunity afforded him to participate in the competition as it made him more knowledgeable of climate change and its impacts.
Climate Change Coordinator for the Territory, Ms. Angela Burnett Penn congratulated Mr. Benjamin and the other finalists on their fine art work and was thankful for all the students who vied to create a logo to be used on a territorial level for future climate change education activities.
“The quality of art work submitted was truly impressive. The entries not only proved that we have terrific artistic talent in our schools, but that students are beginning to grasp what climate change is all about. It was a stiff competition and I am extremely proud of the winners and appreciative of all those who entered. Thanks to their efforts the Virgin Islands now has a climate change logo that we can be proud of,” Ms. Burnett Penn said.
As the first prize winner, Mr. Benjamin and his guest will receive an all expense paid trip to Jost Van Dyke including the boat trip, lunch at Foxy’s and a snorkelling, hiking, and bird-watching eco-tour of the island and the surrounding cays, compliments of Jost Van Dyke Scuba.
Additionally, he has received an Ipod shuffle courtesy of ISmart and will have the opportunity to perfect his art work with respected local artist Mr. Rueben Vanterpool. Second prize winner Miss Keana Laing of the Elmore Stoutt High School received a high-end digital camera, while third prize winner Miss Nema Henry of the BVI Seventh Day-Adventist Secondary School will receive a Turtle Encounters at Sea Excursion compliments of the Conservation and Fisheries Department.
The Climate Change Logo Competition was aimed at allowing students the opportunity to gain a better understanding and personal appreciation of climate change and its impact on the Territory while showcasing their talent by creating an effective visual means by which the public as a whole can become more knowledgeable about climate change.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Conservation and Fisheries Department serve as the Government arms responsible for climate change. Together they are working to educate the public on climate change, improve climate and ecosystem monitoring, conduct climate change vulnerability assessments, and develop a climate change adaptation strategy.
British Virgin Islands News