Governor Urges Environmental Sustainability for BVI
His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce used the Speech from the Throne at the Second Sitting of the Fifth House of Assembly to call on residents to make environmental sustainability central to the Territory’s future, announcing an Environment and Climate Change Policy that will guide new legislation. The Government also outlined immediate statutory updates, a draft Biosecurity Policy supported by the UK Darwin Strategic Project, and additional contact information in a press release dated 16 January 2026 (BVI Government).
Daniel Pruce, used the Speech from the Throne at the Second Sitting of the Fifth House of Assembly to urge Virgin Islands residents to embrace environmental resources as central to the Territory’s sustainable development, according to a Government press release dated 16 January 2026.
The Governor told the House that 'environmental stability, hazard risk reduction and adaptation to climate change are essential pillars for the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands,' and warned that as communities face increasing threats from natural disasters and shifting climate patterns, it is imperative to prioritise resilient systems and proactive measures to safeguard ecosystems and livelihoods (BVI Government).
He announced that an Environment and Climate Change Policy will soon be presented to Cabinet. That policy will guide the development of an Environment and Climate Change Bill designed to create a formal framework for environmental protection, natural resource management and climate adaptation.
The Government says the legislation aims to close governance gaps, support the Territory’s international commitments and protect the local environment that underpins the tourism economy. The Speech from the Throne — a tradition across the Commonwealth and Overseas Territories where the Government's programme is read by the Head of State's representative — marked the opening of the new legislative session and set out the Government's key policies and legislative agenda for the months ahead (BVI Government).
Alongside the longer-term climate and environmental measures, the Governor highlighted immediate statutory updates. Planned amendments to the Derelict Vehicles Act are intended to improve efficiency in vehicle collection and disposal, while revisions to the Litter Abatement Act will impose stricter penalties on offenders to reduce urban blight, environmental contamination and public-health risks.
Biosecurity was emphasised as part of National Outcome 17, which focuses on hazard risk reduction and climate adaptation. 'Biosecurity is therefore essential for environmental sustainability and long-term prosperity in the Virgin Islands, preventing invasive species and diseases from harming tourism, fisheries, and agriculture,' the Governor said.
With support from the United Kingdom’s Darwin Strategic Project, the Government is drafting a Biosecurity Policy to establish an effective, unified system to prevent and manage invasive alien species (BVI Government). According to the Government, these combined measures aim to protect livelihoods tied to tourism, fisheries and agriculture, improve resilience to storms and sea-level changes, and reduce local environmental hazards such as pollution and mosquito-breeding sites.
The Environment and Climate Change Policy and associated legislation will move through Cabinet and the House of Assembly in the months ahead. This updated report incorporates the Government's 16 January 2026 press release and expanded contact details. For further information, contact the Department of Information and Public Relations at bmckelly@gov.vg.
For international media enquiries email BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The Government also lists its main switchboard and services: Call (284) 468-3701, WhatsApp 1(284) 468-9760, and visit 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government