Pickering Appointed VI Climate Envoy; Premier Mum
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley announced on Friday, December 12, 2025, that Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has accepted an invitation to serve as the Virgin Islands' Climate Envoy, with responsibilities including sustainable development (VINO). New reporting from BVI News says salary arrangements for the post had not been finalised at the time of appointment and are expected to be settled before the budget later this month (BVI News).
Wheatley announced on Friday, December 12, 2025, that former Deputy Premier Dr Kedrick D. Pickering has accepted an invitation to serve as the Virgin Islands' Climate Envoy with added responsibility for sustainable development, a role the government says will strengthen the Territory's international representation on climate issues (VINO).
The appointment was made at a press conference attended by Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon. Julian Fraser, who used the occasion to confirm that the government is moving ahead with a Climate Bill designed to address "nearly every aspect of our existence impacted by the environment" (VINO).
At the same briefing Premier Wheatley thanked Dr Pickering for what he described as a "patriotic decision" and said he looked forward to working with him to further the Territory's interests both at home and abroad (VINO). Dr Pickering — who served previously as Deputy Premier and as Minister for Natural Resources and Labour — acknowledged that he sits on the opposite side of the political divide but stressed unity on environmental matters: "When it comes to the issue of our national and sustainable development... we speak with one voice," he said, adding that he was honoured to work alongside both Premier Wheatley and Deputy Premier Fraser (VINO).
Deputy Premier Fraser framed the forthcoming Climate Bill as a collaborative, non‑partisan effort built on earlier milestones, including a national climate change policy adopted in 2012 and the formalisation of the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund through legislation in 2015.
Fraser said the Bill will reflect continuity and practical results as the Territory prepares for local impacts of climate change (VINO). BVI News has reported additional details about the appointment, including that salary arrangements for Dr Pickering's new post had not been finalised at the time of the announcement and are expected to be decided before the government passes its budget later this month.
When asked by reporters about compensation, Premier Wheatley said discussions were ongoing and added that Pickering was serving out of "love of country," calling him "a real patriot" (BVI News). The BVI News account also noted that questions about compensation come amid tight public finances and existing public sector concerns over pay, and that some critics have raised issues about transparency for senior appointments.
Premier Wheatley said specifics of the post would be clarified during the budget process (BVI News). Dr Pickering told reporters the climate portfolio is central to the Territory's development and said the BVI now has "a legal and administrative infrastructure to be able to access the funding that is being tossed around internationally." He urged the speedy formalisation of the Climate Change Trust Fund's board and administrative systems so the Territory can make the most of international financing opportunities (BVI News).
The government said further announcements will follow as drafting of the Climate Bill and stakeholder engagement proceed. If the legislation strengthens adaptation and mitigation measures, it could affect planning, infrastructure, coastal protection and community preparedness across the Virgin Islands.
The appointment and comments from the Premier and Dr Pickering underscore a renewed, cross‑party focus on climate resilience and sustainable development (VINO; BVI News).
Primary source: VINO