Virgin Islands Climate Trust Fund Launched
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) was officially launched on April 21 at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026 in Gran Canaria, Spain. The launch included speeches from Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, Climate Envoy Dr. Kedrick Pickering and CEO Chamberlain Emmanuel, and unveiled the Trust’s logo and updated website.
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) was formally launched on April 21 at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS) 2026 in Gran Canaria, Spain, giving the Territory’s long‑planned climate financing vehicle an international debut. Delegates at the Island Innovation‑hosted summit heard a keynote from Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser; remarks from Climate Envoy Dr.
Kedrick Pickering; and a presentation on the Trust’s design and operations by CEO Chamberlain Emmanuel. A model of a traditional Virgin Islands sloop, crafted by Samuel Davies, was used during the ceremony to symbolise the Trust Fund “setting sail” as responsibility passed from policy makers to the Fund’s governance and management bodies.
The event also unveiled the VICCTF logo and an updated website. Established under The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Act, 2015, the Fund is charged with financing the Territory’s adaptation to climate change and its transition to clean, renewable energy. Funding priorities follow the cross‑sectoral 2012 Virgin Islands Climate Change Policy — currently being updated — and cover energy, infrastructure, water, tourism, environment, agriculture, fisheries, health and financial services.
Deputy Premier Fraser described the launch as a defining moment for the Territory: "There are moments in the history of every country that define and shape its future; the launch of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is one of those moments for The Virgin Islands. For years, a major finance gap has stood between The Virgin Islands devastated by Hurricane Irma and the vision for our climate‑resilient future.
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is our answer to this divide." CEO Chamberlain Emmanuel framed the Fund’s operations as a lever: a focused, strategic effort designed to attract and amplify finance from global institutions, private investors and impact partners to scale climate resilience across the islands. "This international launch...is a significant milestone, giving us the visibility and traction we need," he said.
The Fund is structured to support a broad mix of implementers — government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, academia and registered associations. Edward Childs, Chairman of the Trust Fund Board, said the Fund will follow the international launch with a series of local engagements, stressing that success ultimately depends on the people of the Virgin Islands, the Fund’s intended beneficiaries.
Regional organisations supported the Fund’s creation and launch: the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) assisted establishment, the OECS Commission helped develop the Operational Manual, and endorsements and messages of support were provided by CARICOM, the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, CCREEE, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, GLISPA, the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity ("The Nature Bank") and others.
The Governor, His Excellency Daniel Pruce, also sent a congratulatory message. Residents can view the launch and learn more at www.vicctf.org. International media enquiries may be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. Local outreach and consultation dates will be announced as the Fund begins operations and seeks proposals for climate resilience projects across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Government