Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced the launch of the Environment Month Green Pledge Drive and the Public Sector Green Pledge with the drive seeking to scale up “greening” in The Virgin Islands under the Green Pledge Programme launched in June 2012. Photo: VINO/File

He said there is a strong economic, health and resiliency case for greening The Virgin Islands and at the Territory-level, for instance, the VI can significantly reduce the $50 million a year spent on fossil fuel imports and the several million dollars literally leaked out in unaccounted-for-water annually. Photo: Internet Source/File

“Greening is about all reducing our environmental impact and increasing our environmental stewardship,” he said in a statement on June 5, 2024.

He added that it the collective responsibility of Government, every business, every organization, every community to pass on the VI in an equal or better condition to the next generation as the essence of sustainability.

“There are many ways to “Go Green”. We can reduce our energy and water use, be responsible consumers to reduce our waste production, improve our waste management, ensure that our development is environmentally friendly, get involved in environmental protection and restoration projects, support environmental education and be advocates for the environment,” he added.

Stong case for 'greening' the VI

He said there is a strong economic, health and resiliency case for greening The Virgin Islands and at the Territory-level, for instance, the VI can significantly reduce the $50 million a year spent on fossil fuel imports and the several million dollars literally leaked out in unaccounted-for-water annually.

“We can reinvest these savings into urgently needed infrastructure projects and social protection programmes to improve everyday life and ensure we can better weather the next heavy rain event or hurricane,” he said.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can benefit from direct cost savings, heathier workplaces and homes, a cleaner overall environment, and an improved image. In addition to the inherent rewards of going green, Government will be showcasing Green Pledgers, starting with the award of the Green Pledge Seal, and will be extending other perks and privileges over time. 

500 pledges being targeted 

More than 50 businesses and organizations signed up for the Green Pledge in 2012 and since then, Green VI has partnered with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change to advance the Green Pledge programme.

The Premier encouraged persons to turn 50 Pledges into 500 by making a Green Pledge via bvi.gov.vg/environment, indicating a Pledge and Action Plan by the end of Environment Month June 30, 2024.

He added that the Government will also be leading the way with the Public Service Green Pledge with a commitment to several objectives reducing total energy use across the Public Service by 15% by December 2025.