UK open to climate change fund for BVI, OTs

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced that the UK State Minister for Energy, Graham Stuart has expressed that he is open to establishing a climate change fund to assist BVI and other Overseas Territories that are grappling with the global threat.

The Premier said the leaders for the British OTs asked Minister Stuart about the fund when they met at COP28 — a major global climate conference.

“I’m very pleased to report that Minister Stuart was open and receptive to the ask for a dedicated UK Climate Change Fund for its territories and we have agreed that the next step in materializing this be a formal request from the territories, outlining the details of what is required,” Premier Wheatley said at a recent press conference.

He added that the OTs will make the request through the UK Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories as well as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs — which is responsible for climate change adaptation in the UK.

“Honourable Wheatley also raised the concern for support on building resilience in the health sector, which was also well received,” Premier Wheatley shared.

He also added that as a result of the collective representation of the OTs at key meetings at COP28, the UK has agreed that they will engage the territories when they are preparing for future COP conferences.

“This provides the critical window that we need to ensure that our concerns and issues are considered in the process and have a chance to make it into the global negotiations,” the Premier explained.

Premier Wheatley has been advocating for climate change funding from the international community despite local criticism that his efforts aren’t helping the BVI.

He said residents should focus on how to build on the great work that has already been done to get climate change financing to ensure that the territory isn’t left behind as victims of the global climate change crisis.