Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Climate Change Honourable Julian Fraser RA attended the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France.
The global forum was held from June 9 to 13 and brought together Heads of Government, ministers, scientists, civil society, youth leaders, and private sector stakeholders to advance ocean sustainability.
The Deputy Premier delivered the official national statement on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands during the Plenary Session, titled, “Ocean Action in the Virgin Islands.” The address spotlighted the Territory’s marine protection efforts, ocean governance initiatives, and climate adaptation strategies.
Honourable Fraser said, "The protection of our marine environment is not only about sustainability—it is about survival and generational stewardship. The Virgin Islands is taking deliberate and bold steps to protect our marine ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and build a sustainable blue economy”.
In addition to the plenary presentation, the Deputy Premier participated in key sessions and dialogues, including a side event hosted by the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), where he presented on “The Outsized Role of Conservation Trust Funds in SIDS in Accelerating SDG 14,” highlighting the work of the Trust for Virgin Islands Ecosystems.
Honourable Fraser also presented at a regional dialogue on “The Sargassum Crisis in the Caribbean,” where he advocated for regional cooperation, early warning systems, and local response capacities.
He outlined a suite of progressive initiatives currently being implemented in the Virgin Islands under the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) framework including ‘The We Recycle’ Programme (in partnership with Green VI).
The programme has diverted more than 8,800 tons of plastic, glass, and aluminum from harmful disposal and recycling Infrastructure Expansion, with facilities in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Plans are underway for composting and material recovery.
The Reality In the Virgin Islands
The reality on the ground here in the Virgin Islands however, is that absolutely nothing is being done against the growing, annual inflow of sargassum into the Territory’s waters. Just some days ago, the very Minister said ‘there is nothing more we can do.’
The sargassum causes significant disruptions to shorelines, tourism and wildlife. The seaweed smothers coral reefs, kills marine life, and disrupts nesting grounds for sea turtles.
The algae piles up on beaches and shorelines, and releases a toxic gas that poses health risks. The decomposition of sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can cause respiratory and other health problems.
The Minister, under his portfolio has not rolled out a plan to combat the influx of the sargassum. There is no organised removal of it from the beaches or shorelines, and as far as is known, no annual budget line to fight the problem.
Further, to date, there remain hundreds of sunken and partially submerged vessels in the Territory’s waters post hurricanes Irma/Maria, that the Government has refused to prioritise the removal of, from the ocean. Debris can still be found across beaches and shorelines post Irma/Maria.
Other vessels litter the Bays in areas such as Fat Hogs Bay, draining oil into the ocean with little to no response from the Government, and no one being held accountable.
Again, as far as is known, there is no budget line in the annual budget to remove the derelict boats from the ocean, or to clean up the ocean.
Yet, the Minister is presenting to the world at a conference in Nice, France on the subjects of ocean preservation and sargassum.
At the ticket price of a first class/business class flight to Nice, France, plus hotel, and other expenditures ($30k plus), a first round of sargassum could have been removed from most beaches and shorelines.
Citizens and residents alike, remain concerned about the high frequency of travel of the sitting Administration, and the value of said travel to the betterment of the Territory.