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by pltm
(PLTM) - The government has assured that monies will be set aside for beaches and the environment on a whole during recovery works.
To this end, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour has been allocated $825,000 or 1.6% of the entire development vote in this year's budget.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith said that the importance of the environment and the natural resources cannot be overstated.
"We had extensive damages to beaches, marine shelters, mangroves and reefs. The threat to the marine life comprised an important part of our food security framework. Harm has been done to our farmers’ ability to generate local produce with further shocks to food security," he said.
The Premier explained that his government will strengthen both the fishing and farming communities by investing in the re-development of the sectors to ensure greater self-sustainability and reliance.
"As a start, three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) has been allocated to undertake repairs and maintenance work at the BVI Fishing Complex."
Further, he said that the removal of derelict vessels from the shores, coupled with the re-vegetation of the beaches and the rehabilitation of the mangroves and other coastal communities is a must.
He stated that the completion of the Environmental Management and Climate Change Bill will provide for the establishment of a framework for improved stewardship of the natural resources.
Premier Smith indicated that they will also continue work on the photogrammetric mapping of the Territory.
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