VICCTF Board Members Arrive in Brazil for COP30
- VICCTF
- Nov 12
- 1 min read
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) team has officially arrived in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The delegation is ready and excited to participate in a week of high-level discussions, collaboration, and learning focused on driving climate action across the Caribbean and beyond.
Representing the Government of the Virgin Islands are Permanent Secretary Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley and Angela Burnett-Penn, Director of Environment, both at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Climate Envoy for the Premier. The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is represented by Chairman Edward Childs and Technical Advisor George de Berdt Romilly.
The team has been busy preparing for VICCTF’s upcoming side events, hosted in the CARICOM Pavilion, where regional partners will come together to explore climate finance solutions, adaptation strategies, and opportunities for stronger regional cooperation.
Pictured here are Dr. Smith-Berkeley (right), George de Berdt Romilly (left), and Angela Burnett-Penn as they finalize preparations for the week ahead—VICCTF banner proudly displayed in the background.
With the Trust Fund set to become fully operational in 2026, COP30 marks a key milestone in showcasing the progress made toward establishing and operationalizing this important initiative. Throughout the week, the VICCTF team will engage with global and regional partners to raise awareness, share insights, and build strategic alliances that will strengthen the Virgin Islands’ capacity to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Congratulations on making the voice of the Virgin Islands be heard at COP30. Continue to share, inspire and lead by example. Best wishes to the VICCTF team!