The Premier was at the time delivering statements at the end of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season on November 30, 2019, where amongst other remarks he expressed gratitude that the season ended incident-free for the Virgin Islands (VI) and the territory must now prepare for the future.

Some still in denial - Premier

"While there are those who remain in foolish denial or heartless and callous disregard for our plight, it is left to us whose lives, livelihoods and properties are most imminently at risk, to take on a leadership role in the battle to save our planet and our homes," Hon Fahie said.

"Your Government, in the New Year, [will] intensify our efforts to transition to clean, environmentally friendly renewable energy sources such as solar using smart technology to manage our consumption and conservation, and start moving away from using fossil fuels in our cars," the Leader of Government Business said.

"We must continue building for resilience and this includes building our human resources and strengthening our people, as well as creating a resilient, diversified economy," Hon Fahie noted.

Over in Norway, politicians from both sides of the political spectrum reached a 2016 agreement to have some 100 per cent of Norwegian cars running on green energy by 2025. As such, the sale of all fossil fuel-based cars is restricted as the country continues its trend towards becoming one of the most ecologically progressive countries on the planet.

Clearing of derelicts vehicles

Further, with the new drive, Premier Fahie said the government and the people must continue cleaning up the islands, "getting rid of derelicts vehicles and wrecks, and indiscriminately dumped items that pose hazards year-round and create eyesores."

It was Premier Fahie who initiated a nationwide clean-up project which officially kicked off on April 22, 2019, in observance of Earth Day. The project included community groups and businesses, churches, schools, non-governmental organisations and homeowners, joining forces to clean and to strategically combat local waste management challenges.