Director Of BVI London Office Updates Public On Initiatives

ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, August 8th, 2011  – Director of the BVI London Office Mr. Kedrick Malone says that gaining the competitive advantage for the Virgin Islands (VI) through sustainable strategic measures would ensure that the Territory remains productive and successful.

Mr. Malone was at the time giving the media a synopsis of the BVI London Office’s 2010-2011 programmes and initiatives during a press briefing on Friday, August 5. He highlighted the various ways that the office will collaborate and partner with other government agencies, private organisation and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to improve the Territory’s position with all stakeholders.We are committed to serving the interests of the British Virgin Islands,” Mr. Malone said, adding that the office has devised a new mission which is to “advance British Virgin Islands’ interests amongst its various stakeholders in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe with excellence.”

He said careful attention will be focused on strengthening the institution of the London Office; strengthening the link with the Premier’s Office and ministries; increasing information flow into the Virgin Islands for education, awareness and proactive responses; widening the links and relationship with the Government of the Virgin Islands and the NGOs; increasing external resources available to the Territory and strengthening support for students and residents in the UK.

“We are focused on being more proactive,” Mr. Malone said, explaining that the new vision of the office is “to be the recognised leader in the representation of British Virgin Islands interests in the UK and Europe.”

Mr.Malone said that the new vision and mission allows for linkages and information sharing, flexible and adaptable decision-making and advocates for the effective deployment of innovative strategies and frameworks to assist with the Territory’s survival in this rapidly changing world.

In underscoring the issues and events in the UK and Europe that are impacting the Territory, Mr. Malone stated that more efforts will be made to strengthen the political relationship with the Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) to ensure effective representation of the Territory.

He expounded on the UK Coalition Government and the “mature” and “grown-up” relationship it seeks with the Overseas Territories (OTs); the possible effects of the Air Passenger Duty (APD) on the Territory; the proposed UK White Paper and its significance to the Territory and the Joint Position Paper (JPP), a document recently signed by Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) which sets out a framework of terms and conditions that will govern the Territory’s future relationship with the European Union (EU) regarding trade, the environment and technical and financial assistance.

The director also outlined other initiatives including interest in the Heritage Lottery Fund and the future signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hertfordshire County Council to effectively coordinate, manage and commemorate the Hertfordshire Twinning Partnership programme which will ensure capacity building and professional development of Virgin Islanders in the UK, among other topics.

In highlighting the successes of the Art and Culture Show, Mr. Malone announced an upcoming art seminar in the Territory for later this year to get local artists familiar with the international market and pricing of products. Additionally, he said plans are underway to celebrate BVI London Office’s10th anniversary in 2012.

The functions of the BVI London Office include providing diplomatic representation in the UK and Europe, enhancing the international impact and reputation of the Territory and promoting new international investment and supporting Virgin Islanders in the UK.

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