ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, May 2nd, 2012 – Team British Virgin Islands (BVI) has successfully strengthened the Territory’s international relationship with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) of the European Union.
Upon his return from Curacao, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “I am pleased with what we have accomplished. We went with a mission to form the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council, and I must say; we did exceptionally well.”
During his opening remarks on behalf of Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Deputy Premier Pickering at the inaugural meeting of the council said that the new body will serve as a mechanism for greater cooperation between the British and Dutch Territories in the Caribbean.
“We are embarking on a bold new venture by coming together to establish a mechanism by which we can become more integrated with each other and the region on a whole,” Deputy Premier told delegates.
He added, “The overall goal of the council is to foster greater regional cooperation among us for our mutual benefit and advancement. It will also serve as a forum for us as leaders to set a common regional and international agenda and coordinate positions and issues of mutual interest and concern. This goal is also in keeping with the EU’s drive for regional cooperation among its OCTs.”
The Deputy Premier explained that regional cooperation is very important and necessary, due to the small size of individual OCTs, geographical location and remoteness in some instances, internal challenges, the changing global economic conditions and the ongoing efforts for deeper regional integration with each other and other regional bodies.
In relating the issues shared by OCTs, Honourable Pickering said, “We share common concerns related to a myriad of issues, including waste management, maritime management, climate change, renewable energy, transportation, and food security. As we continue to develop, we also face issues related to infrastructure, connectivity, and human resources. Our social challenges include addressing issues such as youth development and unemployment, crime and border protection.”
At the meeting, Honourable Pickering and other government heads signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which legally establishes the council, and further outlines how the council will operate. The MOU was signed with Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Montserrat and Sint Maarten. Saba and Sint Eustatius were inducted as associate members.
Members of the executive body of the council include Curacao as chairman, Cayman Islands as vice chair and the BVI as Secretariat.
Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro and Director of the International Affairs Secretariat accompanied the Deputy Premier at the meeting.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Overseas Territories Council for the EU’s British and Dutch OCTs is aligned with Government’s vision to enhance international relations and further cooperation and dialogue with the Territory’s regional partners.
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