Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has just returned from a Meeting in Montserrat where he encouraged members of the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council (COCTC) to strengthen the level of cooperation in the region, and unite to resolve common challenges.
In addressing the gathering on May 16, Premier Smith urged the Council to jointly assess political, economic and social situations and reflect on the needs as they relate to relevant programming priorities. He further rallied the leaders to work together as a region.
The COCTC meeting was held in Montserrat from May 15-16 to discuss the regional programming for the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). In attendance were officials from the Caribbean British and Dutch Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, Saint Maarten, Curacao, Montserrat, and the British Virgin Islands.
Other topics discussed at the meeting focused on cooperation in the areas of food security, capacity building, waste management, health, tourism, renewable energy, transitioning away from fossils fuels, blending facilities to promote investment, and access to fisheries.
The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council was established in April 2012 as a framework for discussions aimed at strengthening Regional Cooperation, enhancing international cooperation, addressing issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as sharing resources and overcoming common challenges among Caribbean Overseas Territories.
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