Roadtown, Tortola - Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE and Deputy Premier Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC, will receive a courtesy visit this week from the European Commission’s Head of Overseas Countries and Territories in the Directorate General for Development Mrs. Lut Fabert.

Mrs. Fabert, who arrives in the Territory on Wednesday morning, will also meet several senior Government officials following her courtesy visit on the Premier and Deputy Premier.

One meeting will focus on the regional cooperation platform and regional programming under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

That meeting will be chaired by the Financial Secretary, Mr. Neil Smith, and attended by Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, along with Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Marva Titley-Smith and Assistant Secretary Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro.

Also present will be HIV/AIDS Coordinator Dr. Ronald McAnaney; Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Ms. Elise Donovan; Director of the Department of Disaster Management Ms. Sharlene DaBreo and Director of Trade Ms. Lizette George.

The regional cooperation platform and regional integration were proposed by the European Union at its annual forum with Overseas Countries and Territories in November last year. Regional cooperation is expected to include civil protection which in turn will incorporate response to disasters and how territories assist, among other things.

On the subject of the EDF, in its capacity as Deputy Regional Authorising Officer, the Territory has to present a proposal for a regional project which will benefit the Dutch and British Overseas Territories. At Wednesday’s meeting, local officials are expected to update Mrs. Fabert on the progress made on the proposal.

At a second meeting on Wednesday the European Commission official will discuss the impact of the current economic crisis on the Virgin Islands (UK), focussing on the two main sectors, tourism and financial services.

This meeting will be attended by Permanent Secretary Adams, Financial Secretary Smith along with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Commission Mr. Robert Mathavious; Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board Ms. Hadassah Ward; and Acting Director of the Development Planning Unit Ms. Patlian Johnson.

Following the meetings on Wednesday morning, Mrs. Fabert will be the guest of honour at a luncheon to be attended by high level Government officials.

 The Directorate General of the European Commission is responsible for among other things developing and monitoring strategies for community relations with the Virgin Islands (UK) and its fellow Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The Territory does not benefit from territorial funds disbursed by the EU but it can benefit from regional projects funded by the organisation.