B.V.I. Thursday, October 8 – The Governor’s Office is inviting project bids to the Overseas Territories Programme Fund (OTPF) for the bidding round of 2010/2011.
The key priorities of the OTPF for this year are:
• Threats to security and stability of the Overseas Territories (OT) countered, including threat to all OTs from international crime;
• United Kingdom (UK) contingent liabilities well managed and mitigated;
• Good governance further developed and promoted in all OTs; and
• UK’s international obligations met.
Projects must fit one of the above objectives. We are particularly keen to support large, sustainable projects that make a difference across the Territories. Complementary funding from OT Governments for projects that promote local commitment and a sense of sustainable ownership should be sought, particularly for larger projects. Proposals should:
• Clearly reflect where local Governments have been consulted and are supportive of the project, including where local funding has been secured;
• Outline the sustainability of the project and changes it will help deliver;
• Explain how the project will be monitored and evaluated;
• Include a clear expenditure profile detailing all aspects of expenditure.
Projects that support improved governance and the promotion of political and economic transparency and supporting the Overseas Territories in meeting their international obligations will be particularly welcomed. Projects supporting economic diversification of the BVI will not be considered in this bidding round.
Successful projects in the British Virgin Islands have included cage building for native iguanas at the Head Start Facility in Anegada to maintain biodiversity; funding for VISAR Advanced Adventure Medical Training; Hazard Mitigation Training for Professionals; Domestic Violence Protocol training workshops; Passport and Nationality training; funding for HM Prison, police, immigration officers and other government officials to attend regional and UK training and workshops; and purchase of a new repeater system for the BVI Amateur Radio League.
Applications will be assessed during January and early February 2010. The results of the bidding round will be announced in early March 2010 with feedback letters and further instructions being issued shortly after that. The deadline for receipt of bids is Friday, November 27, 2009.
Interested persons are asked to contact Claire Hunter at telephone 468-3509 or email: Claire.Hunter@fco.gov.uk at the Governor's Office for proposals and for a copy of the bidding application forms. Forms will also be available on the Governor's Office website www.ukinbvi.fco.gov.uk.
The Overseas Territories Programme Fund is funded and administered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). It supports the work of the FCO to ensure the security and good governance of the United Kingdom's Overseas Territories.
British Virgin Islands News