Tuesday, January 12 – The Director of the BVI London Office, Mr. Kedrick Malone, at a press briefing on Monday updated the media on the activities of the office since his recent appointment, and also outlined its 2010 initiatives.
One initiative, Mr. Malone explained, is to establish a framework within the Premier’s Office to respond to external affairs in a consistent, informed and prepared manner, and to handle arising regional and international issues impacting the Territory. As such, a team has been established comprising the Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith, who is also the Deputy Territorial Authorising Officer for the European Development Fund; Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Ms. Najan Christopher, and Assistant Secretary for Projects Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro in the Premier’s Office.
The director also spoke about the UK White Paper, a policy paper affecting overseas territories. He explained that it expired in 2009, and a new policy paper will be formulated after the UK elections later this year. The main focus, the director said, would be for the London Office to prepare for and facilitate discussions in response to the new policy paper. Additionally, the London Office plans to reconvene the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) after the elections, to ensure the office has voices in parliament to assist the BVI with its 2010 agenda.
“These relationships are very important,” said the director. He continued, “They provide an excellent support system in matters where we may need to make an appeal to Her Majesty’s Government. The parliamentarians assist on those various matters where they are supportive of that position.”
According to the Director, it is important to increase the level of awareness of the overall population in matters affecting the BVI internationally. He appealed to the local media to increase their international news coverage, from the UK and Europe in particular, so that people in the Territory can gain a better understanding of how the international arena is impacting their lives. He also stressed the importance of press monitoring.
Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, who also spoke at the press briefing, at which she said, “The Government recognises the importance of monitoring the image conveyed about this Territory in both regional and international media; as such, we have a key area, that of the BVI London Office.”
Other initiatives include facilitating capacity building between the governments of the UK and the BVI in areas where expertise is found in the UK. Also, the London Office is to meet with the Friends of the BVI to continue discussions of developing a “Green Programme,” taking into consideration environmentally conscious visitors. The Premier, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE initially began discussions in December with the London Office, which then began working with Friends of the BVI on this project.
In addition, the London Office has plans to prepare a reception area for students and visitors to BVI House where they can conduct research. The office will also continue facilitating activities with the International Finance Centre and the 2012 Olympic Project with the BVI Olympic Committee.
The already established London Office Internship Programme will be soon re-advertised to make public servants aware of the opportunity to work at the London Office. Also, the annual Arts and Culture Show, which showcases local artists’ work, will be reviewed to broaden inclusion of artists and to widen exposure in the UK.
The Director said the London Office also plans to work more closely with the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), the Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC), the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), and the London Circle.
The Director was in the Territory from January 4-11 to present a progress report to public officials, and to inform the public of the role and functions of the BVI London Office. The BVI London Office was established in 2002 and is the organisation responsible for representing the Virgin Islands in the UK. It falls under the management of the Premier’s Office.
British Virgin Islands News