Deputy Premier Attends UK-Caribbean Forum

~~Adz:Right~~ROADTOWN, Tortola- Deputy Premier Honourable Dancia Penn is in London this week attending the UK/Caribbean Forum.Honourable Penn is representing the Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, as an observer as part of the United Kingdom (UK) delegation at the meeting which began with a reception and opening ceremony at the Foreign Commonwealth Office Monday evening.

The Deputy Premier is accompanied by Dr. the Honourable Vincent Scatliffe, representative of the fourth electoral district.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Mrs. Rosalie Adams said it is important that the Territory remains knowledgeable about the issues and concerns affecting the region.

Speaking about the Territory’s attendance at the forum, Mrs. Adams said “It is important that the BVI is aware of any initiatives that may come on stream as a result of this forum. The bottom-line is really about being aware of some of the issues that are affecting the region because we are part of the region and need to remain fully involved.”

Economic and sustainable development and security are the key items on the meeting’s agenda. On the subject of security, which is tabled for today’s discussions, delegates are addressing judicial reform and capacity building as well as the implementation of the new UK immigration legislation.

The discussion on sustainable development will focus on climate change, eco-tourism, food and energy security and sources of alternative energy.

On Wednesday, the topic of economic development will take priority with delegates focussing on implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

These broad subject areas are among the pre-eminent challenges facing world leaders today and are equally important to the Virgin Islands (UK) and other Overseas UK Territories.

The Deputy Premier and Honourable Scatliffe are expected to the Territory on the weekend.The UK/Caribbean Forum is held every two years and it brings together UK Government officials with Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meeting was first held in 1998.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are bilateral trade agreements between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific states.  They are reciprocal agreements that will replace the previous preferential trade regime which gave agricultural produce from ACP member states preferential access to European markets. The agreements are designed to free-up trade between the EU and the six ACP regions but some countries have expressed their reservations.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) refer to a group of eight goals agreed to by United Nations member states to address the plight of the world’s neediest people. The goals include significantly reducing poverty, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education.