BRADES, Montserrat, September 25th, 2012 – High level Political Representatives of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT's) convened today in Greenland for the 11th OCT –EU Forum for the Ministerial Conference.  

Consistent with the theme Green Growth, the Honourable Premier Reuben, T. Meade reiterated his position on reducing wastage by the increased use of technology.  The Premier was a panellist on the topic “Sustainability as an economic driver” and his presentation focused on the benefits that can be derived from technology. 

He told the gathering that forum handouts should be reduced at this and future events. “Why do we need to provide handouts when all the information is already provided electronically,” he asked? Furthermore, he pointed out that “Instead of travelling by plane to meetings, we need to increase the use of video conferencing.”

On current initiatives, he spoke about the ongoing geothermal project and the possibility of using solar energy. However, he was cognizant of the fact that Montserrat and other OCTs contribution to global warming were very small. He told the audience that the melting of the icebergs in Greenland as a result of global warming had very little to do with activities on Greenland.  “Therefore, we must continue our efforts in reducing carbon emission but we need the rest of the world on board,” he said.

The Premier sees education as being critical in ensuring sustainability as an economic driver, but he told his audience that the region continues to struggle with the retention of its trained people as they migrate to benefit from better opportunities.

Following the Premier’s presentation, Heads of Governments on other panels gave presentations on political visibility, dialogue & OCTA, financial services, tourism and the erosion of trade preferences and competitiveness. During the discussions all participants embraced the concept of green growth in a sustainable manner.

The OCTA meeting was a precursor to the 11th OCT-EU Ministerial Forum which begins on Wednesday.

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