BVIslanders urged to Comment on Green Paper Review


~~Adz:Right~~Roadtown, Tortola- Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE is encouraging BVIslanders to contribute to the current debate on the future of the Territory‘s relationship with the European Union (EU).

Residents of the Territory have been invited to review the Green Paper on Future relations between the EU and the Overseas Countries and Territories which was tabled by the European Commission in June this year.

The Green Paper represents an attempt by the EU to thoroughly revise the relationship between that supra-national body and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) by facilitating extensive discussion.

Delivering remarks at the recent workshop, which brought together senior Government officials to discuss the Green Paper, the Premier underscored the need to keep abreast of international developments such as the proposed change in EU-OCT relations.

The Premier noted that the expansion of the EU to include some of the poorer European countries has effectively reduced the organisation’s willingness to provide development aid as it did before. He noted too that the Territory no longer qualifies for bilateral aid but continues to receive EU assistance primarily through regional projects.

The Premier said it is imperative for residents of the Territory to keep abreast of developments in Europe and the international community in general.

“We have to be up to date on what is happening in the world because it could affect the BVI adversely,” the Premier said.

The EU’s Green Paper can be accessed on Government’s portal at www.bvi.gov.vg. Persons wishing to comment can do so by writing to the International Affairs Secretariat, Haycraft Building, 1 Pasea Estate, Tortola, VG1110. Comments can also be submitted to the secretariat by telephone at 494-1509 and by e-mail, acrabbe@gov.vg. Comments must be received September 26 to facilitate inclusion in the Territory’s response.

A Green Paper is a discussion document released by the European Commission designed to stimulate debate on a specific issue by inviting individuals and organisations to contribute their views.  A Green Paper may be followed by a white paper, which is an official set of proposals developed into law.