Premier Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith said that the meetings and events scheduled to be held in the Territory are special because of the fact that never before has a Caribbean Territory played such a central role in hosting an EU activity of such magnitude. Photo: VINO

Premier Smith speaking during Friday's press conference. Photo: GIS

The Road Town roundabout speckled with the flags of the various Overseas Countries and Territories as the Annual Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference and the 13th Annual OCTA/EU Forum are set to begin tomorrow February 25, 2015. Photo: VINO

Not only is the VI’s Premier serving as Co-Chairman for the Annual Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference and the 13th Annual OCTA/EU Forum from February 25 to 27, 2015, he is also the Chairman of OCTA and has the duty to ensure a smooth beginning of the process of implementation of the Overseas Association’s (OA) decisions between the OCTs and the EU over the period 2014-2020.

At a recently called press conference at his Road Town Central Administrative Complex Office, on Friday 20, 2015, Premier Smith said that the meetings and events scheduled to be held in the Territory are special because of the fact that never before has a Caribbean Territory played such a central role in hosting an EU activity of such magnitude.

He noted that there are a number of important issues to be discussed, including waste management, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, bio-diversity and climate change, all of which amount to key areas of cooperation.

High on the agenda according to Premier Smith is the future of the Overseas Countries and Territories as Europe and the rest of the world grapple with the economic, political and environment challenges. He said, "As a group of territories we must think carefully about how we position ourselves to secure our partnerships with the EU, even under the stress of great change.”

He added, “OCTs will also reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources and emphasize the importance of coastal marine management and climate change adaptation.”

During his year-long tenure as Chairman, Premier Smith has represented over 20 Countries and Territories, under the theme ‘Unlocking the Value of the OCTs: Sustainable Development through innovation, competitiveness and green growth’.

In this regard, he has lobbied for strategic development in areas such as green growth, innovation, and access to funding for programming. In relation to programming, the Territory and all other OCTs who are members of the OCTA group, are participating in the Territorial Strategies for Innovation (TSI) Project currently being implemented.

Additionally, the Regional Small and Medium Enterprise Development project is currently managed by the Virgin Islands, with funding from the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF), has the participation of 12 Caribbean OCTs including the British, Dutch and French territories.

The OCTs also recognise their economic, environmental, scientific and strategic value to the EU and that the wider region can be developed through EU support for research and development in renewable energy, climate change, biodiversity, conservation, science and technology and other areas.

In observance of the OCTA Ministerial Conference, the Government of the Virgin Islands will hold an educational exhibition which will be showcased in the parking lot of Maria’s By the Sea Hotel on Wednesday February 25 and Thursday February 26, 2015 starting from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.