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Renewable energy high on agenda for new OTs Minister
“I think there are several things that the UK and VI can do in strengthening economic ties,” he said.
The Hon. Minister expressed that some of the discussions centred on whether there was more that the UK could do to assist with facilitating renewable energy such as solar power.
Some of these concerns were addressed in a recently aired NDP radio programme where Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. Dr Kedrick Pickering, had revealed that Government was now working diligently towards the establishment of a climate change fund.
Hon. Pickering had indicated that the establishment of the fund will allow the VI to access international finances that can be used in turn to help set in place a number of alternative energy projects that are envisioned and ultimately will help to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Hon. Simmonds also revealed that discussions were held on agriculture and whether there is more the UK could do to assist with diversifying the economy while still supporting financial services and the all-important tourism sector.
He felt areas to be looked at on the agricultural front included not just exporting raw materials but also perhaps creating investment here for value-added products.
Hon. Simmonds also announced that the discussions on strengthening economic ties also included boosting links in the education sector as well.
The Minister responsible for OTs added “One of the things we have been talking about is creating even stronger links in areas such as the education system.” He remarked that there had been a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding to this effect.
It was also disclosed that one of the reasons he was here was “because of the significant progress” that the Premier and his colleagues have made in putting in place “responsible financial management” of the VI's finances. Hon. Simmonds indicated that he felt this was a very important aspect of his trip.
He further noted “responsible prudent government and financial management is a prerequisite for investment” to come into the VI from the UK and felt the steps that the Premier had taken were very significant steps in that direction and would make it far easier for himself and others to persuade UK businesses to seriously consider investing in the VI with the passing of the new Financial Management Act.
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11 Responses to “Renewable energy high on agenda for new OTs Minister ”
I'm glad we cut you all gravy strings!
This need an explanation! we can only take so much, the gravy strings accroding to you has just shifted to NDP family and friends.