Some 200 delegates are expected to travel to these shores in 2014 when the Virgin Islands hosts the 13th OCTA-EU Forum. Photo: VINO/File

Premier D. Orlando Smith sees the diplomatic assignment of hosting 13th OCTA-EU Forum as a perfect opportunity to showcase the VI to the world even though it would be a test of the Territory’s ability to host a meeting of such magnitude. Photo: VINO/File

And Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE, already sees the diplomatic assignment as a perfect opportunity to showcase the VI to the world even though it would be a test of the Territory’s ability to host a meeting of such magnitude.

Premier Smith made this announcement at a press conference on October 3, 2012 to report on his recent travel to Europe and North America.

At the 11th OCT-EU Forum in Ilulissat, Greenland, the Virgin Islands representative was again elected President of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) and was also elected OCTA Vice Chairman.

“That will automatically make us the Chairman of the organisation at the conclusion of the 12th OCT-EU Forum next year in Brussels. This means that as Chairman my Government will host the 13th OCT-EU Forum here in the Territory in 2014,” Premier Smith declared.

The VI, for the past two years, has served as Vice President of OCTA, which represents the interests of 26 territories in the European Union (EU).

“It will be our opportunity as a Territory to give a taste of BVI hospitality to nearly 200 delegates representing the European Union; EU Member States including the United Kingdom, France, Denmark and Netherlands; and their associated 25 Overseas Countries and Territories. We have already begun planning for this event that will be a test of our ability to host a meeting of this magnitude, but we know that we are up to the challenge,” Premier Smith added.

Meanwhile, the news media was also told that the just concluded 11th OCT-EU Forum was a significant event as it focused on the revision of the Overseas Association Decision that will govern the future relationship between the 26 Overseas Countries and Territories and the EU.

The draft OAD is currently before the European Council, who is reviewing the document in preparation for its adoption sometime next year.

In Copenhagen, Dr. Smith said he participated in the 1st Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council and he, along with his colleagues from the Dutch and British territories, discussed next steps in building the Council as a regional grouping that serves collective interests.”

“To this end, the BVI was selected to lead a Working Group on Operations and Strategic Interests that will develop an organisational framework and strategy for cooperation. I will be presenting our work to the Council in January at our 2nd Annual Meeting in the Cayman Islands.”