DEPUTY PREMIER MEETS WITH OTHER OCT LEADERS IN BRUSSELS

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Deputy premier, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering and other leaders of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) concluded a meeting of the annual Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference in Brussells, Belgium yesterday in preparations for the 10th OCT-EU Forum.

In the meeting, the OCT leaders and their delegations discussed the future relationship between the OCTs and the European Union (EU). in the end, OCT Leaders signed a Political Declaration agreeing that Deputy Premier Pickering would deliver remarks on behalf of all OCTs at the forum which began today and concludes on January 26. The minister will focus on the OCTs' future relations with the EU in a revised Overseas Association Decision (OAD).

During yesterday's meeting, the Dupty Premier delivered a statement to the heads of delegation on behalf of Premier Dr. the Honourable Orlando D. Smith, OBE in which he conveyed the need for greater engagement between the EU and OCTs. He also discussed the BVI's interest in developing trade and protecting the environment.

Political Officer at the BVI London Office and member of the BVI delegation Mr. Benito Wheatley also made statements to the conference, in the BVI's capacity as Acting President of OCTA. The BVI plays a prominent role in OCTA. as the association's Acting President, represented by BVI London Office's Director Mr Kedrick Malone, the Territory was instrumental in organising this year's Ministerial Conference.

The BVI delegation aslo includes Assistant Secretary for projects in the Premier's Office Mrs Elvia Smith Maduro, Environmental Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Ms. Tessa Smith and Business Development Liasion Mr Kevin Smith.