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  by pltm
• Jun 24, 2019
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(PLTM) - The Government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has expressed an interest in joining the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (CARIFORUM).

Acting Director, International Affairs Secretariat (Ag.DIAS), Najan Christopher told the House of Assembly recently that this is part of one of the major goals with regards to regional affairs.

This body comprises Caribbean ACP States which coordinates policy dialogue, cooperation and regional integration, mainly within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement between the ACP and the European Union (EU), and also the CARIFORUM-European Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Government has said it will likely no longer be an (Overseas Country and Territory) OCT after Britain exits the EU and that it is seeking to replicate the BVI’s current relationship with the EU through CARIFORUM and other regional mechanisms.

“We are seeking to preserve as many of the existing benefits the BVI currently enjoys as an OCT with the EU. We also see a great benefit in the prospect of coordinating on EU issues with our neighbours in the region,” Christopher said during the CARIFORUM Regional Consultation held in Barbados in April.

In 2018, the BVI joined the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), another regional body that comprises 25 members-states, as an associate member. The goal of that organization is to strengthen regional cooperation and integration through trade, sustainable tourism, transport, and natural disasters.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew A. Fahie led a delegation to the 24th Ministerial Council of the International Cooperation Conference and 8th Summit of Heads of Government of the ACS in Managua, Nicaragua, in March this year where he addressed the forum.

Christopher said, “There are many things about the Territory that the region does not appreciate and we have not been able to do as good a job of making sure that our other counterparts know and learn more about the situation.”

In making reference to the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as Brexit, the Ag.DIAS noted that these things that are taking place now will cause the BVI to deepen its relationship, “to the point where we enhance the appreciation for the Territory, as well as to provide opportunities for us to have development assistance in areas where we can cooperate with the region.”

The BVI is also an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).