Members of the European Commission heard collective input from 26 overseas countries and territories on Wednesday when Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering addressed them during the 10th
OCT-European Union Forum in Brussels, Belgium.
Dr. Pickering first read a joint statement on behalf of the 26 OCTs, commenting on future relations between the OCTs and the EU, according to Government Information Services.
In the statement, Dr. Pickering explained the OCTs’ desire for the commission to engage them on its revision of the Overseas Association Decision that guides their relationship.
In another statement on behalf of Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and the people of the VI, Dr. Pickering conveyed the territory’s desire for closer cooperation with the EU through wider access to its programmes on trade and the environment, according to GIS.
On Thursday, the VI delegation continued its participation in the forum as two VI officials — Political Officer Benito Wheatley and Elvia Smith-Maduro, assistant secretary for projects in the Premier’s Office — led talks on regional cooperation at a gathering of Caribbean delegates.
They related the VI’s recent efforts to establish a Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council through which to coordinate regional programmes such as the EU-funded Small and Medium Enterprise Project set for launch in May, according to GIS.
In response, the OCT leaders agreed in principle to the formation of the council and an April meeting.