If United Kingdom officials are serious about helping overseas territories like the Virgin Islands succeed, there’s an easy step for them to take: Tell British travellers the territory exists, said a handful of residents who attended a public meeting yesterday evening.

“I spent 10 days in London, and we are so disconnect,” said Julio “Sam” Henry. “I mean nobody knows about the BVI unless you have a special particular reason to know about the BVI.”

Mr. Henry, a taxi driver, spoke at a public meeting held to gather input on the next white paper outlining the UK’s relationship with her territories.

New white papers are generally drawn up approximately every 10 years, said Najan Christopher, assistant secretary of external affairs in the Premier’s Office.

At the meeting, Mr. Henry and others said the UK and the VI both stand to gain from promoting the territories within the UK, since visitors strengthen the territory’s tourism-dependent economies and help them be less dependent on UK support.

Residents who would like to give their own input are urged to do so soon by contacting April Glasgow, information officer in the Premier’s Office, at 468-2076 or aglasgow@gov.vg.

 

See the Jan. 26, 2012 edition for full coverage.