Green and Clean VI’s Julie Swartz speaks to Ivan Dawson Primary School students during the Virgin Islands’ exhibition at the this week’s OCTA Ministerial Conference. (Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK)

Delegates from the European Union and overseas territories around the world are in the Virgin Islands this week for what officials have called “high-level” talks between the various OTs and between the territories and the EU.

 

Green and Clean VI’s Julie Swartz speaks to Ivan Dawson Primary School students during the Virgin Islands’ exhibition at the this week’s OCTA Ministerial Conference. (Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK)
During the official opening ceremony for the 13th Overseas Countries and Territories Association-EU Forum held Wednesday evening at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith welcomed delegates and encouraged them to “work together to find creative ways collectively, individually and regionally, to unlock the value of the OCTs.”

He said such collaboration would lead to a “better and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

In addition to formal discussions among the OTs and between the OTs and European Commissioner, Dr. Smith said he was pleased that delegates had the opportunity to experience the VI first-hand.

“Your presence here is renewed confirmation that there is great value in us experiencing each others’ societies, which can bring mutual insights that we may have never imagined,” Dr. Smith said.

See the March 5, 2015 edition for full coverage.

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