Road Town, Tortola.

Headed by the Premier’s Office, a 10-member delegation will represent the Territory at the consultation in Antigua at the Jolly Beach Resort, Bolands Village.

The consultation is meant to engage dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders on the country and sub-regional development challenges facing Anguilla, Montserrat and the Virgin Islands and the sub-region, and potential responses which may be supported by the United Nations (UN) System.

The UNDAF will be the common planning tool for all UN agencies, funds and programmes and serve as the collective response of the UN system to country and sub-regional development priorities.

Local United Nations Focal Point and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Rosalie Adams said the consultation is an attempt by the United Nations to work in a more coordinated and coherent manner to ensure greater development impact at country level.

Mrs. Adams added, “The consultation will provide an opportunity for the Virgin Islands to engage in strategic dialogue with UN representatives and fellow overseas territories towards common development goals.”

The five main programme principles of the UN are human rights-based approach, gender equality, environmental sustainability, results-based management and capacity development.

On September 24, the Premier’s Office held a local stakeholder’s meeting where they discussed development priority areas that would form part of the Territory’s submissions for the consultation in Antigua.

From the local consultation, the BVI delegation will speak on the environment, energy and climate change, governance and rule of law, social protection focusing on the child, youth and adolescent, HIV/AIDS and food security.

The invitation to attend the In-Country Consultation for British Overseas Territories was extended by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Barbados and this also included the cost for the participants including travel arrangements and accommodation.

Members of the VI Delegation are Acting Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office Ms. Sandra Ward, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Ms. Carolyn O’Neal, Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Mr. David Archer, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, Secretary General – UNESCO Dr. Allison Flax-Archer, Chief Conservation & Fisheries Officer Mr. Bertrand Lettsome, Deputy Director of the Development Planning Unit Ms. Patlian Johnson, Director of the BVI Red Cross Ms. Genevieve McMaster, Acting AIDS Coordinator Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke and President of the BVI Teachers Union Mr. Cecil Hodge.