Premier Kleist (left) and VI’s Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith at the press conference yesterday, June 21, 2012. Photo: VINO

Premier Kleist is visiting the Territory in his capacity as Chairman of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), of which the VI is a member. The June 20 to 22 visit is the first leg of a regional familiarisation mission being carried out by the Greenland Premier which is designed to help inform him about the British and Dutch Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.

“It is essential as small countries that we are able to manage our relations with other OTs or nations in the international arena,” he told members of the media.

According to him, more than 60 percent of the country’s electricity is available through hydro power and the VI’s government has a vested interest in the alternative sources of energy.

Asked what other areas were covered during his meeting with the Territory’s Cabinet members, the Greenland Premier disclosed tourism and the financial services.

“It is important that we need to address especially the financial services pillar in terms of creating a great understanding with the European Union and the EU Commission on how the businesses are regulated and we did talk this morning … we don’t have that kind of offshore financial services agreement but what we do have is whaling,” he stated.

Albeit, whaling is controversial, the Greenland Premier pointed out that at the same time it is the most regulated. He said there are international laws and controls and added, “We have inspections on how we manage our whaling, and if I am not wrong it is comparable to the views on financial services… but then again my knowledge is limited. What we need to do is discuss these views openly so that we will be able to address the stories surrounding those businesses. It will be beneficial to all parties so the suspicious way of looking at our businesses will be addressed.”

When pressed for more details on the matter, Premier Kleist stated he could not go into the details that were discussed.

“It is not a part of my mission … I am not here to jump on anything I am here to learn, listen and get to know your views on different things.”

Meanwhile, the Territory’s Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith emphasised the urgency in which the VI is pushing for a greener economy and is optimistic that a relationship with Greenland will go a long way in making it a reality.