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Premier Smith charges OCTs to get into the ‘global hub’

The main participants of the OCTA Ministerial Conference currently in progress in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
At last night's, February 25, 2015 Opening Ceremony were those giving remarks, l-r, His Excellency Stephane Artano President of Territorial Council of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Immediate Past Chairman of OCTA, Honourable Mr Ivar Asjes Prime Minister Curacao and Incoming Chairman of OCTA and Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO
At last night's, February 25, 2015 Opening Ceremony were those giving remarks, l-r, His Excellency Stephane Artano President of Territorial Council of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Immediate Past Chairman of OCTA, Honourable Mr Ivar Asjes Prime Minister Curacao and Incoming Chairman of OCTA and Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO
The National Anthem was sung by Mr DeVaughn Callwood at the opening ceremony of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference. Photo: VINO
The National Anthem was sung by Mr DeVaughn Callwood at the opening ceremony of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference. Photo: VINO
The esteemed political veteran and leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE (R9), in the company of former legislator Ms Eileene L. Parsons, OBE. Photo: VINO
The esteemed political veteran and leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE (R9), in the company of former legislator Ms Eileene L. Parsons, OBE. Photo: VINO
The Territorial Song was done by Ms Deanna Wattley. Photo: VINO
The Territorial Song was done by Ms Deanna Wattley. Photo: VINO
From left: Governor John S. Duncan, Speaker of the House of Assembly Ms Ingrid A. Moses, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), among other key functionaries at last night's opening ceremony. Photo: VINO
From left: Governor John S. Duncan, Speaker of the House of Assembly Ms Ingrid A. Moses, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), among other key functionaries at last night's opening ceremony. Photo: VINO
The cocktail session followed the opening. Photo: VINO
The cocktail session followed the opening. Photo: VINO
Live entertainment was a featured part of the cocktail session. Photo: VINO
Live entertainment was a featured part of the cocktail session. Photo: VINO
Governor John S. Duncan and Attorney at Law Mr Gerard St. C. Farara QC having a light moment. Photo: VINO
Governor John S. Duncan and Attorney at Law Mr Gerard St. C. Farara QC having a light moment. Photo: VINO
At Large Member Honourable Archibald C. Christian and PEP's Public Relations Officer Lorie A. Rhymer. Photo: VINO
At Large Member Honourable Archibald C. Christian and PEP's Public Relations Officer Lorie A. Rhymer. Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI – Setting the pace for the commencement of caucusing at today’s, February 26, 2015 Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference, Co-Chairman and Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith was quick to admonish his colleagues in OCTA to strive to become established in the “global hub” of things.

“To achieve the progress we all desire as OCTs, we must strive to uphold the principle of equality, while taking into account the unique circumstances of each OCT, particularly those classified as isolated,” said Premier Smith.

Premier Smith was at the time giving brief remarks at the official opening ceremony held last evening at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, when he noted that he  firmly believed that it is only by realising the full potential of each of society that they can achieve the sustainable development desired.

He said, “We have already identified the pillars of this process as 'green' growth, competitiveness and innovation. We must ensure that in the implementation of the Overseas Association (OAD) that these pillars are present. In real terms, this means developing centres of excellence in our societies and establishing ourselves as regional hubs of economic and other types of activity.”

This led to him making the challenge of getting into the global hub. “I might add that we should also strive to establish ourselves as global hubs. Our rich experience in international financial services has shown that this is within our reach,” said Premier Smith.

Even as Premier Smith noted that the OCTA Ministerial Conference will remain a pillar of OCT cooperation through which they can address common interests and concerns he had also established the fact that OCTA has continued to evolve and cooperate with the European Union and between themselves as OCTs has become even more important.

According to Premier Smith, the VI hosting of the Conference has already taken an impact on the younger generations as he recalled, “We have attempted to symbolically capture this principle by flying the flags of the OCTs in the heart of Road Town, our capital. It is also a good geography lesson for school children as I discovered when my grandson said that his class was going on a field trip on Friday. When I asked him why the roundabout, he told me to recognise the flags from around the world.”

The OCTA Ministerial Conference is the highest forum of dialogue for non independent territories and member states of the European Union, according to the Premier who also noted that for the people and Government of the (British) Virgin Islands, “It is a great a privilege to host this meeting in our Territory. For years we have been looking forward to sharing our experience in development with you. We are proud of our accomplishments as a territory of 30,000 people. 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. Our diversity should indeed be strength.”

He said that they are at different levels of development and the various cultures and peoples vary. “This gives us a richness of experience to draw from in solving problems,” he noted.

The others who gave brief remarks were His Excellency (HE) Stephane Artano, President of Territorial Council of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Immediate Past Chairman of OCTA; and Honourable Mr Ivar Asjes, Prime Minister of Curacao and Incoming Chairman of OCTA.

Speaking in his native language, which was translated by an expert linguist, HE Artano said that there are challenges ahead of the grouping which they must tackle, “We have political resolution that needs to be adopted, we have strategic government overseas policies that must be signed tomorrow… and we must continue what we have been doing in the past in terms of making sure that we are driving forces moving the OCTA forward,” he said.

HE Artano also said that one of the most important tasks that they have ahead of them is to define the decision making roles of each of the parties. “I think that we have to consider ourselves as a family and a family has to have open consultation internally and a family has to have specific roles defined.”

On the other hand, Immediate Past Chairman of OCTA, Honourable Mr Ivar Asjes said that it is imperative that they, OCTA, rethink their use of resources in order to create value and provide quality services to the members.

“As members of OCTA we have a collective responsibility to work towards the success and sustainability of our organization. We have an open mission to fulfill by constructively working together as OCTs in partnership with the European Union and member states to build resilience, inclusive and sustainable societies.”

The groups sit today February 26, 2015 to make decisions on areas they have all agreed to.

21 Responses to “Premier Smith charges OCTs to get into the ‘global hub’”

  • .... (26/02/2015, 09:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look dem two
  • just asking. (26/02/2015, 09:09) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Who that man in front with slippers
  • Feet exposed (26/02/2015, 09:10) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why was the Rep from a certain Caribbean Islands wearing flip flops?
    See the first photo. What does this say about the leader or did the conference get off on the wrong foot?
    • @Feet exposed (26/02/2015, 10:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, the flip flops are not consistent with the occasion and the representative's overall attire. However, I would want to give him the benefit of the doubt in thinking that there is some very understandable reason for the informal footwear. One reason might be on account of a foot impairment. Persons suffering from the crippling after effects of chikungunya, for example, might appreciate why the representative would feel most comfortable wearing non-restrictive cushioned footwear.
    • @Feet exposed (26/02/2015, 10:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Some of you are so shallow minded. I guess you would have preferred for the gentleman to send you a note in advance to let you know that he has a medical condition
    • Guest (26/02/2015, 10:54) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Maybe just maybe he has a health concern with his foot....ya think????? People I tell ya .....seems like you have to wear a sign to explain yourself to everybody.
    • This is amazing (26/02/2015, 14:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ha Ha was pun intended? When I looked at it, it looked like they copied and pasted someone else foot unto this photo. I have never in my life seen a suit with slippers. Wow.
    • BVI.Anguilla resident (26/02/2015, 15:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is Premier of Anguilla, or whichever term they used. I think somethin gis wrong with his foot, as he is usually well well dressed.
  • Really? (26/02/2015, 10:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh Boy! Who was the protocol officer for this event? I dont know Mr Callwood and dont mean to hate but who chose him to sing the National Anthem? This is a time for us to showcase the best of the best. Where were the high school musicians? The college singers? and for heavens sake, one never utters " thank you" at the end of the National Anthem at such a formal occasion. SMH....Shame.
    • @Really? REALLY (26/02/2015, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      The fact that you don't know who the young man is doesn't mean he isn't one of the V.I.'s Best... knowing him personally, I happen to know for fact that he is "stinkin dutty" talented so "get to steppin".. it matters not if he says thank you at the end of the anthem it only shows that he was brought up with manners
  • out (26/02/2015, 11:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so who respesented the BVIat this meeting? i guess we came out blank
    • @ out (26/02/2015, 12:09) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
      The moo moo myron and olando
      • facts man (26/02/2015, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Sorry – I just am not very impressed (to say the least) with the NDP and level of interest on overseas matters the VIP did a better job .
  • Yes (26/02/2015, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    WHY THE PREMTER OF ANGUILLA WEARING SANDALS????
  • vip built that gym (26/02/2015, 12:04) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I hope Ralph didn't try to shake that lady hand?
  • hhhmmm (26/02/2015, 17:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gerry is giving me chills he look soooooo good
  • wize up (26/02/2015, 18:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    archie if you join up with larry(PEP) we will make you a minister when the PEP win the next election
  • concern 1 (26/02/2015, 19:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    If one looks closely or enlarge the photo of the minister in flip flops one can see his feet more so his ankles are quite swollen.So therefore there had to be some ailment as such at least he grace us with his presence. Who knows perhaps it occurred as he landed off the plane. Those things happen
  • Strups (27/02/2015, 00:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations to the EU for saving us from their own tax haven plot.

    Pathetic waste of resources. We should all be furious this is where our tax dollars go.
  • cnn (01/03/2015, 08:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This thing was a flop


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