According to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS), Premier Smith told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “Talks with Mr. Bellingham, the OTCC and other meetings were constructive and contributed to a productive week. I believe we have helped to set the right tone in the UK-VI relationship that will serve us well going forward.”

In a bilateral meeting with the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham MP, the Premier discussed the major economic challenges facing the Virgin Islands (VI) and Government’s plans to resuscitate the Territory’s economy.

He also informed the Minister Bellingham that Government would need time to assess the Territory’s financial condition and to finalise a strategy to restore fiscal balance.

Minister Bellingham was very receptive to the Premier’s concerns and expressed the HMG’s desire for constructive engagement with the BVI. The two also discussed the UK’s plans to publish a new White Paper on future relations between the UK and the Overseas Territories.

Premier Smith indicated that the BVI would require more time to carry out consultations with the public and public service on the UK-VI relationship for input in the forthcoming White Paper.

Subsequently the Premier joined his OT colleagues at the OTCC for two days of meetings chaired by Minister Bellingham and facilitated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In keeping with the UK’s strategy of providing more meaningful support for the Overseas Territories, the programme focused on obtaining feedback from the OT Leaders on how UK Government departments might best partner with the Territories to support their development objectives.

Presentations were made by UK Ministers and senior officials on the concept of the White Paper; aviation safety; financial regulation; financial crime; taxation; good governance; education; criminal justice; and the environment among others. Departments represented included the Department for International Development; Ministry of Defence; Treasury; Transport; Education; Communities and Local Government; Culture, Media and Sport; Home Office; Business, Innovation and Skills; Works and Pensions; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and Energy and Climate Change.

Minister Bellingham affirmed HMG’s commitment to enabling the Territories to access public sector expertise and training through secondments in these departments and the strengthening of links with the Commonwealth and European Union (EU).

Notably, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs the Rt. Honourable William Hague addressed the OT leaders and assured them of the UK’s support for the Territories and their desire for a more balanced partnership. He congratulated Premier Smith on his recent election victory and welcomed him back to the OTCC in his official capacity. The Premier thanked the Foreign Secretary for his congratulations and for working to include other relevant departments in the UK-OT relationship.

During sessions on economic planning, financial regulation and taxation, Premier Smith impressed upon UK Ministers and officials present the VI’s need for UK support in international forums involving the OECD and European Union. In response, Treasury representatives and others affirmed the UK’s support for OTs such as the VI, which is recognised as a well regulated international financial centre and model economy.

While in the UK Premier Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hertsfordshire County Council that provides for cooperation in a number of key areas between the two parties. Areas of cooperation include the public service, private sector, civil society and educational partnerships among other things. The agreement builds on a 2009 MOU on Sports Cooperation with Hertsfordshire, which the UK Government has held up as a model for other Territories.

The Premier also hosted a reception and student luncheon at BVI House at which time he was warmly welcomed and congratulated by friends and supporters of the BVI on his recent election victory. Guests included Member of the House of Lords and Commons, Overseas Territories Heads, government officials, members of the private sector, former BVI Governors and other friends of the BVI.

In his remarks to the gathering of more than 130 people, Premier Smith thanked them for their congratulations and well wishes. He also outlined Government’s plans for the Territory’s economic recovery and the desire for a closer engagement with the public.

Additionally, Honourable Smith hosted a luncheon for BVI students living in the UK. Among the student issues raised were the increase in university fees, dissatisfaction with the three-year residency requirement for student loans and the desire for job placements and internships after graduation.

The Minister assured the students that Government was aware of their challenges and pledged to help as much as possible. In discussing the importance of tertiary education, he stressed the importance of students selecting areas of study that will position them to meet the human resource needs of the Territory.

Honourable Smith’s delegation included Financial Secretary Mr. Neil Smith; Assistant Secretary for External Affairs in the Premier’s Office Ms. Najan Christopher; elected representative for the eighth district Mr. Marlon Penn; advisor Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE, and from the BVI London Office, Director Mr. Kedrick Malone and Political Analyst Mr. Benito Wheatley. The Premier and delegation will return to the Territory on Saturday 26th November.