The 5th UK-Caribbean Forum - Outcomes

As it was already discussed on the 26th of April, the Head of BVI Government Chief Minister Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith was to attend the 5th UK-Caribbean Forum to take part in discussions on international developments and their implications aimed at achieving both medium and long-term development in the Caribbean and to raise issues of concerning how the region could forge a better working relationship with the UK, particularly, the Forum was intended to discuss mutual interests of Britain and the English-speaking Caribbean.

On Tuesday the BVI Chief Minister made the disclosure in the Legislative Council to report on the the 5th U.K.-Caribbean Forum, April 26-28 as well as on his other overseas trips.

At the UK-Caribbean forum held in Barbados, BVI Chief Minister met with top officials in the British Government. He held separate meetings with Lord David Triesman, the Minister for Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Gareth Thomas and Geraldine Smith, UK MP's; Lord George Foulkes, the President of the Caribbean Britain Business Council; Baronesses Valerie Amos and Patricia Scotland; and Ambassador Richard Bernal, the director general of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery.

The ongoing process of constitutional negotiations with the British Government was discussed in his meetings. The BVI constitutional advancement was among the main issues on the agenda. This was discussed in regards to a cabinet form of government, the reserve powers and selection of the governor, separation of the duties of the attorney general as well as the enhancement of the public service. Also, the need for a more comprehensive discussion on tourism and financial services in regional economic negotiations was brought to the attention of the UK-Caribbean forum.

Head of BVI Government Chief Minister Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith noted that this UK-Caribbean Forum was a useful experience both for him and for his delegation.

The UK-Caribbean Forum ended with the adoption of a plan of action communiqué. Its issues will also be discussed at the EU Latin American and Caribbean Summit in Vienna, which will be held this month.