The BVI was represented in an exploratory meeting to discuss the potential benefits of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) to the Territory.

BVI London Office Director, Benito Wheatley met with Secretary General of the ACS, Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. June Soomer in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on May 17.

The exploratory meeting came as Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE continues to deepen BVI engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen the Territory’s international relations.

Dr. Soomer provided a summary of the ACS’ core focal areas which include disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, trade, transportation and preservation of the Caribbean Sea.  She highlighted the benefits of ACS membership for Member States and Associate Members, which include countries and territories bound to the Caribbean Sea.

Commenting on the meeting, Mr. Wheatley said, “The Secretary General provided an excellent overview of the impressive work currently being done by the ACS across a number of areas of importance to the BVI.”

He continued, “By being headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the organisation also provides English Speaking Caribbean countries with a forum in the Caribbean region by which to engage a number of Latin American countries on issues of common concern and interest.  ACS is certainly an organisation that we must pay close attention to.”

The objective of ACS is the strengthening of the regional co-operation and integration process, with a view to creating an enhanced economic space in the region; preserving the environmental integrity of the Caribbean Sea which is regarded as the common patrimony of the peoples of the region; and promoting the sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean.

ACS Member States include: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has affirmed its commitment to strengthening international relationships, in positioning the Territory for the future.

Photo caption:   BVI London Office Director, Mr. Benito Wheatley and ACS Secretary General HE Dr. June Soomer.