BVI to host inaugural OECS environmental sustainability meeting

ROAD, TOWN, BVI -- The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ministers responsible for environmental portfolios will meet in Road Town, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands this week for their inaugural meeting since the Revised Treaty of Basseterre came into force in 2011.

The meeting, preceded by the opening of an exhibition on climate change on Monday, opens on Tuesday with a high-level ceremony, at which addresses will be presented by BVI premier, Dr Orlando Smith, and Governor John Duncan.

The opening will be followed by a one-day meeting on Wednesday. The meeting’s agenda includes topics on ocean governance, energy and climate change in addition to other relevant policy issues related to natural disasters, and small island developing states (SIDS).

Premier Smith has expressed enthusiasm at the potential opportunities to be gained from the meeting, especially in strengthening relationships among the OECS member states.

Meanwhile officials at the OECS Commission note that all member states will be represented at the meeting, including five ministers responsible for environment in their various governments.

As usual, ministers are expected to hold talks with development partners and donor agencies on funding needs for undertaking sustainable development related projects and programmes in the region.