The United States Virgin Islands has formally accepted the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) offer for the territory to engage in functional cooperation with the regional organization. The arrangement is in the preliminary stages, and the Office of the Governor is scheduling meetings to develop the policies, procedures, and protocols that will be the framework of the relationship, Government House announced.
Functional cooperation with CARICOM refers to collaborative efforts to address specific areas of common interest and concern. It focuses on practical initiatives and programs aimed at achieving tangible benefits, addressing common challenges, and pursuing shared objectives in the Caribbean region. It is important to connect and have meaningful discussions with our neighbors and the CARICOM initiative highlights this importance. The key areas of interest for the USVI are similar to that of CARICOM, and include:
• the development of a “blue economy”
• investment in key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and technology
• intraregional trade facilitation
• climate change
• regional employment opportunities
• disaster recovery
• initiatives to address crime, poverty, and emerging public health challenges
Teri Helenese, director of State-Federal Relations and Washington representative for the
the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is facilitating this initiative on behalf of the Office of the Governor, Albert Bryan, Jr, according to the press release.
As the highest elected leader under the American flag in the English-speaking Caribbean region, the governor’s role is crucial in fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges. The territory is committed to fostering a strong partnership with CARICOM and the USVI is ready to contribute to and benefit from the collective goals of the community, the press release stated.
