The Territory is among countries in the Caribbean region that will benefit from the European Union’s (EU) €300 million development support package following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The assistance comes as Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, held meetings last week with world leaders, including the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, to discuss support for the BVI at the CARICOM-UN High-Level Pledging Conference in New York.

 The majority of the package will provide support for medium-term reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts to a number of affected islands in the Caribbean, including those Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) associated with the EU.

BVI and EU officials discussed the high priority the EU has placed on assisting the BVI and how the process could be expedited.

Premier Smith said, “The EU is a vital source of international support for the BVI and we are grateful for inclusion in their development support package. I expressed our gratitude of the EU to Commissioner Mimica whom I co-hosted the OCT-EU Forum with in the BVI in 2015.”

The Premier was joined by Chairman of the Recovery Task Force, Mr. Brodrick Penn, BVI London Office Director, Mr. Benito Wheatley and Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Najan Christopher.