The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is to receive support to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the internationally agreed 2030 Development Agenda.

The official announcement was made in Port of Spain, Trinidad on May 19 at the 18^th Meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development Cooperation Committee (CDCC), the permanent subsidiary body of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) for the Caribbean.

Deputy Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro said the (ECLAC) will assist the Virgin Islands Government with preparing a Voluntary National Review (VNR) to help guide the incorporation and implementation of the development goals approved in September 2015 at the United Nations General Assembly into BVI's national development Plan.  The SDGs are aimed at reducing poverty, spreading prosperity and achieving environmental sustainability and good governance around the world by 2030.   

Mrs. Smith-Maduro and BVI London Office Director, Mr. Benito Wheatley represented the Territory at the meeting.

The Deputy Secretary thanked ECLAC for its support to the BVI and inclusion of Associate Members of the UN regional commission in their programmes and activities. 

"ECLAC has made every effort to engage BVI in its work where possible and we are appreciative. Their support for the Territory will be critical to our implementation of the SDGs," Mrs. Smith-Maduro said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wheatley strongly encouraged ECLAC to be a partner with the Caribbean in bridging the gap in understanding the legitimate role Caribbean international finance centres (IFCs), such as BVI, play in the world economy and their contribution to the development of the sub-region.

The BVI delegation also attended a workshop on integrating the SDGs into national development plans.

The BVI was elected a Vice Chair of the CDCC in April 2016 and continues to engage ECLAC as part of government’s policy to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. 

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

Photo caption: Group photo - 18^th Meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development Cooperation Committee. (Photo credit: Provided