EU support discussed for post-hurricane British Virgin Islands as spectre of British departure from European Union looms large

UK territories concerned that BREXIT would phase out their access to European Union (EU) overseas countries and territories (OCT) assistance programmes.  

Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS)

Press Release

18 October 2017 

L-R: European Commission Director-General for International Cooperation and Development, Stefano Manservisi and Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and European Union (EU) have discussed the EU’s support for the Territory in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the margins of the Annual World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington, DC.

Following the passage of the two category 5 hurricanes through the Caribbean, the EU released €2 million in emergency assistance to support the affected Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the region associated with the EU, including the BVI.

“The EU has already provided emergency assistance to the Territory via the Red Cross for which we are extremely grateful,” Premier Smith said.

The Premier briefly exchanged with European Commission Director-General for International Cooperation and Development, Stefano Manservisi as members of their delegations discussed what further support the EU could provide to the BVI.

“We have agreed to discuss in greater detail what additional resources for OCTs can be channelled to the BVI to support its recovery”, said the Territory’s Minister of Finance.

He went on to say, “The EU is our main development partner whose assistance to us is critical during this time.”

The Premier was joined by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie Skelton and Director of the BVI London Office, Benito Wheatley.