VIRGIN ISLANDS AT OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES SESSIONS

PRESS RELEASE

The BVI’s progress on climate change and financial services were presented at the 15th OCT-EU Forum and OCTA Ministerial Conference in Aruba last week.

Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott presents at the 

climate change plenary on February 24, 2017.

The conference was held from February 20 to 24 and was represented by a delegation headed by BVI London Office Director, Mr. Benito Wheatley; Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott and BVI London Office Deputy Director, Dr. Sandra Besson.

During a plenary session on climate change on February 24, Mr. Smith-Abbott made a presentation on the BVI's participation in the OECS Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) project on climate change adaptation and sustainable land management.

"It was my pleasure to share the progress BVI is making on climate change as a part of the OECS GCCA project. I also offered recommendations on how the Overseas Countries and Territories can implement a wider climate change thematic programme for the Caribbean supported by the EU’, Mr. Abbott said.

The Deputy Secretary also participated in a workshop on implementing the EU's BEST programme on biodiversity in the margins of the 15th OCT-EU Forum.

BVI’s London Office Director and EU Representative, Mr. Benito Wheatley delivered a report at the OCTA Ministerial Conference on the Financial Services Partnership Working Party (PWP) meetings held in 2016, which the BVI co-chairs with the European Commission.

Mr. Wheatley said, "We had a highly successful year of engagement with the EU on financial services which I was happy to report on. We have plans to deepen our dialogue with the EU on tax and transparency in 2017. The BVI will continue to lead in this area."

The Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson was elected the Chair of OCTA for 2017, while European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica led the EU delegation at the Aruba meetings.

The BVI is a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), and associated with the EU. BVI is represented at the annual OCT-EU Forum and OCTA Ministerial Conference each year.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to strengthening international relationships, in positioning the Territory for the futurE.

United Nations Committee adopts resolution on study and training for native inhabitants of non self-governing territories

United Nations

Seventieth Session 

Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee)

Agenda item 62: Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants 

of Non-Self-Governing Territories

Resolution co-sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, China, Cuba, Egypt, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Singapore and United Republic of Tanzania

Adopted by Consensus

Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories The General Assembly, 

Recalling its resolution 69/100 of 5 December 2014, 

Having examined the report of the Secretary-General, prepared pursuant to its resolution 845 (IX) of 22 November 1954, 

Conscious of the importance of promoting the educational advancement of the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories, 

Strongly convinced that the continuation and expansion of offers of scholarships is essential in order to meet the increasing need of students from Non-Self-Governing Territories for educational and training assistance, and considering that students in those Territories should be encouraged to avail themselves of such offers, 

1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General; 

2. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States that have made scholarships available to the inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories; 

3. Invites all States to make or continue to make generous offers of study and training facilities to the inhabitants of those Territories that have not yet attained self-government or independence and, wherever possible, to provide travel funds to prospective students; 

4. Urges the administering Powers to take effective measures to ensure the widespread and continuous dissemination in the Territories under their administration of information relating to offers of study and training facilities made by States and to provide all the facilities necessary to enable students to avail themselves of such offers; 

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its seventy-first session on the implementation of the present resolution; 

6. Draws the attention of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to the present resolution.

British Virgin Islands hosts Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council

BVI PREMIER TO CARIBBEAN COUNCIL: 

‘WE MUST WORK AS ONE’

British Virgin Islands Press Release

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has just returned from a Meeting in Montserrat where he encouraged members of the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council (COCTC) to strengthen the level of cooperation in the region, and unite to resolve common challenges.

In addressing the gathering on May 16, Premier Smith urged the Council to jointly assess political, economic and social situations and reflect on the needs as they relate to relevant programming priorities. He further rallied the leaders to work together as a region.

The COCTC meeting was held in Montserrat from May 15-16 to discuss the regional programming for the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). In attendance were officials from the Caribbean British and Dutch Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, Saint Maarten, Curacao, Montserrat, and the British Virgin Islands.

Other topics discussed at the meeting focused on cooperation in the areas of food security, capacity building, waste management, health, tourism, renewable energy, transitioning away from fossils fuels, blending facilities to promote investment, and access to fisheries.

The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council was established in April 2012 as a framework for discussions aimed at strengthening Regional Cooperation, enhancing international cooperation, addressing issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as sharing resources and overcoming common challenges among Caribbean Overseas Territories.

European Union and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat sign a FJ$90.8m. programme on climate change

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION 

AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECRETARIAT

The European Union (EU) with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) have signed a financing agreement for Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (ACSE) programme worth FJ$90.8m.

The ACSE programme will help the 15 Pacific ACP countries (Cook Islands, East-Timor, Fiji, Kiribati, , Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) to address three main challenges common to all of them: adapting to climate change; reducing their reliance on fossil fuels; and capacity building.

The total project cost is €37.26 (FJ$95.37) million with the European Union contributing €35.5 (FJ$90.86) million through the European Development Fund (EDF). For the implementation of this programme, the European Union will be working in partnership with the German International Cooperation Agency (Deutsche Gesellschaft furInternationale Zusammenarbeit - GIZ), the New Zealand Government, the Asian Development Bank and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

"I'm thrilled to be here signing this financing agreement. Climate change adaptation and sustainable energy are in the core of EU's support towards the Pacific countries. This project not only illustrates this but it's yet another example of the ever closer cooperation between the European Union and our partners in the Pacific,” says Mr DirkMeganck, European Commission's Director for Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, Gulf and the Pacific whilst signing on behalf of the European Union during the regional programming meeting for the 11th EDF, held at PIFS in Suva, Fiji this week.

"The Forum Secretariat and its partner regional agencies warmly welcome the EU’s commitment to climate change and sustainable energy,” says Tuiloma Neroni Slade, The Secretary-General of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat. “In almost every Forum communiqué in recent years, Leaders have emphasised the importance of securing access to energy, their commitment to renewable energy, the promotion of efficiency measures and the need for significant progress in diversification by developing domestic renewable energy to reduce their reliance on imported fuels. Similarly, Forum Leaders have given affirmation of the dangers of climate change – to the livelihoods, security and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific.”

The programme aims to strengthen the Pacific island countries' capacity to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and to enhance their energy security at national, provincial and local/community level. The programmeseeks to deliver the following key achievements:

* Create and/or strengthen national technical expertise on climate change adaptation and sustainable energy;

*  Improved cost-effective and efficient energy systems to reduce fossil fuels dependency; and

*  Improvements in communities’ adaptive capacity to cope with climate change challenges.

Another aim of the ACSE programme is to enhance sustainable livelihoods through the support of government institutional efforts and empowering communities to increase their self-reliance and their ability to cope with the effects of climate change through appropriate practices in agriculture and coastal fishery, by disseminating improved plant varieties which are resistant to salt water, by securing their daily water supply and by improving their access to energy, among other initiatives.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific Suva, Fiji, Tel: (+679) 3313-633 Email: Delegation-fiji-media@eeas.europa.eu

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat: Diane Abad, Communications Adviser (+679) 868 5166 Email:media@forumsec.org

Background

Climate change is already disproportionally affecting the Pacific island states, although islanders have done little to contribute to the cause - producing less than 0.03% of current global greenhouse gas emissions. They are among the first to be exposed, often disproportionally, and with limited means to adequately respond.

At the same time, despite efforts to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, many small Pacific states remain almost 100% dependent on these imports for power generation and transportation. Sustainable energy and climate change adaptation are therefore top priorities for the Pacific ACP governments as expressed in regionally endorsed frameworks and in national policies and strategic documents.

Sint Maarten And Curacao Ministers Of Economic Affairs Sign Cooperation Protocol

Minister Palm Impressed With Port And Airport Operations

PHILIPSBURG, WILLEMSTAD – Curacao’s Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs Hon. Stanley Palm and Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, on Saturday at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg, signed a Protocol Agreement outliningfour areas of collaboration between the two countries.

The protocol paves the way for further collaboration between both countries and their respective ministries with respect to their ports of entry (airport and seaport) where assistance and exchange of knowledge and expertise can take place.

The second area of collaboration is between both Ministries of Finance to seek ways to finalize the division of assets of the former Netherlands Antilles, including but not limited to the Foundation Economic Development (SEO) and the Development Bank of the Netherlands Antilles (OBNA).

READ FULL ARTICLE AT CURACAO CHRONICLE .

Guam Public Policy Institute coordinates leadership training

"To Educate. To Inspire. To Act."

The Public Policy Institute is a highly selective student internship program established by Speaker of the Guam Legislature Dr. Judith T. Won Pat. The program provides interns exposure to a vast network of distinguished leaders as well as to an array of professional and training opportunities for them to gain leadership, research, and work place skills and experiences.

Speaker of the Guam Legislature
Judith T. Won Pat

The Institute is a unique and rigorous program where interns have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the island's legislative process by participating in a variety of activities from bill research and writing, organizing and conducting public policy briefings, paging, and by providing executive-level staffing.

Interns also meet with distinguished leaders from a range of professional backgrounds and take fieldtrips to other branches of government in order gain a broader understanding of the separate but equal branches of of our democracy.

 Public Policy Institute Conducts Leadership Circles

The Leadership Circles (LCs) are a series of visits to each of the respective high schools designed to stimulate dialogue and foster a greater understanding, knowledge and appreciation of issues associated with social justice, decolonization diplomacy and political self-determination. LCs were recently facilitated by Dr. Carlyle Corbin, a United Nations recognized expert on self-determination and governance for over two decades. The LCs were conducted in a small group setting of students, teachers and community leaders.

The Public Policy Institute was instrumental in the coordination of the 2012 Global Forum which brought together students who assumed the role of diplomats from selected countries from specific regions of the world to debate an international issue of particular concern to economic, political and social development. The format is modeled after sessions of the United Nations General Assembly. Below are pictures of some of the action of the 2012 Global Forum.

Tokelau surpasses Aruba in 100-percent sustainable energy

Amigoe

ORANJESTAD/NUKUNONU — The Polynesian archipelago Tokelau will probably be the first ‘country’ in the world to run almost entirely on sustainable energy, namely by building solar panels that are to produce almost 100 percent of the energy demand on the islands. International media worldwide reported the news.At the moment, the electricity is being generated by diesel generators. The fuel for the latter (2000 barrels per year) is imported by boat and costs approximately 800,000 dollars per year.  Three huge solar panels are soon to produce approximately one megawatt of electricity and batteries for electricity when there’s no sun. For that matter, one megawatt is more than sufficient for the average electricity demand so the population can expand without problems. The director of Powersmart, the company that installs the solar panels, informed the media in New Zealand that the panels will recover their cost within five years and that the panels will last approximately twenty years without major repairs. Officially the archipelago falls under New Zealand and has a population of approximately 1700 citizens. Our country also strives for 100-percent sustainable energy. To accomplish this, the government entered into a partnership with the Carbon War Room (CWR), an initiative of Sir Richard Branson. The ambition of the partnership is to arrange that Aruba becomes the first entirely sustainable energy-economy of the world. The United Nations consider Tokelau as a ‘non-self-governing area’.

New Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Chair shares views on Rio+20

 Ambassdor Marlene Moses

Chair, Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

"AOSIS is comprised of some of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Thus, our main priority continues to be achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions in line with the scientific recommendations. The bottom line for this effort should be the creation of an environment suitable for the survival of all nations. 

Of course, we know that climate impacts are already occurring and will become more severe in the years to come. To that end, wealthy countries must provide the necessary resources to help developing countries, and SIDS in particular, both adapt to these impacts and build their own sustainable energy sources.

AOSIS has three main objectives for Rio +20: First, is to achieve recognition of the special challenges SIDS face in the areas of development and environmental degradation, as well as the inextricable links between them. Second, it is essential to recognise the challenges climate change poses and will continue to pose to sustainable development for SIDS. 

Finally, a priority is to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development to better meet the needs of SIDS and find agreement to convene the Third Global Conference for the Sustainable Development of SIDS in 2014.

To prepare SIDS delegations for Rio +20, AOSIS will provide SIDS leadership and technical staff with the latest information on scientific, economic, and social issues so that they can effectively conduct outreach and advocate for SIDS priorities at the conference.

AOSIS looks to SIDSnet as a facilitation mechanism for meeting the new and continuing challenges that SIDS face. As the new chair, we look forward to building on the existing capacity of SIDSnet."

 

Puerto Rico - Virgin Islands discuss possible electrical connection; wider Caribbean expansion eyed

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Discussions held between Virgin Islands Governor and Puerto Rico Secretary of State

DeJongh Talks Electrical Connection With Puerto Rico Secretary of State

St. Thomas Source

The next steps forward to advance an electrical interconnection project between the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands dominated a productive meeting between Puerto Rico's Secretary of State, Kenneth McClintock, and Gov. John deJongh Jr. Monday on St. Thomas, according to a statement from Government House.

The 50-mile submarine interconnection between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, as well as other potential phases of the project, has already undergone a technical feasibility study, and officials from both governments are preparing task forces to outline their mutual needs and consider funding sources.

"We had extremely positive talks today, and both governors’ offices are fully committed to connecting our power grids," deJongh said in the statement. "Together, Governor Luis Fortuno and I will reach out to the White House to ask for assistance in identifying additional federal assets to advance our goal of an electrical interconnection between St. Thomas and Puerto Rico,” deJongh said.

Both U.S. territories rely heavily on imported petroleum products and are seeking alternative energy solutions to reduce costs and protect their natural environments. The small, isolated energy markets inhibit efforts to efficiently employ the Caribbean's abundant wind, solar, and geothermal resources.

By connecting the electrical grids via undersea cables, however, the islands will expand the size of their energy markets and make the development of renewable energy more economically feasible, according to Government House. Puerto Rico could sell its excess capacity to the Virgin Islands, reducing electrical costs for both territories while improving the stability of the grid in the event of a natural disaster.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton both acknowledged the benefits of the project and the even greater potential of a Caribbean-wide electricity grid in remarks they delivered at the 2010 Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) Ministerial.

At Monday's meeting, deJongh and McClintock discussed suitable funding levels and possible sources—private capital, federal grants, or financing. Officials from both territories have also met with federal officials in Washington, D.C. over the last month and a half to discuss possible technical assistance and funding.

“We need this. Puerto Rico wants it. Now we have to work with all our partners to initiate the process that will one day yield this important, game-changing infrastructure,” deJongh said.

The project is currently being studied by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority, and both governors’ offices, and officials are in the process of establishing a joint USVI-PR task force, according to Government House. Plans may ultimately include the British Virgin Islands and other Caribbean island nations, deJongh said.

Inaugural Address of British Virgin Islands Premier D. Orlando Smith

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Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall

I greet you the people of our beloved Virgin Islands with a humble and grateful heart. I thank God on whose advice you depended to allow us to gain victory at the polls on November 08.

Today is a new day for this country. We all, no matter our party affiliation, must with one agreement work to improve the quality of life in our country. As I said in my victory speech last evening: at the end of the day this is our beloved home and we all want the best for it. So let the healing begin today. Let the journey of recovery begin for our territory in an atmosphere of goodwill. Let us put our country first, under God, and let us work together to reclaim and restore the greatness of our territory.

Our beloved territory needs the ideas and assistance of all its people. Today, I therefore call on all who care about our Virgin Islands, no matter your party affiliation, your ethnicity or country of origin to join with us in moving this country forward. There is much work to do and we will need your help, your input, your ideas and your involvement.

With your vote of confidence you have given us an overwhelming command to work for you and to work with you. As we did at our many campaign rallies we once more make a solemn promise to you that we will not make decisions in seclusion or exclusion. We will strive to always seek your advice, we will welcome your input in decisions we will have to make on your behalf.

To rebuild the BVI together we must and will keep the lines of communications open. I truly believe that we all want a better Virgin Islands but we all have different opinions and ideas on how to get where we need to be. We will keep you apprised of plans and activities that we carry out on your behalf. We hope in turn that you will continue to respond to us and to let us know what we’re doing right and what you think we’re doing wrong. We learnt the hard way of doing other wise four years ago and will not repeat that error again.

Ladies and gentlemen, as of today we only have a vague idea of what financial condition our country is in. We are asking every person in this Territory to have patience with us as we try to unravel the spider’s web our Government has become.

We will reacquaint ourselves with you the loyal and hard working public Civil Servants on whom we have to depend for the next four years and hopefully beyond. We rely on you to help us to help the people of this country under whose mandate we will serve.

Some hard decisions may have to be made concerning decisions made by the last Government especially those in recent weeks that were purely self serving and not in the interest of the BVI. Whatever we do we sincerely promise to do our best on your behalf, always keeping in mind that we all have to live here and that we want peace and harmony to be the hallmark of our administration.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our road to victory was paved with promises that we will fix the economy. I reiterate that promise today. We will keep that promise. Our first priority therefore is the economy and to get it right. We will rely on our Manifesto and your further ideas to do so.

We have taken careful note of the ills that had beset our country: from poor infrastructure, including our road network which is in dire need of resuscitation, to the individual needs of our citizens including the need for better access to health care, better education for all including our children with special needs, better care for our seniors, and the need to give more attention to the needs of our young people – our future.

Ladies and Gentlemen change must come, given the last four tough years we have faced.

This morning a BVI voter sent me one page from an article about another Caribbean territory that found its economy in a state of decline, until it changed course. It identified five problem areas that needed fixing:

1) Attitudes: a service economy where a large part of the population resent serving

2) Prices: in relative terms, value for money was in decline for many years

3) Labour, management, race, politics etc: the country no longer worked as a team

4) Environment: Loss of pride

5) Greed: Unrealistic expectations

Do any of these sound familiar? We have got to roll up our sleeves and fix these problems and fix them now. Ladies and gentlemen, we must fix them now, if we are to regain our competitive advantage.

Another friend’s congratulatory note read in part as follows: ‘We need to remember that the rest of the world owes us nothing and that it is our responsibility to offer services that make us relevant.’ I could not have said this better.

People of the Virgin Islands, together we will rebuild a sustainable economy around the twin pillars of tourism and financial services where we will return BVI to our state of full employment for all the people of this territory. I call on each citizen of this territory to join us in this great work.

We will actively encourage investment in both our tourism and financial services sectors. And let me be clear: when I talk of investment I speak of investment by BVIslanders as well as investment from international sources that does not compete with or strangle local investment. Investment is the key to our economic strength.

Further Ladies and Gentlemen, we will work together with you to build an economy that will provide opportunities for you to create your own businesses, and will further work with you to make sure that once you have seized those opportunities that you will be successful.

My victory message of yesterday was in part to the Youth of this territory and I repeat some of what I said then:

The youth of this territory represent the future. During the campaign and in the elections they spoke loud and clear about the future they wish to see. I remain full of admiration for their talent, creativity, enthusiasm and energy.”

I was happy to use all the social media available to me during the campaign. I found the relationships I established on Face Book with young people especially rewarding. last night I gave a special shout out to my many Face Book friends who really kept me buoyant throughout the campaign with their positive vibes and good humour. I do so again today and as I said then I won’t put any of you on blast but you know who you are!

I also said yesterday that it is clear that this government will not pay lip service to the needs of our young people. They will play a vital role in the development of our territory. Four of them were on our slate in the recent elections. And what a huge impact they made. We will always be proud of them and they will continue to be a part of the team that will put our country first.

We campaigned on a youth Agenda. Let me say this to the young people of the BVI regardless of your political persuasion: A dynamic Youth Agenda will remain central to this new Government’s Agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Our Government will be a people’s Government where each one of you will have access to your nine representatives and you will be able to make your concerns and opinions known and expect to have them acted upon wherever possible. By the same token we must also take into account the views of all the representatives of the people. We can only commit ourselves to work for you and with you and we ask you to help us to serve as your very good servants over the next four years.

Continue to take us to the throne of grace in your prayers and the nine of us in turn ask God’s blessings on each and every person in this beautiful country. Once more our grateful thanks for your support. With God’s help and your prayers we will not let you down.

Thank you and we pray that God will continue to bless you and may he continue to bless our beloved Virgin Islands.

November 9th, 2011

International Monetary Fund Statement on Anguilla

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Press Release No. 11/299

Statement at the Conclusion of the IMF Mission to Anguilla

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission headed by Hunter Monroe, Senior Economist in the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, issued the following statement on Friday, July 29, 2011 at the end of its discussions in Anguilla:

“An IMF staff team visited Anguilla from July 19 to 29, 2011 to undertake the IMF’s first formal bilateral dialogue with the UK overseas territory of Anguilla at the invitation of the Chief Minister and Finance Minister, building on the annual Eastern Caribbean Currency Union Common Policies discussions. The IMF staff team held productive discussions with the local authorities, focusing on enhancing growth prospects, improving the fiscal outlook, and addressing financial sector vulnerabilities.

“Anguilla’s small size magnified the boom-bust cycle associated with the global crisis, as it benefited from two major tourism projects which later ran into difficulties. Both projects appear to be getting back on track, and the high-end tourism sector remains resilient despite high unemployment in source countries. However, the growth outlook is cautious, given low capital spending and the recent closure of a boutique hotel and a call center. In addition, there is a need to improve access to the island by air and by sea.

“A rebalancing of fiscal policy is needed to create an environment more conducive to private sector growth and job creation. The government is expected to achieve an overall surplus in 2011 taking advantage of windfall revenue from tourism projects, but capital spending remains low. A new fiscal framework could achieve a better balance between current and capital spending that is in line with the resources available and builds buffers in good times. A comprehensive tax reform is being planned aimed at improving the efficiency and equity of the tax system and simplifying the tariff structure. Some reversal of increases in the government wage bill, which doubled during the boom years, may be unavoidable.

“The downturn has placed strains on the financial system, affecting asset quality and liquidity. The mission welcomes the Financial Service Commission’s efforts to enhance nonbank supervision, particularly in light of the failure of two regional insurance companies, and to intensify coordination with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and with other regional regulators. The offshore financial sector offers some potential to diversify the economy, but the balance between the potential economic benefits and the regulatory costs and reputational risks needs to be weighed carefully.

“The mission appreciated the open and fruitful exchanges with representatives of the authorities and the private sector and wishes to express its gratitude for the excellent cooperation and kind hospitality.”

IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Media Relations
E-mail: publicaffairs@imf.org Phone: 202-623-7100
Fax: 202-623-6278 Fax: 202-623-6772

Univ. of Guam Cooperates with Phillippines Institute on Engineering Program

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UOG SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH PHILIPPINES' MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

to support Engineering Program

University of Guam President Robert A. Underwood and Mapua Institute of Technology (Phillippines) President Reynaldo B. Vea signed an agreement on June 21 to develop academic relations between the two institutions which will support UOG’s efforts to launch an engineering school.

The Mapúa Institute of Technology’s electrical engineering, electronics engineering and computer engineering have been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the recognized accreditor of engineering and technology programs in the United States. The Mapua Institute of Technology is the only educational institution in the Philippines to achieve ABET accreditation.

The agreement will enhance relations between the two institutions and further the development of academic and cultural exchanges. The two institutions hope to promote cooperation in such areas as faculty and student exchanges, training and study programs, collaborative teaching projects, collaborative scholarship, and other joint endeavors according to principles of reciprocity, common understanding, and mutual benefit.

“This agreement will enable us to forge a strong relationship as we seek ways to enhance our programs,” said UOG President Robert A. Underwood. “This relationship with the Mapua Institute of Technology brings us in close communication with the only institution with ABET accredited programs in East Asia. Their close geographic proximity will benefit our students and both of our institutions.”

ABET, Inc. is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for over 75 years.ABET accredits over 3,100 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities worldwide.

Pacific Free Associated States Coordinate Policy Development Strategies

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A cross-section of leaders from Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands gathered in Pohnpei on earlier this month to discuss and develop strategies for strengthening public policy processes in their countries. Participants included representatives from legislatures, the media, NGOs, and other sectors.

Strategies to strengthen policy

Marshall Islands Journal

 The meeting was held as part of a pilot study that examined public policy processes in the north Pacific, facilitated by the Pacific Institute of Public Policy (PiPP), which is based in Vanuatu. A number of strategies were identified for strengthening core policy processes, including policy design, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability functions. Specific strategies proposed called for strengthening in-country policy research and analysis, performance reviews, and legislative oversight capacities. Several participants also proposed the idea of establishing local “think tanks” as a potential way of encouraging more homegrown policy analysis and public engagement capacities. Ujae Senator Frederick Muller (pictured), who chairs the Nitijela’s Public Accounts Committee, attended the meeting. “In thinking about the public policy processes, the workshop could not have come at a better time,” he said.

“This pilot exercise has reaffirmed and suggested further strategies towards improving oversight, evaluation, and review functions both for the Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor General’s Office. This strategy session on public policy processes was very useful and I support this inter-disciplinary approach. I think that similar establishment like that of the Pacific Institute of Public Policy can really make a difference in shaping and influencing public policy in Micronesia.”

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