BVI And US Governments Pledge To Enhance Cooperation

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

24 April 2007

The British Virgin Islands and United States Governments have agreed to tighten their cooperation in a number of areas after the successful conclusion of a high level meeting that was hosted by the Territory at the Long Bay Beach Resort earler in the month.

The news comes after BVI Governor David Pearey, Chief Minister Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith and senior Government managers met with a congressional delegation of the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Homeland Security on April 12.

Illegal immigration, human smuggling, money crimes, and advanced clearing for yachts and ferries operating between the two jurisdictions were among the issues discussed.

The Chief Minister said he was satisfied with the meeting’s outcome and described it as being very useful. “I was pleased that so many congressmen and women were able to meet with us, in recognition of the obvious trans-border connection that exists between the BVI and United States Virgin Islands,” he noted.

The Chief Minister also welcomed an offer of assistance from the US Government to help the Territory in securing its borders. “I think they understand that in trying to protect their borders, protecting our borders will serve both of us efficiently,” he said, while adding that Government welcomes the offers of assistance to combat illegal immigration and in patrolling the Territory’s airspace among other areas of cross-border illicit activity.

Head of the visiting delegation to the Territory, and Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative Bennie Thompson said it is prudent for the BVI and US Governments to formalise their cooperation in light of the many issues of common worry.

“We are concerned about the narcotic trafficking, human smuggling, border security, and illegal immigration issues among others so it makes good sense for us to formalise our cooperation in some form of agreement,” he told the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Governor Pearey said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and against the background of strong cooperation. “We were very gratified by the generous offers that we got from the US delegation to further improve our cooperation against various forms of illegal activities,” he said.

Other members of the BVI delegation included Deputy Chief Minister Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Elmore Stoutt, Honourable Attorney General Mr. Cherno Jallow, and several other senior Government managers.

Besides its leader the US delegation comprised representatives Mike Rogers, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Henry Cuellar, Al Green, Daniel Lungren, and Bill Pascrell; delegates Donna Christensen and Eleanor Holmes-Norton; and Captain Tunstall of the US Coast Guard.

Recommended