An Anguillian delegation headed by Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, left Anguilla on Wednesday for Curacao at the invitation of that Dutch island’s Prime Minister and Territorial Authorising Officer, Gerrit F. Schotte.
Mr. Hughes is accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Economic Development, Foster Rogers; Shantelle Richardson, Projects Officer; and Dorethea Hodge, the Anguilla Government’s representative in London. It was confirmed by the Governor’s Office that Minister of Infrastructure, Evan Gumbs, has been appointed Acting Chief Minister during Mr. Hughes’ absence.
In his letter of invitation to Chief Minister Hughes, and other regional leaders, the Curacao Prime Minister said it was the first high level Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council Meeting in his island. He stated that it followed the results of discussions inBrussels, during the 10th OCT-EU Forum, on optimizing the OCT’s relations towards effective sustainable development.
Mr. Schotte stressed that the urgent need to specify a number of development challenges, within the regional context of sustainable development, was the reason for organising the conference. He said therefore that the objective of the conference was to effectively discuss and specify the common areas for sustainable development (including the differences and similarities); and conclude and sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Council for Caribbean OCTs.
Prime Minister Schotte said there were a number of areas for sustainable development which Curacao, as aSmallIslandDevelopingState, had identified and which had regional potential to jointly optimize the competitive advantage of each.
These areas were listed as water and water management; production of sustainable energy; sustainable tourism which has a real value to the country; waste management; climate change and risks for OCTs; food security; and challenges of good governance in small communities.
“I look forward to welcome you inCuracaoand to effective discussions in order to pave further our ways towards sustainable development for our OTCs,” Prime Minister Schotte stated in his letter of invitation.
