OCTA Newsletter Overseas Countries and Territories Association

Transcription

1 OCTA Newsletter Overseas Countries and Territories Association March 2016 EDITORIAL Following a very busy and exciting period for OCTA with the 14 th Ministerial Conference and the OCT-EU Forum held in Brussels end of February, the cards have been reshuffled. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Editorial P.1 Presentation of the newly elected ExCo Committee and new composition of the Working Groups PP. 2-6 A new OCTA Chair, Vice-Chair and Executive Committee (ExCo) have been elected, as well as a new President for ExCo. At its first meeting the new ExCo chose its new Secretary and Treasurer. The composition of the OCTA Working Groups (WG) has also changed, with new EU-based Representatives appointed by some OCTs. Appointment of the new EU Representative for Greenland French Polynesia presents its two new Representatives Presentation of Mrs Blondel Cluff, new UK/EU Representative for Anguilla After the Ministerial Conference and the EU-OCT Forum, the point of view of Turks and Caicos Tourism: Putting the OCTs on the map! P.6 P.7 P.8 P.9 PP You will find in this newsletter all the details related to the changes in the organisation, including details on the composition of the newly elected ExCo and membership of the WGs. Hon. Dr Rufus Ewing also shares his first comments as Turks and Caicos has been elected as the new OCTA Vice-Chair. An interesting point of view as TCI has not held a political leadership role in OCTA since You will finally complete your reading with a positive outlook on tourism in the OCTs as they are a dream destination! You will discover which OCT has been elected number one of the Top Islands of 2015 by tourists! The Technical Assistance Team (TAT) OCTA Technical Assistance Team 67 av. de la Toison d Or 1060 Brussels (St Gilles) Belgium Tel : +32 (0) info@octa-bureau.eu This project is funded by the European Union This newsletter is produced under the sole responsibility of the OCTA Technical Assistance Team. The views expressed therein should in no way be interpreted as reflecting OCTA s or the EU s views. 1

2 The newly elected OCTA Executive Committee D uring the 14 th OCTA Ministerial Conference held in Brussels on 25 th February 2016, 9 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) have been elected by the 22 delegations to form the Executive Committee of OCTA for 2016 until the next elections. The delegations have also elected the President and Vice-President of the Executive Committee. At the first meeting of the new Executive Committee on 21 st March 2016, the Secretary and the Treasurer have been elected by ExCo members. As per OCTA s current Articles of Association, the Executive Committee serves as the secretariat of the Ministerial Conference. In this capacity, it plans, prepares and implements all of OCTA s activities in accordance with the decisions of the Ministerial Conference. Thus, the mandate of the new ExCo includes examination of options to further strengthen the recently set-up OCTA Secretariat. The Ministerial Conference has further mandated the Executive Committee to review the Articles of Association in view of presenting recommendations to the 15 th Ministerial Conference. ExCo s role is also to maintain working relations and daily contacts with members, institutions of the European Union, and all other relevant international, multilateral and regional organisations and institutions, in favour of the association as a whole. Under Article 19, the Executive Committee is represented in all areas relating to external relations by the President or by one or more members of the Executive Committee designated by the President. 2

3 New composition of the OCTA Executive Committee (ExCo) Janice Panton (MBE) Montserrat President Kimberley Durrant Bermuda Vice-President Ann Philipps Curaçao Secretary Carol Voges Sint Maarten Treasurer Cedrick Tilma Aruba Mininnguaq Kleist Greenland Chloé Calvignac Nouvelle-Calédonie Caroline Tang Polynésie Française Kedell Worboys (MBE) St Helena 3

4 OCTA Working Groups T he creation of the OCTA Working Groups (WGs) goes back some way, but they were revamped with the launch of the EU-funded Technical Assistance (TA) to OCTA Project in late The conception and implementation of the Project s work plans called for OCTA inputs and supervision which were often provided through the WGs. Working Groups are also a major mechanism for intra-octa dialogue and the production of knowledge on OCTs common areas of interest. Echoing the themes considered as priority ones to OCTA, and highlighted in the dialogue with the European Union, some of these groups reflect the Partnerships Working Parties (PWP), foreseen under the OAD. Others are ad hoc in nature and address time-bound specific issues, like coordinating OCTA inputs in the lead to the new OAD, or overseeing specific studies. It is important to note that the Working Groups are informal and have no decision making authority. They are set up by the Executive Committee under powers conferred to it under the current Articles of Association. These WGs aim at facilitating internal discussions and submitting recommendations to the Executive Committee which is the day-to-day decision-taking organ. Participation in the Working Groups is on a voluntary basis and allows broad involvement of the OCTs EU-based representatives, beyond elected members of the Executive Committee, in OCTA affairs. This approach contributes to ownership and OCT empowerment. OCTA currently has 6 Working Groups, each of which is chaired by an OCT representative. Working groups meet at no defined intervals, and these vary considerably between them. While membership of the Working Groups targets OCT representatives primarily, external experts can be co-opted if necessary. 4

5 Evolution of the Working Groups since 2012 List of the Working Groups in 2013/ Financial services 2. Trade and regional integration 3. Environment and climate change 4. Implementing regulation of OAD and horizontal programmes 5. Communication 6. Research and Education 7. Statistics 8. Territorial Strategies for Innovation 9. Website List of the Working Groups in Financial services 2. EU regional programming and cooperation in OCTs regions 3. Research, Education and Innovation 4. Statistics 5. Ministerial Conference/Forum 6. Communication 7. Environment and climate change 8. Renewable Energies List of the Working Groups in Financial services 2. EU regional programming and cooperation in OCTs regions 3. Research, Education and Innovation 4. Communication 5. Environment and climate change 6. Renewable Energies 10. Forum 5

6 The new composition of OCTA Working Groups Here is the list of the MEMBERS FOR EACH WORKING GROUP for 2016: Financial Services: BVI, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, Sint Maarten, Turks & Caicos. Regional Programming & Cooperation: Anguilla, Aruba, Curaçao, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Sint Maarten and Turks & Caicos. Research, Education and Innovation: Anguilla, BVI, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, French Polynesia, Greenland, Sint Maarten, Saint Pierre & Miquelon, New Caledonia and Turks & Caicos. Communication: Anguilla, Bermuda, Curaçao and French Polynesia. Environment and Climate Change: Aruba, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Greenland, Montserrat, New Caledonia, St Helena, TAAF, Turks & Caicos. Renewable Energy: Aruba, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Greenland, New Caledonia, Montserrat, St Helena, Sint Maarten, and TAAF. T Appointment of Mr. Mininnguaq Kleist, new EU Representative for Greenland he Government of Greenland has appointed Mr. Mininnguaq Kleist as the new Head of the Greenland Representation to the European Union in Brussels. The position became vacant on April 1st 2016, as Ms. Lida Skifte Lennert was appointed to the position as the new Head of the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen. THE GOVERNMENT OF GREENLAND MR MININNGUAQ KLEIST Mr. Mininnguaq Kleist has since September 2013 worked as Director (Deputy Head) of the Premiers Office. Mr. Kleist has previously functioned as the Head of Office of the Foreign Affairs Department of Greenland. 6

7 E French Polynesia introduces its two new Representatives douard Fritch became president of the government of French Polynesia on 12 th September 2014, responsible for the partnership with municipalities, modernising the government, digital affairs, international and domestic affairs and regional equality. The country had just experienced ten years of political turmoil that had hurt the country s economic development significantly. The president expressed his hope that French Polynesia would play a stronger role both nationally and in its relations with the European Union. A founding member of OCTA, and the French territory with the largest population, French Polynesia is politically represented by Caroline Tang, who was appointed on 16 th March Mrs Tang is based at the French Polynesian Delegation located at 28, boulevard Saint-Germain, in Paris, 5 th arrondissement. In addition to her many other activities with the large Polynesian community in France regarding health, youth and associations, she is now also responsible for serving as a relay and for European affairs, particularly in Brussels with OCTA and the European Commission. Sandrine Ilalio-Ugatai, a lawyer by training with proven experience in handling European files, has been assisting Mrs Tang since 10 th March 2016 as the correspondent monitoring European affairs in Paris and Brussels in close collaboration with the European affairs office of the French Polynesian President s international, European and Pacific affairs delegation. DELEGATION OF FRENCH POLYNESIA IN PARIS MRS CAROLINE TANG 7

8 INTERVIEW Presentation of Mrs Blondel CLUFF, new UK/EU Representative for Anguilla Mrs Cluff, as the new Representative of Anguilla in Europe, how do you see your role as an Observer within OCTA? Having participated in the 14 th OCT-EU Forum, and OCTA Ministerial Conference earlier this year with the Chief Minister of Anguilla, the Hon. Victor Banks and the delegation, I effectively experienced a baptism of fire, in terms of having to speed along the inevitable learning curve whilst at the same time contributing to the forum. The role of observer within OCTA appears to go beyond the traditional, carrying more influence than in other institutions. From that perspective I hope to ensure that the fundamental issues that face Anguilla, many of which Few elements of biography A former City solicitor and special advisor to the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England, Mrs Blondel Cluff is Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Chief Executive of the West India Committee (WIC), a Royal Charter institution founded in London in This UK registered charity works closely with governments with the Central mission of improving the general welfare and prosperity of the peoples of the Caribbean and the communities in which they live and work (See more: org/caribbeansgreatwar). The archive and collection of the West India Committee has recently been inscribed as a UNESCO Memory of the World. Mrs Cluff is also a member of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee, advising both the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on numismatic and medallic design, drawing upon her extensive experience in jewellery design. are common to all Overseas Countries and Territories, are progressed within the EU, both through the auspices of OCTA and by building upon the sound working relationship that clearly exists between the EU and Anguilla. What concrete actions does Anguilla foresee to fulfil in the forthcoming months? Anguilla would like to establish a better understanding of the opportunities that lie within the EU for UKOTs and to gain improved access to such opportunities in order to improve the general welfare and prosperity of its people. The country is also keen to participate in initiatives that concern us all, such as rising sea levels, water security and sustainable renewable energy. We are keen to ensure that knowledge transfer, education and training is an intrinsic part of all initiatives on the island thereby enabling the population of Anguilla to remain effective custodians and stewards of the country s environment. How do you grasp Anguilla s involvement in OCTA Working Groups? Again the role of the Working Groups (WGs) within OCTA is somewhat different to those I have experienced in the past, the WGs of OCTA having considerably more influence. It is clear that there are a variety of regional interests that are inevitably reflected in the approaches taken by various groups of countries to the issues addressed by the WGs. Similarly, Anguilla s involvement will naturally reflect the interests of countries that have the same issues, experiences and attitudes to our own. It is, however, essential to endeavour to achieve consensus to ensure that the OCTs, as a body of nations, achieves sufficient impetus to elicit support from the EU and the member states for issues that their democratically appointed governments know, with the benefit of their unique perspectives, to be a priority for their countries. Thank you very much for having kindly answered to our questions and for your availability. The Technical Assistance Team (TAT) OCTA MRS BLONDEL CLUFF 8

9 After the 14 th Ministerial Conference and the EU-OCT Forum, the point of view of Turks and Caicos A TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT HON.DR RUFUS EWING Turks and Caicos Islands, A valuable relationship with the EU over the years t this year s 14 th Ministerial Conference in Brussels, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the Hon. Dr Rufus Ewing, was elected to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA). The TCI has not held a political leadership role in OCTA since 2003 when the country chaired OCTA and hosted the 2 nd OCTA Ministerial and OCT-EU Forum in Brussels. Premier Ewing s first comments on his mission as new OCTA Vice-Chair Premier Ewing has stated that he is pleased to be taking on the role as the new Vice-Chair of the Overseas and Countries and Territories Association: "The overall mission of OCTA is to improve policy dialogue, strategic partnership and sustainable development in the OCTs. I look forward to my role as the Vice-Chair of OCTA and will continue to promote programs and policies for the advancement of all the OCTs. Premier Ewing further commented: This appointment comes at a time when there is great uncertainty surrounding the future relationship of the U.K. and the EU with a referendum announced for June 23rd, At the Joint Ministerial Council held last December in London UK, Overseas Territories were quite clear on the benefits of development funding received through the EU. It is important for the UK OTs that the funds already earmarked in the EDF 10 and 11 programs are not jeopardized in any way. TCI-EU relationship: a fruitful and efficient cooperation over the years "The overall mission of OCTA is to improve policy dialogue, strategic partnership and sustainable development in the OCTs. I look forward to my role as the Vice Chair of OCTA and will continue to promote programs and policies for the advancement of all the OCT's." Hon. Dr Rufus Ewing, new OCTA Vice-Chair Following on from the Ministerial and Forum, the TCI delegation reflected on the importance of their relationship with the EU. Hon. Washington Misick, Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment stated that: "The TCI continues to enjoy a successful relationship with the EU; the EU having committed to over twenty five million euros ( 25m) in grant funding to the TCI through the EDF 10 and 11 programs. This has been of great assistance to the TCI and these are most noteworthy programs that will bring real benefit to the people of the TCI." The importance of the TCIs relationship with the EU was also emphasised by the Deputy Governor of the TCI and EU program manager Hon. Anya Williams: "The TCI has over the years managed several successful EU programs including the Housing program which provided new and/or renovated homes to many families affected by Hurricane Ike on the islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos. At a time when the TCI was working extremely hard to stabilize its finances, the Director General for Cooperation and Development stated that she took a personal risk in 2012 in reinstating the TCI into the EU program, but we are both happy and proud that we have exceeded the EU's expectations and now have one of the most efficient and effectively managed EU programs within the overseas territories. 9

10 A Tourism: Putting the OCTs on the map! ccording to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism is responsible for 9% of the world s GDP and constitutes approximately 260 million jobs, representing approximately 9% of total employment; making tourism one of the biggest industries, which will continue unto For the OCTs, these percentages are much higher. Despite its importance, tourism is not without challenges: seasonality, natural disasters, economic and political downturns impact both consumers and the range of tourism services offered/available. The impact of those challenges on OCTs is often magnified given their small size. Sustainable tourism is the concentration sector under the 11 th EDF-OCT indicative territorial allocations for 3 out of 16 eligible OCTs, and rightly so, because the OCTs are popping up at the top of different tourism rankings. Turks and Caicos & French Polynesia in the top 10 of the Top Islands of 2015 Trip advisor s traveler choice for 2015 ranks Turks & Caicos as the number 1 of the Top Islands of Bora Bora in French Polynesia is number 9 in the same ranking. Turks & Caicos is also home to Grace Bay and the world's third largest barrier reef, number 1 in the Top 25 Beaches of the World 2, according to Trip advisor s traveler choice for In the 16 th place we find the Baths in British Virgin Islands, and in 23 rd Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda. And because in the OCTs top destinations are matched by top services, it is not a surprise to find the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort from Aruba ranked 8 th in Trip Advisor s FRENCH POLYNESIA PRESIDENCY OFFICAL WEBSITE The OCTs: a dream destination! TURKS AND CAICOS TOURISM OFFICAL WEBSITE Traveler Choice for Hotels in Demonstrating that environmental protection and sustainable use are not utopic, the Bucuti Resort is one of Aruba's and the Caribbean s greenest hotels, becoming the first resort in the Americas to be certified ISO (the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems). But maybe all the high rankings in the polls are an internet offensive by the OCTs? KLM, the Royal Dutch Airlines recently had a competition giving participants the opportunity to fly to their dream destination, and guess what? Two out of the top five destinations are OCTs! Participants to the KLM Dream Destination competition showed a strong preference for Curaçao and for St. Maarten. Other dream destinations in the top five included Zanzibar, Vancouver and Tokyo. Other travel-specialized websites, such as Lonely Planet, are no strangers to the charms of OCTs. Greenland placed 9th in the top 10 countries to visit in 2016, according to Lonely Planet. Greenland not

11 only has the world s lowest population density, but in March 2016 it was also host to the Arctic Winter Games, the largest event of its kind ever, along with a festival of song, food and dance. Saint Helena, despite its remote location, managed to be in the top 10 regions to visit in 2016, according to Lonely Planet. The much talked about airport will considerably shorten the time required to get to the island, accessible before only after a 5 days boat trip from South Africa. This hidden gem in the South Atlantic Ocean remains the lure of a place as curious now as it was when Charles Darwin swung by in While this sample might not be representative and further in-situ research by the Technical Assistance Team be needed, the outcome of this desk study shows the strong interest for people to travel to the OCTs. While some OCTs are experiencing challenges to maintain their educated and working population, many in Europe and America wish to go to the OCTs on holidays, even if just for a couple of days. What keep tourists coming back to the OCTs? Previous studies show that the natural and pristine environment of the OCTs, the services they provide and low density are the biggest appeals for tourists, ultimately defining whether they will return or not. In Anguilla alone, 90% of the tourist industry is heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems. Will tourists return? Data by: Esther Wolfs (Feb 2015): "Unlocking the Values of Natural Capital" Acknowledging the many challenges, but also the importance of sustainable tourism, the Foundation for European Sustainable Tourism (FEST) working together with a number of partners has developed the Project Management for Sustainable Development (PM4SD ) methodology. This is a certified training scheme based on the principles of lifelong learning and sustainability that seeks to empower project managers, policy makers and entrepreneurs with tools and techniques to better plan and manage funding and investment in the tourism context. FEST aims to support governments, universities and organizations to plan, deliver and manage tourism programmes and projects with sustainability as a major objective. It focuses on three key factors for tourism success and competitiveness: governance, leadership and management. The challenges and factors to consider are both complex and interconnected. However, there seems to be a consensus, that without considering sustainability, activities are not likely to last; and worse still, they could compromise the ecosystems and the services on which others depend. 11