BVI to open office in London
Courtesy The BVI IslandSun
The office would look to promote all interestsof the territory in areas such as tourism, investment and financialservices.
The office would also work to get UK Parliamentariansto know the BVI, make arrangements for when BVIslanders visitLondon, encourage more British Virgin Islanders to study in Englandand generally to be in touch with the developments in the UK andconvey them back to the local government.
Another responsibility of the London officewould be to assist with the establishment of a lobbying groupfor the BVI in London. "We've been looking at it (the establishmentof this office) for some time," Hon. O'Neal stated. He saidwhile there are firms already advising the territory on tourismpromotion and financial services, it is now time to bring theseagencies under one roof.
"We have to get more organized becausewe have to look towards Europe and the best way to do thatis todeal with Europe from the United Kingdom," the BVI leaderpointed out.
Asked whether the establishment of thisoffice could be seen as a move to improve relations with Her Majesty'sGovernment, he said the BVI already enjoys good relations withHMG. But he did say that there is always room for improvement.
"Perhaps this is one way of improvingrelations, but it must be borne in mind that the persons workingthere will not have any diplomatic status with the Foreign andCommonwealth Office," he explained.
The Chief Minister said the groundwork forthe establishment of this office should be completed by aboutSeptember/October this year